Page 2 of Knot Her Reality

I shrug because what am I supposed to tell her? I certainly can’t admit the truth—that I met Tessa once for all of two minutes about ten years ago, and I’ve never been able to forget her. Part of me has been hoping that she’ll be one of the alphas on my season, but with what Bree keeps saying, my hopes keep dimming with each passing day. I didn’t say more than hello to her as she was introduced to the group of women I was speaking with, but it had been enough to fuel my fantasies for years to come.

“I’m just nosy by nature. I’d apologize, but I learned long ago not to apologize for my personality. It just pisses people off more.”

Bree snickers, trying to hide her laughter, but she fails spectacularly. “I get the feeling your suitors are going to love your personality. You’re one of a kind, and I’m glad you agreed to come on Heated. I am sorry that you’re having to deal with backlash from ignorant people, but we will keep you safe.”

“At least I won’t have access to the tablet anymore. Plus, the mandatory sessions with Dr. Abernathy.”

“Please tell me you call him that to his face.” Bree snickers again. “I’d pay to see it.”

It’s my turn to smile. “I do, and he gets mad every single time.”

Bree’s hand goes to her ear, telling me someone is speaking to her through her earpiece. “Got it. Thank you. We’ll be heading out in a few moments.”

“It’s time?” I ask, running my hands over the skirt of the dress once more.

“The dress is fine, and you look amazing. As much as I want to tell you that this isn’t a big deal and that you should relax, I know that’s not going to help anything.” Bree reaches over and takes my hand in hers, squeezing gently. “Instead, I’m going to tell you it’s normal to be nervous. This is a big deal and you get to feel whatever the hell you want. But I’m here for you, and so is Reginald. And Dr. Abernathy.”

I laugh with her, already feeling better. I don’t know what it is about this experience, but it’s the first thing I’ve felt nervous about in a long time. That, in itself, is exciting to me. And I do love to be excited.

“I’ve got this.” I nod, not just to assure myself but to assure Bree. “But I need a mirror before I go out there. I know you keep saying the dress is fine, but if I don’t see it before I walk outside, I’m going to be stressing out about it the whole time.”

“Okay, then we’ll make a pit stop in your suite.” Bree leads me out of the dining room and into the foyer. Instead of heading out the front door, she makes a right into the hallway that leads to my suite.

Laying my thumb on the sensor, I smile when the door pops open. I love the security Bree and Tessa have in place to make me feel safe. That’s something that’s very important to an omega. Stepping into the sitting area, I immediately relax. Bree had allowed me to redecorate the room when I arrived.

Instead of regular couches and chairs, I’ve filled the room with round, nest-like furniture of all sizes. Some are small enough for one person and the largest could fit at least four or five, depending on their sizes. They’re all made of soft materials and covered in pillows. The other decor addition I made was covering the walls with mirrors of various sizes. It might seem weird, but I like what I like.

Strutting over to one of the walls, I turn from side to side as I critique the dress. It’s one of my designs, as all of my clothes will be this season. I made sure it was included in my contract. Yes, I’m here to find a pack, but there’s never a bad time for advertising. Especially since I’ve just launched a male line, so all the suitors get to mix my line in with the wardrobe that they bring with them. I didn’t become a powerhouse in the design world by sitting on my laurels.

The dress has a sweetheart neckline and spaghetti straps, dipping low into a V at the base of my spine where the skirt starts. From the front, it looks demure as long as I’m standing still. As soon as I begin to walk, the hip-high slit beneath the layers of tulle is quickly revealed. Paired with the low back, it makes the dress sexy as hell. Bree was right—there are no wrinkles, and it’s falling as perfectly now as it was when I pulled it on. Usually, I wouldn’t pair this dress with panties, but it’s unlikely that I will make it through these meetings without the scent-canceling panties I’m wearing. Luckily, they’re also my design, so they’re barely noticeable.

With a critical eye, I take in my honey-blonde hair pulled up into a messy updo with pieces falling around my face. It accentuates the long line of my neck and will be a tempting sight for my alpha suitors—a bare neck, free of marks, and no jewelry, will be a beacon to them. The smoky eye Allison had expertly applied makes my gray eyes pop. There’s just a hint of color to my cheeks and a nude lipstick on my lips, completing my look.

A smile slides across my face. I look good.

“See? You look beautiful.” Bree comes to stand at my side, and I laugh at our size difference. At five-foot-nine, I’m already tall, but I refuse to allow that to keep me from wearing heels. I’m nearly six feet tall today, and she looks so small compared to me. “Stop laughing at me. It’s not my fault I’m short and you’re the height of an actual goddess.”

It’s not the first time we’ve had this conversation over the last month. And this right here? This is why I agreed to come on the show and why I know I made the right decision. This isn’t just about pulling good numbers for the network to Bree. She cares about me and the other omegas she can help. She wants to help us find our pack, and she cares what happens to us. I know when I leave Heated, it’ll be with her friendship.

“I’m not sure that goddesses are tall. Is there some documentation that I’m not aware of?” I tease her as I turn toward the door. “I’m ready now. Thanks for letting me stop.”

Bree’s smile only grows. “You don’t need to thank me for that, but you’re welcome. All I want is to make this as easy as possible for you, and part of that is making sure you’re comfortable. That’s one upside to me having gone through this myself. I’ve been where you are right now. I remember what it feels like, and I know what it feels like when you connect with someone you know is yours. You’ll know that feeling soon.”

“One can hope.”

“There’s no reason to hope. It’ll happen. After all, you’ll have twenty men and women vying for your attention soon. Alphas, beta, and omegas, just like you requested. You’re going to have the time of your life.” Bree opens the door, gesturing for me to go ahead.

We make small talk as we head outside and over to the gazebo, where Reginald is waiting for us.

“It’s about time. Damn omegas are always taking their time.” Reginald grins, showing that he’s joking.

I run my hands down my body and spin around. “Looking this good takes time, honey.”

Reginald laughs, throwing his head back as he does so. “This is going to be an amazing season with you as the omega, Evangeline. I’m so looking forward to this.”

“Me too,” I tell him, taking his hand so he can help me up the stairs. I settle into the chair, glancing at the cameras. “There’s a big difference between knowing you’re being filmed when you can’t see the cameras and sitting down with them in your face.”

Reginald scoffs. “Oh, hush. We all know this isn’t the first time you’ve been on camera. I’ve seen the interviews.”

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