Page 20 of Knot Our Reality (Heated #5)

Camden shrugs. “Sure, it’s weird, but sometimes you’re just drawn to someone.”

Wilder sighs, his eyes finding mine. “Are you okay with this?”

“Actually, I’m freaking out, but my instincts are going into overdrive. I just…I think I need to touch you, Camden.” This time, I’m the one who takes a step forward—only I forget I’m extremely pregnant, and my belly runs into him first.

“Oh.” Camden’s smile grows as he lifts his hands to touch my baby bump—something I usually hate people to do without explicit permission—but I just melt into his touch.

“Obviously, I knew you were pregnant, but I haven’t been around very many pregnant women before. I didn’t realize you’d be this big.”

“Camden,” Wilder hisses. “You never tell a woman she’s big.”

I snort out a laugh, my hands moving to cover Camden’s. A small sigh leaves me when our skin comes into contact, a giggle following it when the baby kicks us. “It’s okay. I know I’m big. Pregnancy does that to a woman. Although Wilder is right. It’s not usually recommended to just say it out loud.”

“Is that the baby?” Camden asks, a look of awe in his eyes as he kneels in front of me so his face is level with my belly.

“Yeah, he’s kicking.” I glance at Wilder. “Would you like to feel?”

He considers me for a moment before shaking his head. “No, I think this is something for the two of you. Maybe later.”

“Hello, baby,” Camden murmurs as he lays his head against my belly. “I bet you’re growing big and strong in there. I’m Camden, and I’m here to win your mom’s heart. Do you think I stand a chance?”

He’s grinning when he meets my gaze, and I know in that moment it would be so easy to fall for this omega.

When my hands fall away from Camden’s, he stands and steps back to join Wilder. “I’m sorry. I don’t know what came over me. I’m usually not this forward with people.”

“It’s quite alright. I think we were both taken by surprise.” I clear my throat, trying to rein in my warring emotions. “Will the two of you tell me about yourselves?”

Camden glances at Wilder, who nods. “As I said, I’m Wilder.

I’m a forty-five-year-old alpha and CEO of a tech company.

I was one of Bree’s suitors on the first season.

Back then, I was part of an unbonded pack with another alpha, who turned out to be a completely different man than the one I thought I knew.

His actions are what made Bree send us home—as she should have.

I knew I couldn’t remain in a pack with him.

Not knowing the man he really was, I moved out immediately. I didn’t need that in my life.”

“Oh, wow. That must have been hard.”

He shakes his head. “Not as hard as I thought it would be, which just told me I was making the right decision. If I’d remained in Wren’s pack, he would’ve dragged me down. Plus, I never would’ve met Camden.”

“Wait. You said you’re the CEO of a tech company?”

Wilder grins, nodding. “Yes, I am, Emilia. I actually met you and your pack about five years ago. Davis was a speaker at a convention I attended. We discussed doing business together.”

“You own Sparkwave Technologies!” I grin. “So I really did recognize you because of business and not the show. Shit, I’ve been ignoring your emails. I’m sorry.”

“You’re fine. There are just some new products I think you’d like to get your hands on.”

Camden shakes his head as he glances between the two of us. “Can we not discuss business?”

I laugh. “We’ll talk after the show, Wilder. Our companies always had a good rapport when we worked together before my pack passed. I let a lot of things fall through the cracks over the last two and a half years. At least this is one I can remedy. ”

“I’m sorry for your loss—even if it’s two and a half years too late. Davis, Gerald, Ryan, and Maxwell were good men. It was clear to everyone how much they loved you.”

“Yeah, it’s been hard, but I had no choice but to soldier on.” I focus my attention back on Camden. “No more business talk, I promise. Why don’t you tell me about yourself and how you met Wilder?”

He grins. “Sure. I’m twenty-eight and an omega—obviously.

I’m a professional baseball player for the Los Angeles Panthers.

I’m the only omega currently playing professionally.

It was really hard to find a team willing to bring me on.

Baseball’s not exactly a contact sport, but with the hoops I’ve had to jump through, you’d think it was.

