Page 33 of Knot Our Reality

“I appreciate you. I always do. You’re a good friend.” I throw my arm around his shoulder and drag him to the stairs.

I never mind talking about my sister and what happened to her because it just proves how fucking strong she is—just like Emilia. My nephew just turned two, so we’ve all had more than enough time to process everything and accept it. My sister and her pack don’t treat him any differently than they do my niece, who’s ten. They never thought they’d have another child, and they welcomed Sebastian into their hearts.

Does it suck that it happened to her? Hell yes, it does. And it still pisses me off, but unlike Simon, my sister’s attackers didn’t get a short sentence. They’ll be in jail for a long time, and when they do get out, I’ll make sure they know to stay the hell away from Becca and Sebastian.

“Yeah, whatever, man.” Maverick shoves me away from him and hurries up the stairs, leaving me to trail behind him.

Sure, my sister’s and Emilia’s situations are similar, but it’s definitely not about righting a wrong. There’s nothing to right in this situation. The worst has already happened to Emilia—twice over. All I want to dois get to know her and maybe help her move on with her life. Would I like it to be with me and Maverick as part of her pack?

Obviously, but only time will tell if we’re the right fit for what she’s trying to build.

Chapter Nine

Emilia

“Ilook fat.”

Evangeline laughs, the sound making me smile as I turn away from the mirror to face her. “First of all, you’re pregnant—not fat. Second, you do not. You look amazing.”

I want to believe her—I really do—but I just don’t feel attractive right now.

After an amazing day with the day two suitors, I came home and took a shower before falling asleep. When Evangeline, Allison, and Mindy came to help me get ready, it felt like every part of my body was swollen. I’d even swear that my belly got bigger.

I know it didn’t really, but damn, it just feels like it did.

My back hurts, and I’m exhausted. Meeting my next set of suitors is the last thing I want to do.

“Fine,” I finally say, sliding my feet into the shiny silver flats Evangeline set out for me.

“I know that look.” Evangeline pushes to her feet, juggling a sleeping Juniper as she joins me. “Being pregnant is exhausting. But you can’t let it get you down. You want to find a pack, don’t you?”

I shrug. I may feel better about finding a new pack, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy for me to accept. Especially not now when I feel like shit.

Evangeline shakes her head, still smiling. “You can deny it all you want, but I know part of you is excited to find a new pack. It’s just taking the rest of you some time to catch up. There’s nothing wrong with that.But you are here to find a pack, whether you want to or not. You have to push through your exhaustion and find your excitement. You don’t feel good about yourself because you’re tired and hurting. That doesn’t change how gorgeous you are.

“The teal color of your dress makes your eyes pop and gives your skin a natural glow—not that you need it. The pregnancy is really working in your favor with that. Your suitors are going to take one look at you and be ready to drop to their knees and vow themselves to you for the rest of their lives.” She holds up her hand when I try to interrupt her. “Nope. You don’t get an opinion on this. Your mood is going to make you see the negatives, and I’m here to tell you how it really is. You’re going to knock their socks off.”

I chance another glance in the mirror, trying to see myself as she does, but I just can’t. “I’ll have to take your word on it, I guess.”

“That’s the spirit! Now, come on. Tessa will be here shortly to send me back to our cabin and take you to do your interview with Reginald.” She leads me toward the sitting room as a knock sounds out. “See? What did I tell you?”

Her enthusiasm is contagious, adding a little pep to my step that I wasn’t feeling a moment ago.

Even if I feel fat, I know I look better than usual. Even when I’m not pregnant, if I’m not working, I prefer to wear comfortable clothes around the house. And I damn well am not putting on makeup to hang out at home. That’s probably the one downfall to being on the show. We’re always expected to look our best because we’re going to be displayed on screens around the country—hell, the world. The suitors won’t get a chance to see me at my worst.

“Hi, alpha!” Evangeline throws the door open, leaning in to kiss Tessa before stepping past her. “Don’t worry, I’m on my way to the cabin now. Emilia just needed a friend. You’ve got this, Emilia!”

Then she’s gone, and my head spins.

“Sorry,” Tessa apologizes as she laughs. “She’s a whirlwind, that one.”

I nod, returning her smile. “She is, but I like that about her. Never apologize for her. She is who she is, and if she’s too much for someone, that’s on them.”

“You’re right. I just know you weren’t expecting to have to deal with her while you’re here.”

“I’m glad she’s here. You might want to consider having her come on for each season,” I tell her as I step out of my suite. “She’s amazing at what she does, and she’s dressed me in clothes I wouldn’t think to wear. She’s good for an omega’s ego.”

Tessa nods, opening the front door and nodding for me to go first. “She’s good for everyone’s ego when she’s dressing them. It’s because she cares. Usually, we don’t allow the omegas so much outside influence while on the show. Your situation is unique, and we needed to adapt to your needs. We’ll have to see about future omegas.”

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