Page 9 of Knot Our Reality (Heated #5)

Bree nods, and I snicker. I can feel the suitors’ eyes on me once again, and I know what’s coming before any of them speak.

“Oh, yes. I am ready for date.” Sasha flashes me a smile. “Do we get to know what we’re doing?”

I consider the four of them for a moment before shaking my head. “Nah, I think I’ll make it a surprise.”

There’s a bit of grumbling from them, but it’s all done good-naturedly.

I’m still not sure this is the best date idea, but it’s something I desperately need. I can only hope the four of them will enjoy themselves as well.

“Do we need to dress a certain way?” Malik asks, and I shake my head.

“Nope. You can wear whatever you want. What you’re wearing is fine, or you can change if you want to.”

No one seems inclined to change, so we make our way outside.

“Morning, everyone!” Lucas calls out as we approach. “Are you ready for your date? ”

Lee grins. “As ready as we can be when we have no idea what we’re doing.”

“That’s the spirit!” Lucas chuckles as he swings the door open for us. “Mike is driving today.”

“Thank you, Lucas.” I toss him a smile as I climb into the SUV, waving to Mike as I move to the back row.

Sasha and Lee join me in the back row while Malik and Bradley settle into the middle row. The drive into town takes about thirty minutes, so it gives us plenty of time to talk since I didn’t spend much time getting to know them last night.

“I love this area,” Lee admits as we drive through the desert. “Do you enjoy hiking, Emilia? I’d love to do a hike out here while I’m here.”

I wrinkle my nose. “You’re one of those outdoorsy people, aren’t you?”

He laughs. “I am, and I’m guessing you’re not.”

“Good guess. I don’t mind being outside. I love stargazing. I love watching sunrises and sunsets. But I prefer not to sweat too much when I’m outside.” It’s my turn to laugh. “I work out a few times a week, but inside—where there’s air conditioning.”

“I am also fan of indoors,” Sasha says. “But my workouts mostly come in the form of dancing. I might not be performing anymore, but dancing will always be in my blood.”

Malik nods. “I’ve been known to hike from time to time, but it’s not my preferred activity.”

When Bradley doesn’t speak up, I turn to him. “What about you?”

“I’m pretty anti-working out,” he admits. “Short, easy hikes are nice when it’s not too hot out. December in the desert is probably the best time for that.”

Lee rolls his eyes good-naturedly. “I’ve been paired with a bunch of lazy asses. I bet none of you run either.”

“I love running,” I tell him with raised eyebrows. “On a treadmill.”

That sends all of us into laughter, discussing everyone’s preferred hobbies as we pull into town. Our destination is in the middle of downtown—which is really just three streets of businesses, a town hall, and a court building .

When Mike pulls to a stop in front of Serenity, I’m practically bouncing in my seat. I’m so ready for this.

Lucas shakes his head as he glances over his seat at us. “I can tell you’re excited, Emilia, but you need to wait until you get the all clear before leaving the car. Do you understand?”

“You’re a spoilsport,” I tell him. “But I’ll stay right here.”

“Good.” He ducks out of the car, the door slamming shut behind him.

I’m used to this now. Ever since reporting Simon to the police for assault, I’ve had security with me.

I’m sure you’re wondering why. It’s simple, really.

The day after Simon was arrested, I was accosted by his sister—both verbally and physically. I had Hawk and Jasper with me, and I couldn’t get us out of there fast enough. I ended up going grocery shopping across town, afraid she would follow me.

Then, two days later, his mom was waiting for me when I stepped out of the car to go to work.

One call to my parents, and I had personal security.

In fact, it was Lucas’s company we hired at Remington’s suggestion.

I’d like to say that having them with me made all the difference, but I was regularly approached by someone calling me a whore or a liar, telling me I was hurting a good alpha with my lies.

It only got worse when I found out I was pregnant.

But Lucas and his men made sure they never got close to me, and it made me feel a hell of a lot better.

Unfortunately, it turns out Simon and his family have a long reach, and I can’t even be sure I’ll be safe here in Rancho Mirage. Which is why I’ll listen to whatever Lucas tells me to do.

Mike lifts a hand to his ear, pressing on it. “Understood.” Then he’s twisting around to smile at the five of us. “Lucas gave the all clear. Just to be on the safe side, I’m going to get out and open the door for you. He’ll be here in a moment to escort you inside.”

