Page 56 of Knot Our Reality

“They’re not. They were my brother’s suitors last season, so I knew what I was getting myself into as soon as they arrived. It’s nice to have someone worry about me—even if it’s unnecessary.”

He hums. “I would imagine so after having to be the one worrying on your own for two years. We can’t even blame it on their alpha instincts, since Alexei is a beta like me.”

“No, that’s one hundred percent a part of their personality. It’s fine.” I sigh as we step out of the narrow entrance and into the canyon itself. Rocks surround the lake, so it’s not comfortable to do any sunbathing here, but the water is calling to me.

Without a second of hesitation, I tug off the dress I wore over my bikini and toss it to the side as I toe off my shoes and socks.

Gavin rids himself of his shirt, socks, and shoes before taking my hand. “Rocks can be slippery when wet. It’ll make all of us feel better if someone helps you.”

“Thank you,” is all I say as I allow him to lead me to the water’s edge.

I lower myself carefully because there’s a pretty sharp drop-off into the lake. Another sigh leaves me as the water takes the weight of my belly, and I release Gavin’s hand.

By the time the others join us, I’m floating on my back and staring up at the bright blue sky above me. I won’t stay like this for long, knowing my lower back will feel better if I float belly down, but there’s just something about floating around like this that reminds me I’m just asmall part of the world. It’s so much bigger than me and the space I take up.

“Is it safe to float on your back?” Alexei asks as he swims toward me, and I turn my head to look at him.

Not just because I want to look at him—I always want to look at him—but because the sound is muffled by the water, and it freaks me out. “It is. I can pretty much float any way I want, and it’s safe. The issues come in when I’m on a flat surface because it puts pressure on my body. In the water, there’s no pressure. It’s almost like not being pregnant when I float around.”

I roll onto my side before going belly down. It’s not as easy as it would be if I weren’t pregnant, but I manage it just fine on my own—even if Alexei shoots closer as if to help, but he keeps his hands to himself.

“This is probably my favorite floating position while pregnant. It takes the extra weight off my lower back.” I sigh, lowering my head to rest on top of the water as I continue to watch Alexei.

“I have not been around pregnant women before,” he admits. “Is that something that causes pain?”

I nod. “It is. Not always, but my body isn’t used to having the extra weight up front like that.”

“Hmmm. I understand. Is there anything that helps?”

I consider him for a moment. “Being in water helps. Sometimes, having someone else support the weight can relieve some of the pain and pressure. I haven’t quite hit the point in my pregnancy where that’s necessary, but floating is always nice.”

Alexei remains quiet as the others join us, surprising me. It’s unusual for him to be quiet for long, but when I glance his way again, he smiles.

I’m not really sure what’s caused his silence, but he seems to be okay. I’ll try to remember to ask him about it later.

After floating for a bit, I lead the four of them to the waterfall—even swimming under it to show them the hidden cave behind it. I don’t remain there for long, as memories of what my pack and I used the cave for when we visited threaten to overwhelm me.

I hate that thinking of them still makes me sad, but I think it’s because I boxed away the emotions of missing them for so long, so I could continue to function. Maybe talking about them more will help.

Jason and his pack eventually duck back in to let us know it’s time to leave.

When I make it back to the rocks, I realize there’s no way I can make it out of here on my own.

Well, shit.

“Does someone want to get out so we can help Emilia out?” Paxton asks as he swims up behind me. “Or I can get out and someone else can help lift her from the water.”

Nikolai joins us, nodding at Paxton. “You get out. I’ll lift her out of the water. Alexei, you get out as well.”

The next thing I know, both Paxton and Alexei are holding each of my arms as Nikolai lifts me effortlessly from the water.

As soon as my feet hit the rocks, Gavin is there with a towel in hand.

“Damn,” Paxton hisses. “I didn’t really get a look at you in the bikini since we were in the water, but I think I like this look—a lot.”

I glance up, realizing his eyes are on my tits. A giggle escapes me as Alexei shoves the alpha back in the water.

“No need to be crude.”

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