Page 21 of Knot Our Reality

“With her being a pregnant omega, I wonder if it isn’t causing a more primal reaction from all of you. I have never been around a pregnant unbonded omega before, so I could be wrong, but it’s the major difference between Emilia and the past omegas.”

I consider Bree’s words as they resonate inside me. She could be right. I do think it has something to do with Emilia being pregnant, but I do not think that is all of it. I think it is because of everything she has been through. The life she has had to lead.

No one can ever question just how strong she is, but I like the idea of her leaning on me—on us—when she needs to.

Yes, I am one hundred percent enamored with her after spending less than twelve hours with her.

I’m in big trouble if she does not choose me.

Not that I would hold her decision against her if she sends me packing. I just want to be a part of her life so badly. I want to be one of the men who makes her happy.

Not to replace the pack she once had, but to love her alongside them. Because I have no doubt wherever we go after we die that they are sitting there and watching her, Jasper, and Hawk.

“We will make sure she is happy when she leaves here,” I state, leaving no room for arguments. “No matter who she chooses for her pack, we will help her be happy.”

And I mean that with everything inside me.

Chapter Six

Emilia

As I stand outside waiting for the first of the day two suitors to arrive, my mind is no clearer than it was when my day one suitors left me at my suite door.

That’s what happens when you expect one thing and end up with something completely different.

I’m hoping that meeting my next set of suitors will help give me the clarity I’m looking for, but with my luck, it’ll just get worse.

I smooth my hands down the slinky black dress Evangeline dressed me in. It’s not something I would’ve picked out considering how pregnant I am, but she insisted I wear it. I’ll admit, she knows what the hell she’s talking about.

The dress hugs all my curves, including my baby bump, but the way the fabric lays makes me feel sexy instead of fat, which is a pleasant change. I’m still not wearing heels, but I don’t see that happening until after I push this baby out.

Heels and pregnancy do not go together—at least not in my book.

The sound of wheels turning on asphalt has me looking up, watching as the limo pulls into the circular drive. I hadn’t been paying enough attention to catch it before it arrived, but maybe that’s for the best. Now, I don’t have time to work myself up wondering about who’s going to step out of the limo.

The door opens before the limo has come to a complete stop, and a vaguely familiar man steps out with a grin on his face. He leans back into the limo before stepping back with a laugh.

He’s tall, definitely over six feet and covered in muscles. His blond hair is cut stylishly, but it looks like he’s been running his hands through it, leaving it messy. But it’s a good look on him when added to the scruff covering his sun-kissed face, which is darker than his hair. I find myself returning his smile when he flashes me a dimpled grin.

A second man steps out of the limo, nudging the first out of the way. He’s the polar opposite of the first man. He’s probably just over six feet himself, with long, dark brown hair pulled back into a bun and a full beard. He gives me a half-smile as he shakes his head at the first man.

They both look familiar, but I can’t figure out which season they’re from. I think they were favorites of Remington’s, though.

As they approach, hints of wood, clove, and leather reach me. With the scent blockers, I can’t tell which pieces of scent belong to which man.

“Hello, Emilia.” The blond man is still grinning as he stares down at me, a slight twang to his words as his crystal blue eyes meet mine. “I’m Dalton Cole, and this is my pack mate, Maverick Kelley.”

As soon as he says their names, a lightbulb goes off in my head. “You’re from Bree’s season! You said you were forming a pack, and I’m glad to see it’s true.”

“Like he was going to let me get rid of him,” Maverick says with a scoff, clearly trying to hide his amusement as Dalton lets out an offended sound, but his warm brown eyes give him away. “It’s nice to meet you, Emilia.”

“It’s nice to meet you as well. You’ll have to forgive me. I’ve only seen bits and pieces of the other seasons. My brother Remington is a big fan ofHeated, so he was constantly showing me clips, but that doesn’t mean I remember anything from it. I can tell you he was devastated when the two of you, Sasha, and Finnegan were sent home. He was rooting for you.”

Dalton runs a hand through his hair. “It seems to me your brother has excellent taste.”

“Don’t mind him. I swear he’s actually quite modest, but he’s excited to be back.” Maverick makes a face. “We both are. Obviously, we have had little success in finding an omega on our own, so we hope a second season ofHeatedwill change that for us.”

“Even if it means taking on a pregnant omega with a caravan full of luggage?” I laugh.