“Do we think something is going to happen from getting out of the car to the building that’s less than twenty feet away?” Bradley asks, eyebrows lifted .

Mike doesn’t answer, looking at me instead.

I sigh. I knew I’d have to tell them eventually, but I was hoping to at least make it through meeting all the suitors before having to explain.

“Lucas’s company has been working for me for months—practically since I was assaulted.

I’ve been approached by both men and women alike—of all designations.

Besides his sister, the day after he was arrested, none of the encounters have been violent, but it seems Simon and his family are sending everyone they know to shame me.

Lucas believes it’s best to have a guard with me any time I’m outside the house—or the compound while here. It’s mostly a just-in-case.”

“Such bullshit,” Sasha spits. “He is in wrong, and he try to bully you. He give alphas a bad name.”

Lee, Bradley, and Malik look just as upset as my Russian suitor as I pat Sasha’s arm.

“He thought I would be a pushover. It’s his own mistake. As long as he’s known me—he worked with my pack from the very beginning—I never have been.” I shrug. “It is what it is. I’d just wish he’d leave me alone. I want nothing to do with him, but he just can’t seem to let it go.”

Lee shakes his head. “What I’d give to get my hands on the asshole.”

I wave him off. “There’s nothing he can do to me once I have a pack. That’s why I’m here, and that’s what I want to focus on.”

Am I angry at Simon? More than anyone will ever know.

He turned my place of business into somewhere I dread going. It’s the company my pack built from the ground up and trusted me with it upon their death, and he tried to ruin that for me. For that alone, I hate the man.

Then he made the mistake of coming after my kids.

I may not like that I have to have a pack. It’s an archaic law that needs to be abolished, but until it can go through the legal channels, this is my only choice. Because you can be damn sure I’m not losing any of my kids.

People think omegas are possessive of their mates, but that’s just because they haven’t seen an omega mother when her kids are threatened. It’s the one way to guarantee we turn feral .

I startle when the door swings open, and Lucas sticks his head inside. “I didn’t expect you to still be in the SUV.”

“I had to explain why we’re being so cautious about having one of you with us—even to walk to the front of the building.”

“Ahh, that makes sense. I think we’re good. There aren’t many people out on the street today.” Lucas steps back, allowing Malik and Bradley to step out of the SUV before helping me out. Sasha and Lee follow quickly after.

I fight a smile when I realize all four of them are eyeing the street around us, looking for threats. It’s adorable.

I don’t mention it as I allow Lucas to lead me into Serenity, where four people wait just inside the door for us.

“Hello, Emilia! I’m Leslie. We spoke on the phone.

We’re so happy to have you and your suitors with us today.

As per Bree and Tessa’s request, we have shut down the spa for all other clients for the morning and afternoon.

The only people in the building are me, my pack, and our employees.

This will allow you to relax and enjoy your day.

” The petite brunette grins. “Evangeline and Koda seemed to enjoy their time here, so I am hoping the five of you will as well. Oh, and these are my alphas—Terrance, Harrison, and Matthew.”

“It’s nice to meet all of you.” I smile at the four of them. “I’m really looking forward to this.”

Leslie grins. “Of course you are. I have the itinerary to go over with you before we get you set up for your first treatment. While you’ll have separate changing rooms, all five of you will be in the same room for the treatments.

Also, as with most of the businesses in Rancho Mirage, we’re now using the same system as Nathaniel’s—that’s where your brother had one of his dates earlier this year.

It’s top of the line and will make scents undetectable.

The mayor has all the businesses slowly moving to it so that everywhere in town is safe for all designations. ”

“Oh, I remember how much he raved about that! I’m so glad to hear the mayor is implementing that mandate. Now, we just need the rest of the country to catch up with Rancho Mirage.” I sniff, realizing I can’t smell anything around me—it’s absolutely scent-free. “This is amazing.”

“We think so,” Terrance rumbles from behind Leslie. “It will allow the oils and essences we use here at Serenity to be used as they should be.”

Now, I’m doubly excited about today. I glance over my shoulder at the suitors, only to find them already watching me. My face flushes, warmth pulsing inside me, and I’m very grateful that no one can pick up on my scent just now.

“Clearly, this is a spa,” I tell them, tearing my eyes away from them. “I’ve already forgotten most of what I chose, so I’d love it if you’d go over the itinerary.”