Page 29 of Knot Our Reality (Heated #5)

“Hello, everyone! I’m Jason Overton, and I’m the owner of Crimson Sands Desert Tours. We’re so excited to have you with us today.” Jason is a male omega, only about five foot eight, and whose pack towers over him. “This is my pack. Alphas Randy and George, and betas Kade and Quinton.”

Quinton, although a beta, is almost as big as Randy and George, with Kade being the most slender of them, but they’re all over six feet tall.

“There’s a lot to go over,” Kade says, tousling Jason’s brown hair.

“We’ll take out four UTVs, so the group will have to split up.

This will allow the camera crew to film in each of the vehicles.

Each UTV can hold up to four people, including the driver.

This means two of you per UTV, one cameraman, and one driver.

I’ll stay here to keep things running while the other four take you out.

There are forms you’ll need to sign to cover our asses, but this isn’t going to be a crazy ride. ”

Randy shakes his head. “Not with a pregnant omega on board. Absolutely not. We plan to take it much slower and easier than we would in normal situations. But don’t worry, it’s perfectly safe for you to be out there.

We just won’t make any of the crazy jumps we might make otherwise.

We’ll stick to the trail. It might make for a less adventurous tour, but we assure you, it’ll still be enjoyable. ”

“Yes, Jason assured me of this when we were setting everything up. I really wanted to visit Joshua Tree, and I’m not really into hiking much right now.

” My hands dig into my lower back, trying to work out some of the pain there.

It’s nothing too bad, but carrying twenty-plus pounds of belly around isn’t always easy.

“You are sure it safe?” Nikolai asks, his scowl still firmly in place.

George nods. “Absolutely. If I had a pregnant woman in my pack, I’d allow her to ride along this route.”

Nikolai considers him for a moment before nodding. “I will trust you.”

I bite back a snort. I knew the twins were protective, but I guess I didn’t realize just how far that goes. I wonder if it’s worse because I’m pregnant?

Thirty minutes later, we’re climbing into the UTVs. Lucas is riding with me, much to the annoyance of my suitors—especially Alexei, who’s sitting beside his brother with his arms crossed. Nikolai isn’t doing much better as he scowls at Lucas. Thomas is their cameraman and their driver is George.

It’s kind of adorable, but Lucas is responsible for my safety. I understand why he’s choosing to ride with me, which is why I didn’t put up a fight.

Would I rather be riding with one or all of my suitors? Clearly, but Lucas is just doing his job. I can’t fault him for that.

Mike is riding by himself in the front seat with Randy, while Paxton and Gavin share another with their cameraman, Albert, and Quinton as their driver.

Jason is driving our UTV, which has been kitted out with cameras to record each of us, while Larry has a handheld camera to record the scenery. The other three UTVs have five-point harnesses, ours has regular shoulder belts—another consideration for my pregnancy .

“Are you ready?” Jason asks, glancing over his shoulder, and I give him a thumbs up. He pulls out with the other UTVs falling in behind us.

Jason is wearing a microphone that feeds into the UTV’s sound system, allowing us to hear him over the wind as he takes us through Joshua Tree. He points out the sites and provides information about each spot, plus other commentary, as we make our way toward the waterfall.

I never told my suitors why we’d need swimsuits.

They might know about the waterfall, but if they don’t, I’m sure they’re questioning my request right now as we speed through the national park.

Not that we’re going all that fast. Having been on a similar tour when I wasn’t pregnant, I know we’re going at a very sedate speed.

Not that I mind. As much as I want to see Joshua Tree and the waterfall, I wouldn’t want it to endanger mine or my baby’s lives.

“You’ll see the mountains to our right. This particular set rose after the earthquakes of the Event. So much of California was reformed because of it. It also created the Joshua Tree waterfall. Before the Event, visitors had to travel to Palm Springs to enjoy a waterfall.”

I’m practically dancing in my seat as we approach.

I’ve visited a few times over the years, including when Remington and I were kids.

I don’t know the science behind it, but I know the water is always the perfect temperature based on the time of year.

In the dead of summer, the water is cooler, while now it’ll be warmer.

Just another difference between now and before the Event, and it’s not like this everywhere. But this particular body of water is perfect year-round.

Jason pulls the UTV to a stop just outside of the canyon, the others parking around us as we climb out.

“We go on foot from here, but it’s not far,” Jason assures us as the twins rush over to me.

“Are you okay? I did not know we go so fast.” Nikolai glares at George, who chuckles.

I brush off his concern. “We were going slower than the SUV was on the way over. I’m perfectly fine. Maybe they should show you what a usual tour looks like on the way back, so you can see how much easier they’re going.”

I don’t bother waiting for him to respond, starting toward the mouth of the canyon. I can already hear the pounding water from the waterfall. If I could move any faster, I would.

I want nothing more than to climb into the lake and float the day away.

“Wait for us,” Alexei calls after me as Gavin falls into step beside me.

“Are they driving you crazy yet?” he asks, and I shake my head.

“They’re not. They were my brother’s suitors last season, so I knew what I was getting myself into as soon as they arrived. It’s nice to have someone worry about me—even if it’s unnecessary.”

He hums. “I would imagine so after having to be the one worrying on your own for two years. We can’t even blame it on their alpha instincts, since Alexei is a beta like me.”

“No, that’s one hundred percent a part of their personality. It’s fine.” I sigh as we step out of the narrow entrance and into the canyon itself. Rocks surround the lake, so it’s not comfortable to do any sunbathing here, but the water is calling to me.

Without a second of hesitation, I tug off the dress I wore over my bikini and toss it to the side as I toe off my shoes and socks.

Gavin rids himself of his shirt, socks, and shoes before taking my hand. “Rocks can be slippery when wet. It’ll make all of us feel better if someone helps you.”

