Page 42 of Knot Her Reality

Her words have me thinking back to my initial meeting with Koda. Is that what that was? Hell, even this meeting with this duo feels like more than some of the other meetings.

I shake my head. “Maybe. Being here with twenty suitors does complicate things, though. Can you imagine if I just fell head over heels for my pack right from the start? I don’t think that would make very good television.”

“I think you’d be surprised by what people would love to watch on their TV screen,” Ronan offers with a smile, and I find myself melting under his gaze. This alpha is definitely one of the good ones, and I can’t wait to get to know him and Natalie better. I could see the two of them being a part of my pack.

Before I can reply, I see Reginald signaling that our time is up. Genuine disappointment sinks into me as I turn back to them. “It’s time for the last suitor to arrive. I look forward to talking with the two of you more at dinner.”

Ronan lifts my hand to his lips, pressing a kiss to the palm before shooting me a panty-melting grin. “I’m looking forward to it, omega.”

“Me too,” Natalie adds as she leans in to kiss my cheek.

As the two of them walk away, I find myself turning so my eyes can follow them. I was right about Ronan’s pants—they definitely hug his ass and thighs. It’s not until Reginald clears his throat that I spin back around, flushed and eyes wide.

“Sorry,” I mouth at him. He just laughs quietly as the last limo pulls into the driveway.

The door pops open before the vehicle has even stopped, and the man who steps out is just as large as Ronan. He looks less comfortable in the tuxedo, but it still looks damn good on him. His black hair is cut close to his head in a fade, a well-kept beard covering his jaw, and his eyes are a deep, dark brown. His umber skin looks good against the black of his tuxedo. As he saunters over to me, I discreetly check to be sure I’m not drooling.

Wouldn’t that be embarrassing?

“Hello,” I say softly as he comes to a stop before me.

“Hello, I’m Conrad.” His brows are pinched, looking as if he wants to be anywhere but here.

When he doesn’t extend his hand, I offer mine instead. “It’s nice to meet you.”

He shakes my hand, thankfully giving it a good shake as he grunts. Once he releases my hand, silence surrounds us, and I have to fight back a grimace.

“Why don’t you tell me a little about yourself, Conrad?”

He reaches up to mess with his bow tie, clearing his throat. It’s clear he isn’t comfortable, but I’m not sure if it’s because all the attention is on him or if he just doesn’t want to be here. As I wait for his response, I get a whiff of his pineapple, cilantro, and coconut scent. It’s not a combination I’ve smelled before, and while I wouldn’t have said it went together before today, it smells amazing on him.

“Right. I’m forty, an alpha, and a police lieutenant.” He clears his throat again before sighing. “I’m not much of a talker, and being the center of attention isn’t my thing. I’m fairly certain I’m going to fuck this up, so I apologize now.”

I grin. “Saying fuck probably wasn’t the best choice,” I tease him.

He scoffs, running a hand over his head as he shakes his head. “What did I tell you? I’m terrible at this kind of thing.”

“And yet, you’re still here.”

“I am.” He shakes his head. “And I’ve questioned that decision more times than I can count since signing up. Not meeting you, obviously. I’m a grumpy asshole, who is terrible at communicating. You’re probably going to end up kicking me off early because I stick my foot in my mouth. That’s why I’ve questioned it.”

I giggle. “I feel like you did a fine job communicating just then. I promise, if you’re being a grumpy asshole, I’ll let you know.”

The corner of his lips quirk up in a semblance of a smile, but I can tell just how much he’s freaking out. “Thanks.”

“Since we got that out of the way, why don’t we head over to the others and move this party inside? There’s no reason to torture you when there are three others who don’t seem to mind talking.” I offer him a smile as I slide my arm through his, and the look of relief he shoots my way just makes my smile grow.

“Thank you,” he murmurs as we start toward the others.

“You’re welcome,” I return. There really is no reason to make him more uncomfortable. Hopefully, as he’s here longer, talking to me will become easier. If not, then he’s right, I will have to send him packing. But I won’t hold this against him—especially not at our first meeting. Getting to know the suitors will come with time, and he’s already admitted to at least some of his faults. That ought to make it easier for both of us.

As we make it over to Gavin, Ronan, and Natalie, I introduce them to Conrad before we fall into step behind Bree. As she leads us inside, I refuse to release my hold on Conrad, wanting to make sure he doesn’t disappear into the background with his desire to not speak as much. Natalie ends up on my other side, keeping up the conversation with me as she flirts.

I really appreciate the fact that not a single one of them mentions the fact that we’re meeting a week later than we were meant to. I’m sure it’ll come up, but at least this initial meeting was about getting to know them and not the drama my season has already become.

Honestly, this is something I could get used to. After all, who doesn’t love a stoic alpha?

Chapter Thirteen

---