Page 49 of Knot Our Reality

“Nyet,” Alexei snaps. “She not question integrity. She does what she must to protect her and her children. Do not be cross.”

Nikolai’s face immediately softens. “I am sorry, Emilia.”

I wave him off. “It’s okay. That’s why I said I’ve been talking to each of the suitors about it. I just need to be sure. This isn’t how I expected my life to go.”

“Of course not.” Alexei pulls me into another hug. “Nikolai is right. We support you and your boys no matter what. We would not be here if we were not willing to do what needs to be done.”

“Thank you. Both of you. I didn’t doubt that you would, but I feel like it’s important to bring it up.” I make a face. “Maybe it’s not as important as I’m making it out to be. It’s not like Bree and Tessa didn’t make sure everyone knew what they were getting into.”

“It is okay,” Nikolai assures me. “You need to be sure, so you check.”

As much as I’m enjoying Alexei’s hug, I can see Reginald signaling to me from the corner of my eye. I pull back and offer them another smile. “I’m really glad the two of you are here. It’s almost time for my next suitor to arrive, so we’ll have to catch up later.”

“Of course. We will be waiting.” Alexei kisses my cheek, and Nikolai quickly does the same. My eyes follow them as they move toward Bree and Tessa.

Damn. It seems like yesterday has turned me into the horny omega I never expected to be again.

Shaking my head, I turn back around to find Reginald staring at me with a smirk. He sweeps his hand under his mouth as he winks, and I flip him off again.

Asshole.

The twins are hot as sin—there’s no denying that—but I’m not drooling over them. At least not physically.

Slicking for them? Well, yeah.

I let out a little growl, shaking my head. Letting my thoughts drift to that isn’t going to do any of us any good.

Luckily, the next suitor arrives shortly after and steps out of the limo. He’s tall and slender, but seems to be in good shape. His tan skin has warm undertones and a smile lights up his face. His black hair and beard sit neatly, and it’s clear this man cares about his appearance.

As he approaches, his dark brown eyes crinkle at the edges. A hint of pumpkin and spice reaches my nose, and it’s pleasantly calming.

He’s a beta.

“Hi, Emilia. My name is Gavin Mallory.” He offers me his hand, and when I take it, I can’t help marveling over how smooth his skin is.

“It’s very nice to meet you, Gavin,” I tell him, still holding his hand, which only causes his smile to grow. “Oh, sorry.”

I drop his hand like it’s hot and shake my head.

He just keeps smiling at me. “No need to apologize.”

I can feel myself flushing. I need to change the topic immediately. “So, which season ofHeatedwere you on previously?”

“Season three with Evangeline. I’m a twenty-nine-year-old beta chiropractor. I’m half Filipino and half Polynesian with an older sister, who’s also a beta—same for my parents. I have more siblings than that since my parents have been foster parents for years. There have been a few who have been adopted, while others just needed a temporary home.” He pauses. “Anything else important I should tell you?”

I giggle and immediately wish I could facepalm.

What is wrong with me?

But I already know the answer to that. I’m a pregnant horny omega who can’t seem to stop slicking over hot men.

It’s fiiiinnnne.

Everything is fine.

“I think you about covered the basics. I’m having issues today with peopling apparently,” I warn him. “Beware, I have no idea what I might say or do. It’s been a weird day.”

“I promise not to hold anything against you.”

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