“Thank you,” is all I say as I allow him to lead me to the water’s edge.

I lower myself carefully because there’s a pretty sharp drop-off into the lake. Another sigh leaves me as the water takes the weight of my belly, and I release Gavin’s hand.

By the time the others join us, I’m floating on my back and staring up at the bright blue sky above me.

I won’t stay like this for long, knowing my lower back will feel better if I float belly down, but there’s just something about floating around like this that reminds me I’m just a small part of the world.

It’s so much bigger than me and the space I take up.

“Is it safe to float on your back?” Alexei asks as he swims toward me, and I turn my head to look at him.

Not just because I want to look at him—I always want to look at him—but because the sound is muffled by the water, and it freaks me out.

“It is. I can pretty much float any way I want, and it’s safe.

The issues come in when I’m on a flat surface because it puts pressure on my body.

In the water, there’s no pressure. It’s almost like not being pregnant when I float around. ”

I roll onto my side before going belly down. It’s not as easy as it would be if I weren’t pregnant, but I manage it just fine on my own—even if Alexei shoots closer as if to help, but he keeps his hands to himself.

“This is probably my favorite floating position while pregnant. It takes the extra weight off my lower back.” I sigh, lowering my head to rest on top of the water as I continue to watch Alexei.

“I have not been around pregnant women before,” he admits. “Is that something that causes pain?”

I nod. “It is. Not always, but my body isn’t used to having the extra weight up front like that.”

“Hmmm. I understand. Is there anything that helps?”

I consider him for a moment. “Being in water helps. Sometimes, having someone else support the weight can relieve some of the pain and pressure. I haven’t quite hit the point in my pregnancy where that’s necessary, but floating is always nice.”

Alexei remains quiet as the others join us, surprising me. It’s unusual for him to be quiet for long, but when I glance his way again, he smiles.

I’m not really sure what’s caused his silence, but he seems to be okay. I’ll try to remember to ask him about it later.

After floating for a bit, I lead the four of them to the waterfall—even swimming under it to show them the hidden cave behind it. I don’t remain there for long, as memories of what my pack and I used the cave for when we visited threaten to overwhelm me .

I hate that thinking of them still makes me sad, but I think it’s because I boxed away the emotions of missing them for so long, so I could continue to function. Maybe talking about them more will help.

Jason and his pack eventually duck back in to let us know it’s time to leave.

When I make it back to the rocks, I realize there’s no way I can make it out of here on my own.

Well, shit.

“Does someone want to get out so we can help Emilia out?” Paxton asks as he swims up behind me. “Or I can get out and someone else can help lift her from the water.”

Nikolai joins us, nodding at Paxton. “You get out. I’ll lift her out of the water. Alexei, you get out as well.”

The next thing I know, both Paxton and Alexei are holding each of my arms as Nikolai lifts me effortlessly from the water.

As soon as my feet hit the rocks, Gavin is there with a towel in hand.

“Damn,” Paxton hisses. “I didn’t really get a look at you in the bikini since we were in the water, but I think I like this look—a lot.”

I glance up, realizing his eyes are on my tits. A giggle escapes me as Alexei shoves the alpha back in the water.

“No need to be crude.”

“Alexei! That was just rude.” I step into the towel, allowing Gavin to help me dry off as I glare at Alexei. “There’s nothing wrong with him telling me I look good.”

“Maybe not, but he stare at your…” he trails off, gesturing toward me. “Your chest. That rude.”

I roll my eyes as Nikolai and Paxton pull themselves from the water, immediately pulling my attention as the water runs down their body in rivulets. I lick my lips, thankful for the scent-blocking bikini that’s already wet, so no one will notice as it grows damper with slick.

“There’s absolutely nothing wrong with appreciating someone’s body, Alexei,” I tell him, without taking my eyes off the two men whose eyes flash with hunger. “At least if there’s already been interest shown, unless otherwise stated. I have no intention of not appreciating your bodies.”

Gavin chuckles, pulling me toward the entrance. “You might want to rein it in a little, Emilia. I’m a beta, and I’m practically choking on your perfume. I can’t imagine what Nikolai and Paxton are dealing with.”

“But the swimsuit blocks scents, and I used a spray before we left—”

“That’s all been washed away after a swim in the lake,” Lucas interrupts, holding up an aerosol can. “Gavin, if you’ll take the towel, I’ll get her sprayed down.”

Less than a minute later, I’m all freshly sprayed with my dress and shoes back on. Each of the suitors follows me out of the canyon, and I can feel the wildness coursing through Nikolai and Paxton.

I grin at Jason and his pack. “Ride back hard for the others. Nikolai and Paxton need it.”

George’s smile grows mischievous as he nods. “I can see the alpha trying to override them. Don’t worry. We’ll make sure they’re perfect gentlemen by the time you make it back.”

True to his word, neither alpha looks like they’re one step away from pouncing on me when Lucas and I make it back to the tour company.

The omega in me wishes they would pounce, but it’s neither the time nor the place.

“Thank you so much for an amazing day,” I tell Pack Overton as we head for the SUV. “I’m definitely coming back when I can enjoy the full tour.”

Back in the SUV, I find myself snuggled between the twins in the backseat. I end up nodding off on the short drive, only to awaken in Alexei’s arms.

“You seem to be making a habit of carrying me around,” I tell him with a smile. “I’m awake now. You can put me down.”

We’re almost at the front door, but he doesn’t put me down until we reach it. Gavin opens the door and the four of them walk me to my suite. They leave me with kisses on the cheek and promises of seeing me at the rose ceremony .

Not only do I need to get ready for that, but I have less than thirty minutes before my mandated meeting with Finn. I guess I better hurry up if I don’t want to be late.