Page 56 of Knot His Reality

His scent tells me he’s a beta.

“I’m Aubrey, a day four suitor, obviously, and this is Gracie.”

The other man from the couch wanders over, offering me his hand. “Quinn.”

Without even scenting him, I can tell this man is an alpha. He’s almost as tall as I am, but I still have a couple of inches on him.

“I recognize you from somewhere,” I say with a frown, eyes running over his face as I try to place it, but it seems just out of reach.

“He’s an actor,” Milo says with a grin. “That’s probably why you recognize him.”

I stare at Quinn for a moment longer before shrugging. “I guess that’s it.”

But even as I say it, it doesn’t feel right. I think it’s from something else. It’ll come to me, eventually.

“It’s nice to meet both of you.” Gracie smiles as she looks around the room. “There’s so much to do in here.”

Milo shrugs. “It’s something, at least. I just can’t wait until we move around the house freely. We hung out by the pool today, and it was amazing. It’s times like this, I love living in California. Where the hell else can you lay by a pool during winter?”

“There are actually a few places whose temperatures are temperate enough to be able to do just that,” I tell him, wincing when I realize I sound like a know-it-all. “Ugh, just ignore me. I know a lot of random facts and they just spew out of me at random intervals. You’ll get used to it.”

“Hey, I’m all for learning new things,” Milo offers with a smile. “Do you want to meet a few of the others? Rhys should be back any minute now—he just ran to his room to grab something. He’s the only one of us who’s rooming up here with you. Daniel and Lee both decided they wanted a nap, but I’m sure they’ll join us soon.”

Gracie beams up at him. “I’d love to meet everyone else. Thank you for offering.”

Her smile only grows when Milo offers her his arms and leads her toward the bar. Quinn and I fall into step behind them.

“So, an actor, huh?”

Quinn shrugs. “It pays the bills, and it’s something I’m good at. I don’t know if I’ll be able to do it forever since Hollywood is fickle, but I might as well do it while I can.”

“Hey, if I could act, I’d be doing the same thing.” I pause, glancing at him again. “I really don’t think I recognize you because you’re an actor. I think it’s something else.”

“Yeah, you look familiar, too, and since you’re not an actor, that’s clearly not it.”

I snort, nodding. “It’s like it’s right there on the tip of my tongue, but I just can’t quite say it. Or see it. Whatever.”

Before Quinn can respond, Milo calls out to us. “Are you coming?”

“He is very excitable. You’ll get used to him,” Quinn says with a soft smile as he gazes at the beta.

I shake my head. “I don’t think there’s anything to get used to. He seems like a cool guy.”

Quinn nods. “He really is.”

Joining them at the bar, I find Milo leaning his head on the shoulder of the man who’s sitting there. He’s a big guy. He’s not quite as tall as I am, but he’s a lot more built than I am. His face remains stoic as we approach them, but it’s clear he’s watching us.

“This is my pack, Eric and Victoria. Victoria is our head alpha. This is Gracie and Aubrey.”

I shake Victoria’s hand first. Her peach, mango, and sandalwood confirm she’s an alpha, but I would never have guessed her designation based on looks alone. She’s gorgeous. There’s no doubt about that. From her long dark hair to her pale green eyes, it all draws attention. She’s tall and lithe, her body a work of art.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Aubrey.” Victoria releases my hand before offering it to Gracie. “And you, Gracie. Welcome.”

Tearing my eyes off her, I find Eric watching me with a smirk. He’s also an alpha, and based on his reaction, he’s used to people staring at his pack mate.

I laugh and offer my hand to him. “It’s nice to meet you.”

“And you. Don’t worry, you get more used to her beauty the longer you’re around her,” he says, just loud enough for me to pick up. “Not that she’s not always gorgeous, but it’s like immersion therapy—the more you’re around her, the less you notice.”

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