Page 10 of Knot Our Reality

Lee Campbell, an alpha, was one of my brother’s suitors that he brought home for my award ceremony.

He’s tall, around six feet like Malik, but built wider than the other man. His sepia skin looks good in the fitted black tuxedo he’s sporting. He looks the same as he did when I met him nine months ago. His black hair is still cut close to his head, his beard is still well-kept, and his black-framed glasses still sit atop his nose. His face lights up as he makes his way over to me.

His key lime pie scent is barely noticeable as it hits me. “It’s good to see you again, Emilia.”

I open my arms, pulling him into a hug. I sigh into his chest, loving the feeling of being surrounded by his warmth. I was able to get to know him a little while they were visiting our hometown and his warmth is one of the things I loved about him.

“It’s good to see you, too.” I pull back, even though part of me wants to cling to him. I don’t need anyone to tell me I’m touch-starved.

“It makes it easier that I’ve already met you,” Lee says with a grin. “But let’s go over the basics just in case you forgot. I’m Lee, a bisexual alpha. I’m forty-two and a marketing specialist.”

I giggle, wrinkling my nose. “I’m actually not sure I knew any of that besides you being an alpha.”

Lee’s hands go to his chest in mock horror as his eyes widen. “What? You didn’t remember my name?”

“Of course I remember your name.” I swat at his chest. “And I guess technically I knew you were bisexual since you were on Remy’s season.”

“That’s a good point.” He tilts his head, considering me as he grows more serious. “How are you doing?”

The levity immediately disappears. “I’m…surviving.”

Lee clenches his jaw as he nods. “Of course you are. It’s what you’ve had to do for years—survive what the world has thrown at you. I hate that you’re dealing with this, but I will say—pregnancy looks good on you.”

I grin when he shoots me a wink, shaking my head. “Flattery will get you everywhere, Lee. I also hate dealing with this, but I’m used to making the best out of bad situations. Don’t get offended by what I’m about to ask. I’ve been talking to each of the suitors about it because it’s important to me.”

At Lee’s nod, I continue, “Why did you sign up for my season ofHeated? Why would you want to take on an omega who’s already pregnant and has two kids? Who has already loved and lost a pack that meant the world to her?”

“That’s easy to answer, and I’m not offended in the least. I was lucky enough to have already met you and your kids. I like you, Jasper, and Hawk, Emilia. If I’m lucky enough to be chosen by you, then I get a built-in family. Not with just the three of you, but with Remington and your parents. You’ve been dealt a rough hand, and if I can help make it better for you, then why shouldn’t I try?” He pauses. “Being here as your suitor is different from being Remy’s, but at the same time, it’s not. You’re looking for a pack, and I’m looking for an omega. If I hadn’t already met you, I don’t know if I would’ve done this. I’d like to think I would, but I don’t know.”

I smile at his honesty. “And that’s okay. I’m not going to lie. It’s hard for me to believe there are so many people willing to take me on with all the baggage I come with.”

“But is it really baggage? I can see where you’re coming from, but have you thought about it from the suitors’ points of view? There’s a good chance that none of us will be able to have children, even with an omega. You’re practically a miracle, Emilia. Most women struggle to have one child and here you are, pregnant with two other kids. Even if you never get pregnant again, you have three children for us to love.”

“Huh. I never thought of it like that.” I find myself smiling again. “I guess I never expected people to want to take on someone else’s kids. And I have no idea if I want to have more kids. I should probably be honest about that with everyone. Hell, for all I know, I won’t be able to. I’m already thirty-eight. Most women my age can’t get pregnant now. Although, you wouldn’t know that based on the women who have been onHeated.”

Lee continues smiling at me. “I don’t know that you need to tell everyone up front whether you want more kids or not. You might change your mind after you form your pack. If someone asks about it, I’d be honest, but I don’t think you need to be the one to bring it up.”

“This isn’t the conversation I expected to be having with one of my suitors,” I admit, my eyes being drawn to Reginald as he signals for me to wrap it up. I’m surprised to find I don’t want to. I’m enjoying speaking with Lee, which is another surprise. “You’ve given me a lot to thinkabout, and I feel kind of bad because I didn’t get to learn much about you. Unfortunately, it seems our time is over for now.”

“That’s okay. We have plenty of time to get to know one another—assuming you don’t boot me off during the first rose ceremony. Honestly, I’m glad this is the conversation we had,” he admits. “It’s clear you needed it, and I’m glad I could give you another perspective. I’m really happy to be here, Emilia. Even if you don’t see me as someone who could be a part of the pack you’re building, I hope you know I’m here if you ever need to talk.”

As he walks away, I find myself turning to watch him walk away. Once again, my mind is blown. I’d been so sure about how all of this would go, and yet, with each of the suitors, I’m being shown I don’t know shit.

As Lee joins Malik and Bradley, he catches me staring at him and winks. I snort out a laugh, shaking my head as I turn back to the circular driveway. I can already hear the limo approaching.

What surprise do I have waiting for me with my final suitor of the day?

I glance at Reginald as the limo drives around the circle, narrowing my eyes when I see him smirking at me. This little asshole is enjoying me being thrown off my game, isn’t he?

I tear my eyes away from him as I hear someone step out of the limo and the door shut behind them. My mouth falls open when I realize who it is.

Sasha Rostova—alpha and recently retired ballet dancer.

I managed to get Remington tickets for his last show, and I’d been ecstatic—and more than a little jealous—that my little brother would get to see his last show. Ballet had been a shared love with Ryan. We saw so many of Sasha’s shows over the years.

Since his death, I haven’t gone to a single ballet. He would hate knowing I gave up something we loved.

Guilt floods through me as Sasha makes his way toward me, a soft smile on his lips.

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