Page 89 of Knot Our Reality

Emilia’s smile only grows. “I love Christmas, but it’s been hard celebrating the last few years. I want that to change. You’re all welcome to get gifts for everyone or just for your Secret Santa. We just want to make sure everyone has at least one gift to open on Christmas. Tessa and Bree will be handing out cards at random, so make sure you grab one on your way out. They’ll also make note of who you have.”

She pulls the lavender roses from the vase, and Camden helps her off the stage with me at their back. She hands them to the remaining suitors while Reginald steps forward.

“That ends our third week ofHeated. Next week is sure to bring many surprises, so make sure you tune in. Meanwhile, make sure you’re sharing your thoughts with us on social media. Until next time.”

Chapter Twenty-five

Camden

Emilia takes a few moments to say good night to the rest of her suitors, and I’m having a hard time keeping still again. Although it’s for a different reason this time. I’m no longer wondering if this is the week she’ll accept me, but instead eager to make her mine.

My mind wanders back to the other night when she dragged me into her nest and made me fuck her most of the night. It’s like we just can’t get enough of each other. That might be because it had been days since we touched each other, but maybe I’m wrong. Maybe there’s another reason for it.

Since she invited Wilder into her pack, at least I won’t have to split my nights between them. The three of us can be together every night.

I really like the sound of that.

“Camden.” Wilder’s voice is tight as he squeezes my hand. “The scent blocker spray is wearing off again.”

I blink at my alpha until I realize he’s telling me I’m perfuming again. “I’d say sorry, but I’m really not. I can’t stop thinking about the three of us together.”

“What are we talking about?” Emilia asks as she joins us, and Wilder shakes his head.

“You don’t want to know.”

She sniffs the air, her smile only growing. “I think you might be wrong about that one.”

“Maybe we should head back to your suite.” I can’t help waggling my eyebrows at her, smiling when she giggles. I love it when she makes that sound.

It makes her sound so carefree, and I don’t think she’s had much chance at that for the last few years.

She grows serious as she glances between me and Wilder. “Let’s do that, but we need to talk before we move on to the fun of the night.”

My smile falls away. I don’t like the sound of that.

“Absolutely, Emilia. Lead the way?” Wilder squeezes my hand again, and I try to smile up at him, but it comes out more like a grimace.

It’s not like he doesn’t know exactly how I’m feeling through our bond. Once again, I’m freaking out—not that I want to be.

Wilder leads me from the ballroom as we trail after Emilia. I can’t seem to shut off my brain as I attempt to figure out why she wants to talk to us.

“Stop it, Cam.” Wilder’s words are nearly a bark. “There’s no reason to freak out until we know what she has to say.”

As much as I’d love to please my alpha, I know this is something I’m not going to be able to give him. I’m so close to making Emilia mine, and I don’t want anything to go wrong.

Within minutes, the three of us are in her sitting room.

Emilia looks uneasy for the first time tonight. “I’m sorry. I know no one wants to hear the words ‘we should talk’. Camden, I’m sure you’re freaking out. I promise, you and I are going to bond tonight.”

I let out a sigh of relief, but Wilder tenses at my side.

“But we’re not?”

“No,” she says softly. “It’s not that I don’t want to, Wilder. I’m just not ready. With Camden, it’s different. There wasn’t another omega in my first pack. I don’t feel like I’m replacing anyone by bonding with him. Does that make sense?”

Wilder nods. “It does. You’re not ready to bond with an alpha yet. If that’s the case, then why give me a red rose tonight? Why invite me to be a part of your pack?”

“Because I want you to be. I’m just hoping you’ll be patient with me until I feel more comfortable about having another alpha bite me.” She pauses, running her fingers over her neck. “Did you know when your bonded mate dies that not only is the bond ripped from you, but their mark fades until it disappears?”

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