Page 120 of Knot His Reality

“Lucas, what hotel are we staying at?” I call up. “I should’ve asked Bree or Tessa, but I forgot.”

“The Luxe Pack Oasis. We have both penthouse suites booked, plus the floor of suites below that. They’re the only hotel that specializes in pack suites. It’s the only place Reginald will stay when we’re in the city.” He grins as he turns in his seat to face us. “But my mate is bougie as hell.”

I laugh. “I’m going to tell him you said that.”

He shrugs. “That’s fine. I already reminded him of it on the plane ride this morning.”

Well, that takes the wind out of my sails.

Traffic in New York City is terrible, so it takes us an hour to reach the hotel. Luckily, we’re already checked in. Bree’s pack takes the kids to the forty-ninth floor while the rest of us continue to the fiftieth floor. When the doors open, a long hallway is revealed with only two doors.

“This is where the eleven of you will be staying. Remy, you and your pack will be staying in Penthouse 1 as it has the omega suite. Suitors, you’ll be in Penthouse 2. Both suites have three bedrooms. The omega suite has a small nest and a bed that takes up most of the massive room. It also has an amazing pack bathroom. The other two rooms share a bathroom and each room has one bed. Both suites have a sitting area, a dining table, and a half bath not attached to any of the rooms.” Bree hands me and my pack one key each before moving to the suitors and doing the same. “There are three bedrooms in your suite as well, but each room has its own private bath and two beds each. Cameras have already been set up throughout the suites.”

Tessa claps her hands together to get our attention as murmurs break out. “Once again, you’ll each be given a walkie-talkie so you’ll be able to reach us when needed. The crew will all be staying on the floor beneath you. For dinner tonight, order room service. We ask that you all remain at the hotel tonight. There’s a conference room on the floor we’re staying on. We’ll meet you there at nine for breakfast and to give you the itinerary for the week. While we want to allow you to enjoy the city while we’re here, there are a lot of security risks. We’ll be giving you options each day for things you can do, but we’re going to have to ask you to choose from them only.”

“I don’t even know if I want to leave the hotel outside of the dates,” I admit. “There are too many damn people in this city.”

Aubrey shakes his head. “Like LA doesn’t?”

“Not like this.”

Bree sends me a soft smile. “And that’s okay, if that’s what you decide. There are plenty of things to do within the hotel as well. We’ll cover all of that with you tomorrow morning. I know the three-hour time difference is going to mess with us, so we’ve booked massages and a sleep therapist to come to your suites in two hours. That should give you plenty of time to settle in and eat. Your walkie-talkies are already in your rooms, so if you need anything, just call one of us. Enjoy your night.”

“I’m starving,” I admit, already moving toward our suite door. “And I can’t wait to see our rooms. We’ll see the rest of you in the morning.”

Eric opens the door for us, and I head straight for the omega suite. How do I know which one it is? The wide-open double doors leading to it reveal the massive bed that I can’t wait to dive into.

Maybe our time in the city won’t be too bad after all.

As Carter leads us to our private box seats, I can barely contain my excitement. It’s Monday night, and I’m on my first solo date for the week.

I hung around the hotel today, not wanting to venture out into the city. My pack offered to stay with me, but I wasn’t having any of that. I knew they wanted to see the city. Nikolai, Riley, and Quinn all decided to remain at the hotel, so I dragged them to the spa with me for the day. Nikolai kept complaining, but by the end of the day, he was happy with the results. He even smiled at people as we walked through the lobby.

Honestly, it was a little unnerving.

Emilia chose some amazing dates for me this week, although I’m going to give her a piece of my mind when I see her next. Every single date requires me to dress up. I’m so tired of ties, I’ve decided to rebel and not wear one all week—at least until Quinn’s premiere. I refuse to embarrass him. I’ll wear the damn tuxedo Evangeline designed especially for me.

Carter and I had dinner at this amazing Brazilian steakhouse before heading here for the ballet. I haven’t been to the ballet in years. I’m even more excited because it’s Sasha Rostova’s final performance.

“It’s so cool that you know Sasha,” I say as I settle into my seat.

Carter shrugs. “I wouldn’t say I know him. Sure, we were on the show together, but that was a tough time for Riley and me. I don’t feel like we really got to know any of the other suitors overly well.”

“But you’ve met him. You’ve spoken to him. That’s so amazing. I would kill to meet him.” I stare at the stage, wondering how long until the show starts. “How much longer?”

Carter chuckles. “You’re very impatient today. It should start in about fifteen minutes.”

I stick my tongue out but bite back my smart-ass response. He’s right. I am a lot more impatient than usual today.

I won’t admit it out loud, but it takes a lot of effort not to squirm in my seat while waiting for the show to start. When the lights go down, I want to cheer but bite it back.

As soon as the female lead steps onto the stage, followed moments later by Sasha and three other male dancers, I’m enthralled. It’s a beautiful story that reminds me of Emilia. The female character is an omega who loses her entire pack and doesn’t want to live without them. She doesn’t know how to survive without them. They’re watching over her as she breaks, trying to lift her up and will her to keep living.

By the end, tears are streaming down my face as I burst to my feet, clapping as loudly as I can. It hits a little close to home which is probably why I can’t seem to stop crying, but it was so poignant. I wonder if Emilia knew what the ballet was about when she picked it.

“Should I assume that your tears mean you enjoyed it?” Carter asks hesitantly.

I nod as I turn to face him. “It was beautiful.”

---