Page 77 of Knot His Reality

I feel kind of like a dick for making them talk to him, but I’m not going to lie for them. I’m sure Remington will be happy for them.

“What’s going on over there?” Brooke asks as she swims over, and I shrug.

“They’re letting Remy know they’ve already connected with one another—or at least, that better be what they’re doing.”

Brooke swims over to the edge, holding herself in place as she stares at them. When she glances over her shoulder, I see fear in her eyes. “He won’t be mad, right? He said we could make connections among one another, but I know it’s an omega’s prerogative to change their mind. Gracie is so sweet. I don’t want her to get hurt.”

“Ummm…” I blink at her, wondering where the confident woman I’ve come to know is. “I don’t think Remy is going to get mad about something like this. Are you okay, Brooke?”

I watch as a tear skims down her cheek, even more confused.

“Yeah. I just…It’s fine.” Without another word, she swims away, and all I can do is stare after her.

What the hell was that all about?

Chapter Nineteen

Remington

I’mfeelingprettygoodabout today. The ice-breaker helped all of us open up about ourselves, and I feel like I know each of the suitors a little better.

My session with Finn went well enough this morning. I did a lot of talking and then we talked about some different ways to deal with my panic attacks. I don’t think we really did anything super deep today, but it makes me feel better knowing he’s there to support me.

Reaching behind me, I pull my shirt over my head and toss it onto the lounge chair. I was a little surprised that all nineteen suitors came downstairs to the basement pool with me, but I could already feel a headache brewing behind my eyes from being outside in the sun for so long.

The sun might give us nutrients we need to survive, but the headaches I get from being outside for long periods of time aren’t worth it.

“Hey, Remy. Can we talk to you for a minute?”

Turning at the sound of Gracie’s soft voice, I smile when I see her and Rhys standing there. “Of course. Why don’t we go over to the table in the corner? It should be far enough away from the others that they won’t be able to overhear us.”

“That would be great, Remington. Thank you.”

I wrinkle my nose at Rhys’s formality as I lead them to the table and sit. “So what’s going on?”

Gracie and Rhys look at one another for a moment before Gracie slips her hand into the alpha’s. It seems to give Rhys the confidence he needs as he straightens his shoulders and faces me.

“Gracie and I wanted to talk to you because the two of us have a connection. It was instant, and we weren’t able to ignore it. We know it would have been best if we could’ve talked to you about it first, but that time has passed.” He takes a deep breath. “I hope you won’t hold it against us, but this kind of thing doesn’t happen often and neither of us is willing to give up the other.”

I lean back in the chair, considering them. Even before they were holding hands, they drifted toward one another. It wouldn’t have taken me long to pick up the connection. They could’ve tried to hide it from me, but instead, they made sure to come to me straight away.

It’s not like I care if the suitors are interested in one another or what they do about it. But when it becomes serious, like I think it is between Gracie and Rhys, they become a package deal. That isn’t necessarily going to be a good thing. But I won’t hold it against them.

How can I?

We love who we love, and I’m never going to stand in the way of that.

“I appreciate you letting me know. I’m glad you’ve found each other, but this does bring up some questions.” I pause, trying to figure out how to phrase the most important one. “Do you still wish to remain on the show? Are you still interested in having an omega? Do you still want to be considered for my pack?”

“Of course we do.” Gracie’s eyes are wide as she leans forward. Of all the suitors, Gracie is the one I don’t think I ever have to worry about hiding how she feels about anything. She seems to wear her feelings on her sleeve purposefully, and I love that. “What Rhys and I have found is just the beginning. We’re meant to be with one another, but it won’t just be us. We were meant to be part of a pack. We won’t know if we’re meant to be a part of your pack unless we give it a try, will we?”

I nod, smiling. “You’re right. Rhys?”

The alpha flashes me a smile. “I’m still just as interested in getting to know you now as I was when I arrived. This thing with me and Gracie? It was unexpected.”

“I’m sure.” I snort, shaking my head. “Just to be clear, you know this will tie your fates together. If this is what you truly want, I won’t separate the two of you. I will act as if you’re a pack—albeit an unbonded one—from here forward. If I decide I don’t want one of you, then the other will be sent home as well.”

They share another look before nodding.

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