Page 59 of Knot His Reality

“Remy,” a voice calls quietly.

Swiveling my head, eyes wide as they land on Reginald, who’s approaching me slowly. I already know I’m sinking into a panic attack, my breaths coming out in pants as the realization of how badly this could go swims around in my head.

There have been seasons where there have been physical fights between suitors. I wouldn’t even begin to know how to handle that if it happened, and I’m not an omega who is into gratuitous violence.

I don’t want anyone to get hurt. I don’t want any fights—whether they be verbal or physical. I just want everyone to get along, but that’s not logical. No one is going to get along with everyone else.

“Remy, what’s going on?” Reginald asks, lifting his hand to wave someone over.

My eyes lock with his, and I can’t look away. Right now, he’s the only thing keeping me from losing it altogether.

I don’t even look away when I feel my hand being lifted and placed on his chest. I feel the beating of his heart beneath my fingers and tilt my head as if I can hear it through my ears.

My eyes drop to his chest, watching it rise and fall as sounds begin to rush back in.

Finally, I blink before sighing. “Damn it. I did it again.”

Reginald snorts—in a very unrefined manner, might I add—just as Finn appears beside him.

Finn gives me an appraising look. “It seems you pulled yourself out.”

“Technically, Reginald did, but yes. I’m okay now.”

“Let’s talk about what was going on inside your head that made you panic,” he says as Reginald steps back and my hand falls back to my side. “We need to figure out what’s triggering you.”

Now, it’s my turn to snort. “I already know what triggered me. I’ve been anxious about meeting the last set of suitors because of how the initial group meeting with yesterday’s suitors went. I’m not a fan of confrontation, but sometimes, you just have no choice. Since I already confronted Santiago and Nolan today, I really don’t want to have to do it again. Things just kind of spiraled from there.”

Finn hums. “I’m glad you know what’s causing the issues for you, but we need to work out a way for you to communicate that you’re struggling while it’s happening so we can help you.”

“And that’s the hard part because I don’t always realize it’s happening until the panic attack has started.” Running a hand down my face, I bite back another sigh. Getting frustrated with myself isn’t going to help anything. “But I’m happy to work with you if you can think of anything that’ll help—afterI meet my suitors and go on my date tomorrow. I know I’ve ignored my mental health more than I should have, but if I put it off, it’s just going to get worse.”

“If you’re sure,” Finn begins, trailing off when I nod.

“I’m sure. This is what I need to do. Thank you for respecting me enough to know my own boundaries.” Rolling my neck from side to side before doing the same to my shoulders. “Just tell me when to be in your office, and I’ll be there.”

Finn considers me for a moment before nodding. “Okay. Sunday is for you to get to spend time with the suitors as a group. We can meet in the morning or that night?”

“Earlier is better. I don’t know how early you’re usually up, but I’m an early riser.”

“As long as I don’t wake my omega when I leave the room, I can get up earlier. She isnota fan of mornings.“ Finn snorts. “Why don’t we shoot for eight? If you want, we can have breakfast while we talk.”

“Sounds good.” Done with the conversation, I turn back to the driveway, ready to get the show on the road. “I’m ready.”

“Aye, Remy, I believe you are.” Finn pats my shoulder as he passes by, leaving me with just Reginald once more.

“The limo is already on its way,” Reginald assures me as he moves back to his spot.

It’s interesting how I suddenly feel calm. Don’t get me wrong, I’m still worried about the same things, but they don’t feel so overwhelming now. Is it because an alpha was here? Is it because we set up a meeting? Did I just need to have a panic attack and work myself back from it?

I wish I had an answer.

I don’t have to wait long for the first limo to appear, which seems to wipe away the last of my nerves.

Fates above, my anxiety is so fucking weird.

A woman steps out of the limo, and my first thought is of how poised and confident she seems as she smiles. Her black hair is pulled up into an intricate design of curls and braids, leaving her face framed just a few pieces. Her russet brown skin seems to glimmer beneath the lights, as her dress actually does. It’s a pale pink with gems sewn into it, her lips painted a matching color.

When she stops in front of me, a hint of her scent pierces my nose—lemongrass and something woodsy. Another alpha female. Well, aren’t I the lucky one?

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