Page 78 of Knot His Reality

“We understand, Remy. Thank you.” Gracie stands, moving around the table so she can lay a hand on my cheek. “You are such a kind soul. Not everyone would be as understanding as you’ve been. I believe you’ll find everything you need from your pack here. You will live a happy and fulfilled life, helping others find their happiness as well.”

A shiver runs down my spine at her words, tears prickling behind my eyes.

Why did that sound like more than just a guess?

I can’t seem to break away from her stare, losing myself in her brown eyes until she blinks and looks away. “Thank you again.”

Rhys takes her hand as she reaches him and the two start to head back to the others, coming to a stop when Brooke rushes up to them.

“What did he say? Is he kicking you off? Was he unkind? He said we could mingle with the suitors, but sometimes omegas lie. Please tell me you’re staying.”

I’m already pushing to my feet and hurrying over. “Brooke?”

Her pale jade green eyes are wild as they meet mine. “You didn’t hurt them, did you?”

“He didn’t hurt us, Brooke.” Gracie reaches out and lays a hand on the other woman’s arm. “Remy wouldn’t do that.”

Brooke shakes her head. “He said he wouldn’t, but omegas are allowed to change their minds. Their word is law. We can’t argue even when they gave us permission before.”

I don’t think this actually has anything to do with me—which makes me feel a little better. I would hate it if Brooke really thought I would harm someone.

“Hey, Brooke,” I say softly as I pull her into my arms. “You’re right, I told you it would be okay to be involved with the other suitors, and I haven’t changed my mind. I’m happy for Gracie and Rhys. They’re going to remain on the show until I know if they’ll be a good fit or not—just like the rest of you.”

I press a kiss to her forehead, noting how badly she’s shaking in my arms. When I pull back, she’s staring up at me with wide eyes. I don’t think simply hearing the words from me is going to settle whatever has her so rattled.

“Why don’t we step out for a few minutes so you can settle down without everyone else watching? Finn’s office is just down the hall. I’m sure he’s still there.” I hope like hell he’s still there. “It’s really cozy in there, and we can talk about this. How does that sound?”

“I…uhhh…” Brooke glances around, noticing she’s caught the attention of most of the other suitors and wincing. “Yeah, that might be a good idea.”

Gracie’s hand falls away as I lead us toward the door, but I pause when she calls out, “Do you want me or someone else to come with you, Brooke?”

“No. I’m okay. Thank you.” Brooke buries her face in my bare chest, her face flushing.

I hurry us from the room, and Brooke doesn’t relax until we’re in the hallway. I slow our pace as I lead her to Finn’s office. I knock, hoping he’s still inside.

It takes a moment but the door swings open to reveal a confused Finn as he glances between me and Brooke. “Is everything okay?”

“Brooke and I need to have a conversation about something that just happened, and I think it might be better if you’re here for it.” I beg him with my eyes to understand. I don’t know what I’m dealing with when it comes to Brooke and how she just reacted, but if there’s anyone who can help her, it’s Finn. That’s why he’s here, after all.

“Of course. Of course.” He steps back, gesturing for us to come inside. “Bring the lass to the loveseat and sit with her. My office is always a little colder than the rest of the building, so I’ll grab a blanket for you.”

Right. Because Brooke is in a tiny scrap of a bikini, and I’m just wearing swim trunks.

I walk over to the loveseat, waiting until Finn returns and drops a blanket onto the leather before sitting. I pull Brooke down with me and wrap us in the second blanket Finn offers me.

“Better?” he asks, glancing between the two of us. He lets out a sigh when Brooke nods. “Okay, then. Why don’t we start with what happened?”

When Brooke remains quiet, I fill him in on the situation with Rhys and Gracie before moving on to Brooke’s reaction.

Finn runs a hand over his beard. “Aye, I can see how this would cause some concern. Brooke, has Remington ever given you a reason to believe that he would hurt you or any of the suitors? I’m not just talking about physically but verbally as well.”

“No. Of course not.” She shakes her head, refusing to meet my eyes as I glance down at her.

“Good. That’s very good. But there’s a reason you responded the way you did.” Finn leans forward, waiting to see if she’ll speak. When she doesn’t, he just nods. “I know it can be hard to talk about traumatic events in our past, but we cannot move past them if we do not. If it would be easier for you, we can ask Remington to leave.”

“No.” Brooke clings to my arms as she shakes her head. “No, I want him to stay.”

Finn hums. “That’s good. I believe it will benefit him to hear what you have to say. Do you think you can tell us?”

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