Page 28 of Knot Her Reality

“Mostly just Cora,” she says with a shrug as she glances at the couch Viktor and Dustin sit on before turning to us. “It’s clear that there’s been a divide in the suitors, which I know is likely to happen numerous times, but there’s been a lot of tension. It’s not really something I wanted to get myself involved in.”

Now I feel like an ass. I didn’t realize that the clear division would make her uncomfortable. Confrontation may not come easily to her. I know some people avoid it at all costs—just not me.

“What tension?” Dustin asks as he glances around, and my eyes go wide. Is this guy for real? Certainly, he’s joking right now. But as our eyes meet, I realize he’s serious. He has no clue what’s been going on around him. That’s crazy to me.

When no one responds to him, his face falls as he leans back and wrings his hands in his lap.

Now, I doubly feel like an asshole.

Bree hums as she glances between us. “And is there a reason there’s so much tension?”

“Some personalities just don’t play well together,” Jagger offers. “I’ll never be someone who forces any type of relationship. If I don’t like someone, then there’s no reason for me to bother, you know?”

“And what if your omega chooses someone you don’t like? What will you do then?” Bree asks, eyebrows raised as she stares down the alpha beside me. I’m glad that look is aimed at him and not me—even if I feel the same way he does.

Jagger shrugs. “Then I guess I’ll have to figure out a way to move past any animosity, but that’s not really the case here, is it? At least, not yet.”

“There are just some people who aren’t meant to get along,” Koda adds. “And trying to force a relationship when that’s the case can often be worse. I’m with Jagger on this. I won’t associate with someone I don’t get along with unless it becomes necessary, and I think most people feel that way. Unless they thrive on confrontation or whatever.”

I nod slowly, keeping my mouth shut as I turn back to Viktor, who is openly glaring at us now. I don’t bother hiding the smirk that finds home on my lips.

Yes, that’s right, asshole. None of us like you, and we don’t have a problem making it known. Better get used to it.

“Yeah, I see what you mean, Skylar.” Bree shakes her head. “I can’t blame you for avoiding the drama. Hopefully, now that we’re back on track, it’ll help relieve some of that tension.”

“Or make it worse as more people are added to the situation.” Lillian blushes as all eyes turn to her. Koda pulls her closer to him as if he can protect her from the attention she so desperately doesn’t want.

Bree nods slowly. “Yes, it could definitely do that. Is there anything else anyone would like to add?”

I shake my head as the others around me do the same or just remain silent.

“Excellent. The eight of you will be confined to the top two floors while Evangeline meets her next set of suitors. You’ll be able to place your order for dinner and do whatever you’d like as long as it takes place on these two floors. You might meet the day three suitors as they’re shown to their rooms, but you won’t see Evangeline. So no seeking her out. Any questions or concerns I should be able to address.” Her eyes are on Koda as she says this, and he flushes.

He admitted to us that Bree allowed him to see Evageline before our date so he could put himself at ease. I don’t fault him for it. I can’t imagine being a packless omega on Heated—at least not as a suitor. It has to be hard for him. We’ll need to see what we can do to make it easier for him.

Evangeline might be the omega we’re here to win over, but that doesn’t mean we can’t make things easier for Koda. In fact, I think that’s what she’d want. She might not know exactly how Koda feels about it—which feels insane because of how little time they’ve spent together—but I know she wouldn’t want him to suffer. Even if she doesn’t feel the same way as he does. It’ll be interesting to see the two of them interact with one another once she’s met all of her suitors. Honestly, I can’t wait.

“Awesome. Have a great night!” Bree’s gone before any of us can respond.

I snort, elbowing Jagger’s side. “Well, she certainly wasn’t hanging out to get more information, was she?”

“Can you blame her?” Lillian asks quietly, and all I can do is shake my head. I sure don’t.

The tension in the air is so thick, you could cut it with a knife.

“Let’s watch a movie,” Koda suggests. “Everyone is welcome to join.”

Viktor snorts as he stands up. “Nah, I know where I stand with you four. I won’t force you to spend time with me since it’s obviously so hard.”

Dustin climbs to his feet, watching as Viktor storms from the room, looking torn as he glances at us. “I’d love to join you for a movie if that invite is genuine.”

“Of course it is,” Koda assures him as he helps Lillian to her feet before standing himself. “Skylar? Cora?”

Not answering, Cora turns to Skylar, who shrugs. “Honestly, I have a migraine coming on. I think I’m going to lay down. Cora, you should join them.”

“Are you sure?” Cora bites her lip, obviously not wanting to leave her love.

“I’m sure. Go have fun. As much as I love your company, all I’m going to do is take meds and pass out. There’s no reason for you to be bored.” Skylar pulls her in for a quick kiss before pushing to her feet, looking our way. “The tension really is getting out of control. You’re going to want to get that under control before Evangeline joins the suitors. Something tells me she isn’t going to put up with that shit.”

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