Page 69 of Knot His Reality

But I understand needing the drama of the ceremony for the show. It’s honestly brilliant, and I’ve loved every minute of watching the ceremonies on television. The problem is this won’t be watching it on a screen as an observer. Nope, just me and nineteen suitors awaiting their fate.

Anxiety has been gnawing at my stomach since I woke up and keeping me from enjoying a full dinner. I had plenty of time and could have joined the suitors for dinner, but I couldn’t bring myself to leave my suite. I already know which rose I’ll be choosing for each of the suitors, but part of me is afraid I’ll tell them before the actual ceremony.

Now, I’m sitting in the sitting area and chewing on my thumbnail as I wait for Tessa and Bree to come get me. I’m not allowed to go to the ballroom on my own because there’s a chance I’ll run into one of the suitors, and we have to remain separated until after the ceremony.

Another thing I loved about the show but am finding I don’t like as much in person. Such is the way of life—am I right?

I jump to my feet when the knock sounds, hurrying over and throwing the door open. “It’s time?”

“Yes, Remy, it’s time.” It’s clear Bree’s fighting back laughter, and a glance at Tessa reveals she is as well.

Whatever, let them be amused by me. At least I know they don’t think my anxiety is a joke. It’s just my reactions that they find funny. I can accept that.

“Well, let’s do this thing, then,” I demand, stepping out of my suite and allowing the door to shut behind me. “Is it bad that I’m nervous?”

Bree shakes her head. “Of course not. It’s normal to be nervous. This is your first rose ceremony, and we know you’re a little more anxious than the average person. I think I’d be more worried if you weren’t nervous.”

I nod. “That’s a good point. Don’t worry. I’m so nervous, I’m sweating like a stuck pig. It’s all good.”

“Good to know.” Tessa attempts to hide her snickering behind her hand, but she’s not fooling me.

“There’s this season’s omega.” Finn’s loud, accented voice brings a smile to my face.

“What are you doing here, Finn? You don’t usually attend the ceremonies, do you?”

He shakes his head. “Nope. I’ve been through enough of them to know I don’t want to go through anymore. We just thought it would be better for me to be on hand since this can be an especially stressful time. If you don’t need me, then great, but it’s better I’m here if you do.”

“Thank you—all of you.” I glance around the group as Reginald joins us. “You’ve been very accommodating with me and my anxiety when you didn’t need to be. It means a lot to me and shows just how much you care about the people you bring on the show.”

“Well, shit.” Bree sniffles, swiping her hands across her cheeks, but her tears keep falling. “I didn’t know you were going to make me cry. Now, I’m going to have to have Allison fix my makeup.”

Tessa snorts. “How about you stop crying before you worry about calling Allison over?”

“I can’t,” Bree wails, and I take a step back, unsure what’s causing her to react this way.

“Holy shit. You’re pregnant again, aren’t you?” Finn exclaims, pointing a finger at Tessa. “You owe me twenty dollars, Tessa. I was right!”

Tessa’s head drops. “Of course she is. Damn it, Bree. Couldn’t you keep their dicks out of you long enough for me to win the bet?”

“You bet on me?” Bree’s tears slowly dry up as she glances between the two of them. “What was the bet?”

Tessa glares at Finn. “Finn said you’d be knocked up again this season, and I said you’d at least wait until your next heat to get pregnant.”

Reginald pulls Bree into a hug. “Ignore the asshole alphas. Congratulations, omega. You’re single-handedly trying to repopulate the world.”

“Asshole.” Bree shoves him again, batting at his hands as he laughs. “This is only our third.”

“And most people struggle to have one,” I butt in with a smile.

The look Bree shoots Tessa is full of regret, but she waves off her friend. “Don’t give me that look. I might not be able to have kids, but the rest of my pack can. Natalie is already pregnant, and at the rate we’re going, the others will be knocked up by the end of the year. They might not come out of my vagina, but that doesn’t make them any less mine.”

Reginald shakes his head, a look of disgust on his face. “I do not want to hear about your vagina ever again. I’m glad everyone’s packs are having babies, but how about we focus on this season’s omega, yeah?”

“I mean, I was happy to let them keep going,” I admit with a small smile. “They’re a great distraction from worrying about making a fool of myself in front of the suitors.”

“You’re going to be fine, omega. Don’t forget, the best part of these ceremonies is we can start over if we need to. It’s not like the candid camera footage that’s used from the mansion’s cameras.” Reginald offers me a smile. “Now, how about we head in there and get this show on the road?”

I nod, my head continuing to bob as he offers me his arm. I just can’t seem to make my body stop its movements so I just go with it as Bree opens the door and Reginald leads me inside.

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