Page 2 of Knot Our Reality (Heated #5)

He’s too young for this. He should never be worried about me. That’s not his job.

“Thank you, Mom.” Hawk hugs me, running his hand down my stomach. “See you soon, baby bro.”

Then he’s gone, leaving me staring after him as my tears continue to fall.

“Are you okay?” Remington asks cautiously, and I shake my head.

“I have no idea.”

My brother snorts, and it sends both of us into peals of laughter as I lean against him.

After crying, it’s a welcome distraction.

“Emilia?”

I look up to find Bree and Tessa standing there, and I know my time is up .

“Thank you for everything, Remy.” I hate that he’s so much taller than me. I want to kiss him on the cheek, but the only way I can do that is if he leans down.

“I’ll always be here for you, Emilia.” He kisses the top of my head. “Now, go find you a pack.”

Tessa and Bree walk on each side of me as we head toward the main house.

“Did you enjoy the extra day with the boys?” Tessa asks, and I nod.

While they’d been able to find twenty suitors for my surprise season, four of them had to back out at the last minute.

Pack Astor was on the first season of Heated . They hadn’t been the pack for Bree but had been willing to come on this season. Honestly, from what I remember of them on the show, they probably would’ve been just what I was looking for.

Instead, they found not just one but two omegas—an omega pair—just two weeks before the show was to begin. I can’t be mad at them for finding their happiness. It’s definitely more than I could have offered them.

Unfortunately, with the short time frame, Bree and Tessa hadn’t been able to find four suitors to take their place. At least, not ones that I wouldn’t have kicked off immediately because of their scents.

Besides the suitors from past seasons, they have at least another hundred pre-approved alphas and betas I could’ve chosen based on their scents, but my omega wanted nothing to do with them. That means that, unlike the past omegas, I’m only starting with sixteen suitors.

At least that’s fewer people for me to hurt.

I just have to hope I can find a group of people who will be willing to accept that I can’t love them. That doesn’t mean I can’t be a good omega for them. It would be nice to come off the suppressants after I have my baby boy. I can even give them a few children.

I’m just not capable of loving them.

“I did,” I finally answer her with a smile. “It’s been just the three of us for the last few years, so it’s hard to leave them—even if it’s with my brother and they’re really close by.”

Bree hums, smiling down at the sleeping baby still in her arms. “I can understand that. It’s why Emmett comes with me while we’re filming. It’s hard enough being away from my mates when they’re unable to come up, but being away from my kids? It would kill me.”

“I can’t believe you’re working less than three months after you had a baby.” I smile down at Elliot. Just like all of Bree’s kids, he’s beautiful. I run my hand over my bump. “Not that I won’t be the same way. This baby is going to be coming to work with me the minute the doctor clears me.”

“Evangeline is already trying to go back to work, and she just had Juniper two weeks ago.” Tessa rolls her eyes, running a hand through her hair.

“She’s mad because Lillian and Natalie are back at work.

But Natalie had Brent in July, and Lillian had Zachary at the beginning of September. It’s not the same.”

Bree giggles. “Are you regretting bonding with an independent omega already?”

“Hell no.” Tessa’s smile lights up her face. “It was the best decision of my life. But Alejandro, Koda, and Jagger are bringing her and Juniper up here this week. Apparently, they’re having problems telling her no without me being there.”

I laugh with Bree this time. “Aww, are you the hardass alpha in your pack?”

She shakes her head. “No. That’s the worst part, but Evangeline has learned if she hands one of the babies to her alphas, they turn to goo.

That’s why they’re only bringing one of the babies with them.

We had to hire nannies for Brent and Zachary, which is fine.

We were already planning on it once Evangeline goes back to work, anyway. ”

We finally make it to the main house and into my suite.

“Evangeline? What are you doing here?” Tessa sounds exasperated. “Where are the others?”

Tessa’s omega smiles, her blonde hair falling around her shoulders as she rocks the tiny baby in her arms. “They’re getting everything settled in the cabin. If you think I’m going to be here and not help with her wardrobe, you’re crazy. ”

I bite back a laugh as the two have a silent standoff before Tessa’s shoulders droop.

“Damn it. Fine. Let me take Juniper. She can hang out with me while you help Emilia get ready. Allison and Mindy should be here soon for hair and makeup. But you have to promise me you’ll call me or one of the guys if you get too tired.

And sit down when you can. You’re still recovering from having a baby. ”

“I’ll be fine, Tessa.” Evangeline’s smile is blinding as she leans in to kiss her alpha before handing her the baby. She turns to me and holds her hand out. “You must be Emilia. I’m Evangeline, Tessa’s omega.”

I shake her hand, returning her smile. “I gathered that. It’s nice to meet you. I hear it’s your designs in the closet. I wear your clothes exclusively. No one else has even come close to offering omega clothing like yours.”

“Oh, flattery will get you everywhere,” Evangeline says with a laugh. “Come, let’s figure out what you should wear tonight.”

She drags me into the closet, and for the first time since arriving, I let go and allow myself to enjoy the moment. It’s hard not to when Evangeline’s excitement is contagious.

I still don’t want to be here, but maybe it won’t be as bad as I think it will be.

Only time will tell.