Page 53 of Knot His Reality

I devour the first cinnamon roll and start on a second while I wait for him to continue.

“My family didn’t approve of the relationship, and my father couldn’t understand why I would propose to a woman before they’d even met her. Not only was she from a ‘poor’ family, but she was a beta. What I didn’t know is that my father had arranged for me to marry a friend’s omega daughter, who had just come of age—all without consulting me, mind you. She was there to meet me, and she looked so relieved when I informed all of them I wouldn’t be marrying her.

“I walked out that night with no intention of ever returning. If they were going to treat the woman I loved like that, then I didn’t need them in my life. I was sure with my degree, I’d be able to find a job that paid well enough for me to take care of both of us, and I should’ve been able to. Iwould’vebeen able to if it hadn’t been for my father. He called in favors to make sure I couldn’t get a job anywhere. Yolanda and I ended up moving in with her parents, and I got a job working in construction.

“It wasn’t ideal, but the pay wasn’t terrible. It would take some time for us to save up enough to move out, but I knew we could do it. That lasted a month before my father managed to get her dad fired. I came home from work that day to find Yolanda in tears. She told me she couldn’t do it anymore. She loved me, but she loved her family more. It was clear my father wasn’t going to give up, and it would be best if we went our separate ways before I caused any more damage to her family.” He scoffs. “I can’t even blame her for ending it the way she did.”

“My father thought I’d come running home to him, but I didn’t. I found a job with an up-and-coming medical device company. The owner wasn’t under my father’s thumb and had no intentions of ever doing so. I still work for the same company, and I helped it become what it is today. Eventually, my father stopped trying to bring me back into the fold and apologized. I forgave him, but I’ll never forget what he cost me.” Santiago shrugs before meeting my eyes. “But I swore I would never become him, and it hurt to realize just how similar we really are. It’s taken me years to change the way I think about things, and clearly, I still have some work to do.”

Gracie lays her napkin on the table and stands, walking around the table until she can wrap her arms around Santiago. “But you’re trying and that’s what matters. Your upbringing can be hard to overcome. I’m proud of you for the work you’ve done, and you should be, too.”

It takes a moment for me to notice her scent as it settles around me, even though she’s moved past me. Chamomile, eucalyptus, and cedarwood—such a calming, earthy scent. It represents her well.

When she pulls back, there are tears in Santiago’s eyes as he stares at her. “You are too forgiving, little beta. You see the world in a way I never could. I just hope the world never chews you up and spits you out like it did to me.”

“Don’t think me naïve, alpha, because I’m not.” Gracie runs her hand down his cheek before nodding and returning to her seat. “I know the world is full of people who only think of themselves—who would want to use me and beat me down. I will not allow that to change how I see things—how I want to live—but I thank you for the sentiment.”

“Damn, Gracie.” Aubrey’s eyes are wide as he stares at her. “You’ve even left me speechless.”

She giggles, her face flushing. “Okay, enough about me. We should be focusing on Remy, not me.”

“No, I’m okay with us focusing on you, Gracie.” I grin before turning back to Santiago. “I hear what you’re saying. I still believe your actions will speak louder than your words. This is the only warning I’ll give. This isn’t something I will put up with. If it happens again, you’re gone.”

He bows his head. “I understand, and I appreciate your candor.”

“I’m glad you all worked that out. You had Tessa and I quite worked up, Santiago.”

I startle at the sound of Bree’s voice, finding her standing just inside the doorway with Tessa. “I think the two of you need bells. You’re very good at sneaking up on people.”

“I wasn’t trying to sneak up on you, but I did want to let you know it’s time for you guys to head out on your date.”

I push to my feet, nodding. “I know, I know. We don’t want to waste the business owner’s time. Thank you for allowing us the time to work through this issue on our own.”

Bree nods. “We’re not here to interfere unless it’s needed. Now, go. Enjoy your date, and remember, you only have one last set of suitors to meet and then the good stuff begins.”

“Yeah, I’m not going to stress myself out over that just yet, but thanks, Bree.” Turning my attention back to my suitors, I find they’re all standing as well. “Shall we head out?”

Nolan steps forward, offering me his arm. “I will escort you outside, if you’ll allow it.”

“I will. Thank you, kind sir.” I smile when I slip my arm through his. Not everyone would offer another man their arm—even an omega. Even after all this time, we’re still dealing with things like gender normativity, and I appreciate when someone acts outside of those expectations.

Lucas and Mike wait beside the SUV as the five of us climb inside. Today, Lucas is driving as we head further into Rancho Mirage.

Unlike previous days, we spend the car ride in near silence. It’s not exactly comfortable, but it causes far less discomfort than the previous night had. I think we’re all trying to figure out how to move forward after this morning.

When we stop outside of Raven’s Nest, Mike jumps out and heads inside.

“Raven’s Nest?” Gracie asks with a smile. “Based on the name, I’d guess it’s a new age store, but something tells me you wouldn’t be bringing us on a date to a new age store.”

I snicker. “You’d be right on that. I don’t think I’ve ever been inside of one, to be honest. I’m not sure how well this particular date is going to go, but I chose something I love for each date. For the first, we went to an arcade. The second was trivia, and the third was a cooking class. I know Aubrey will enjoy it, but I think the rest of you will need to go into it with an open mind.”

“I think we can do that. Right, Santiago? Nolan?” Gracie leans forward in her seat, so she can see the two of them who are sitting in the middle row.

“After this morning, I think that’s the only way I can go into this at all,” Santiago says gruffly, his spruce, black pepper, and bergamot scent letting me know how much he regrets his earlier actions just as much as his words do. “Even if it turns out to be something I don’t enjoy, I like that you’re sharing a part of yourself with us.”

Nolan glances over his shoulder and nods. “It sounds like you put a lot of thought into the dates you planned. The least we can do is try.”

“You’re all clear to exit the vehicle and head inside,” Lucas calls back, and when I look up, I find his eyes watching me carefully.

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