I’m a pitcher, and I think that’s the only reason the LA team was willing to give me a shot. Now, they’d do anything to keep me.”

“I’m not a big sports person, but I’ve been to a few games. How long have you been playing for them?”

“The upcoming season will be my third.”

Doing the math, I realize he wouldn’t have been on the team the last time I went to a game with my pack.

“The last time I went to a game was when my pack was still alive, so that was probably the season before you were drafted. I’ll definitely have to make sure I check out a game this season.

I’m failing to see how a baseball player and a tech company mogul met and fell in love. ”

The two of them chuckle, but it’s Wilder who speaks up. “It’s not all that romantic.”

“That doesn’t mean I don’t want to hear it.”

Camden chuckles, flushing slightly. “I’ve been very focused on my baseball career, so I haven’t been searching for a pack.

I also can’t use suppressors while playing, as they affect how I play.

I just have to deal with going through two heats every season.

It’s part of the reason it was so hard to be taken seriously as a player.

Now, the coaches know when they’re coming, so we usually don’t have a game that week.

The league has been really good about scheduling our games around my heats.

“Because of that, I always have to find someone to help me through my heat. Wilder and I hooked up on Knotted , and he helped me through the heat right before I was drafted. We had an immediate connection that neither of us fought, so here we are. Are you sad you asked?”

“No, I’m not sad. There’s nothing wrong with meeting your pack on an app. Isn’t that exactly why Bree and Tessa created Mated ? I mean, it might be a little weird that you met on Knotted , which is the heat app, instead of the pack one, but there’s nothing wrong with that.”

In fact, I think it’s adorable, but I don’t think I’ll voice that opinion.

“Now, something I’ve been meaning to address with each of the suitors.

As you know, I was previously mated and lost my pack.

I have two little boys from them, Hawk and Jasper.

Then there’s this baby and all the drama that comes with him.

Is this something you’re really ready for? That you’re willing to take on?”

Camden’s answer is immediate and without hesitation. “Yes. We wouldn’t be here if we weren’t. My priorities have changed from when I first met Wilder. I know I’m younger than you, but that doesn’t mean I’m not serious about this. About you and your kids.”

Wilder nods. “Camden is right. We discussed it in detail. Camden’s career has him out of town regularly, so that’s something you’ll have to take into consideration.

I’m nearly two decades older than Camden, so I want nothing more than to settle down with a pack and kids.

I wasn’t sure if that’s what he wanted. You heard him.

He wasn’t looking for a pack when we met.

But I believe him when he says this is what he wants now.

It’ll be up to you to decide if you believe him as well. ”

I nod slowly, my eyes catching on Reginald. It feels like no time has passed, but we’ve run out of it. At least for now.

“That’s all the time we have for now. Why don’t we join Evander and Daniel so we can eat?” My stomach lets out an embarrassingly loud growl at that moment, and I roll my eyes. “The baby is hungry, apparently.”

The three of us laugh as we join my other day three suitors, Bree, and Tessa.

“It’s so good to see you, Wilder.” Bree gives him a hug, flashing him and Camden a smile. “I’m so glad you and Wren went your own ways, and you found an omega! How exciting!”

Tessa snickers.

“You act like you didn’t already know this.” She glances between me and Camden. “I saw the two of you out there. Is there a chance you might be an omega pair?”

Camden frowns. “I don’t think I know what that is.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll fill you in on it,” I assure him before answering Tessa. “I don’t know. Maybe.”

She nods. “We have some of the brightest minds at the compound, plus Sophia and Chase are joining us this weekend. We should be able to figure it out. For now, let’s get you to dinner.”

We fall into step behind her and Bree, and I find my mind wandering. I slicked for two men today—both in their late twenties. What is that all about?

And what if Camden and I are an omega pair? Does that mean I have to choose him even if I don’t want to?

I know a good bit about omega pairs because of Remington, but he definitely knows a hell of a lot more. I guess it’s something I’ll have to ask about on family day.

For now, all I want to do is fill my belly up and maybe spend some time in my nest.

Yes, that sounds like heaven.