Page 85 of Knot His Reality

It didn’t feel like they were lying, but they must be because something caused Remington’s scent to smell burnt.

It is not a scent I wish to smell. He smells delicious when he is happy, but when he is angry or upset, I want to destroy the world to make him feel better. It is more an alpha trait than a beta one, but I am my brother’s twin. Surely, some of his alpha instincts exist inside of me, even if I don’t share his designation.

“Welcome back to our suitors and viewers,” Reginald says with a smile. It’s not a genuine smile—just one he uses for the show and acting. I’m sure most people can’t tell the difference because they’ve never seen the smile he gives his pack mates. “We’re wrapping up the second week ofHeated’sfourth season tonight with the second rose ceremony of the season. Remington, why don’t you tell us a little about how you think the week went?”

Remy moves to stand beside Reginald, but he’s not nearly as comfortable with all the attention being on him as the beta is. He hides it well, and it’s only small tells I pick up on—the stutter of his breath, the jerk of his hands, and the forced smile—that allows me to realize it. Most people would assume he’s completely at ease as he talks about the different dates from the week and getting to spend time with all nineteen suitors.

“You’ve definitely been a busy man.” Reginald hums, his smile never faltering. “Now, it’s time for you to hand out the roses. Would you like to explain how you’ve chosen to have the suitors called to the stage?”

“Yes, I decided this week you will all be called up based on the color rose you were given during the first ceremony, although there are a large number of you who I gave lavender and yellow roses to, so you’ll be split up.” He moves to stand next to the table, holding the vase of roses. Unlike the first ceremony, there are various colored roses mixed together in a single vase. I’m assuming it’s so it’ll be harder to guess which color Remington is choosing for each suitor.

“First up, Remington would like to welcome to the stage the following suitors: Brooke, Lee, Quinn, and Camila. If the four of you will join us.”

I squeeze Camila’s shoulder, offering her a warm smile as she glances back at me. Brooke grabs her hand and the two of them cling to one another as they make their way onto the stage.

“Even though I didn’t invite any of you on a date last week, I need you to know my thoughts were still with you.” Remington smiles, looking more relaxed as he faces the four of them. “I also know we managed to find some time this week to talk. I’m hoping to continue that this week. Brooke and Camila, I’d love for each of you to join me on a solo date this week. Quinn and Lee? I’d like you to join me on one of the group dates.”

As I watch Brooke and Camila each take a peach rose, I find myself smiling once more. I’m very happy for the woman who’s become like a sister to me. I believe she and Remington will be a great fit if he’s able to see her outside of the crowd of other suitors. She’s an amazing, hardworking woman, and I don’t think it’ll take him long to see what I do.

“Congratulations,” I whisper when the two of them rejoin us, nodding toward Lee and Quinn, where they stand at the far side of the suitors. They each return the nod before our attention returns to the stage.

“Next, we’d like to invite Aubrey, Nolan, and Ian to the stage.”

Remington passes out a lavender rose to each of the men before they make their way back to us.

Santiago and Daniel are called next as the two who received the peach roses. I don’t like how Remy’s smile dims as they approach.

“One of the reasons I asked each of you on a solo date with me is because I wanted to get to know you better as individuals. Daniel, you were unlucky enough to arrive on the same day as Pack Hawthorne, who I feel like overpowered your presence. I was hoping that by spending time with just you, I’d be able to learn the kind of man you are. And I did—even if you weren’t the man I thought you’d be.” Remington extends his hand to Daniel, holding a black rose out to him. “I’m sorry to say, I don’t believe you will be a good match for the pack I’m building, but thank you for joining us.”

It looks like Daniel wants to argue as he stares at Remington’s hand, but he ends up snapping his mouth shut as he snatches the rose from him and stomps off the stage. Glancing at my brother, we share a look. The alpha might be throwing a fit, but if he tries to do anything more, we will put ourselves between him and the others.

Remington clears his throat. “Santiago, there were some issues with the group that arrived with you that first night. I didn’t feel fully comfortable bringing it up with all of you that morning, but I did. I feel like everyone handled it well, and I knew I wouldn’t have to hold that incident against any of you. I asked you on a solo date because I felt like a lot of that confrontation still colored our group date, and I wanted to see how you would act when it was just the two of us.

“The date you chose was creative, and I really enjoyed it—until I didn’t. You brought me on a date where you didn’t expect me to speak to you. Where you made your annoyance clear to me about me having food delivered during the movie. Yes, I wanted to share something with you that you loved, but how were we meant to get to know one another?”

Santiago frowns. “That’s not…I just…I didn’t realize,” he finally says, and Remy nods.

“You’re right. You didn’t. You didn’t even realize I was upset when I said I was ready to return to the compound. Even when I blew you off once we made it back, I don’t think you realized I was upset. Yes, I could’ve communicated what I was feeling better, but you should’ve been able to tell something was bothering me. I needed you to see it.” When Remington pulls his other arm from behind his back, he’s holding another black rose. “I’m sorry, Santiago. While I believe you are a good man, you’re not the man I need for my pack.”

The alpha nods slowly, a sad smile on his face. “You’re right, omega, I should’ve noticed. I’m sorry I didn’t. I might not have been on the show for very long, but it—and you—have shown me there are some things I need to work on about myself. I thank you for the opportunity, and I wish you all the happiness when you decide on which of these lucky suitors will be a part of your pack.”

He takes the rose gently, leaning over to press a kiss to Remington’s cheek before leaving the stage. Remy stares after him before his eyes fall shut. He straightens his shoulders and when his eyes fall open, he nods to Reginald.

Reginald clears his throat, his smile having dimmed slightly. “So that just leaves those of you who were given a lavender rose last week. Will Pack Hawthorne please join Remington on stage?”

My eyes find Victoria, Milo, and Eric, watching as they make their way to the stage. I like the three of them well enough. It’s hard not to like Milo. He’s in a league of his own. He’s a blatant flirt who’s the life of the party. He’s the kind of guy that gets along with everyone until you give him a reason not to. I don’t think I’d like to see Milo lose his temper.

Victoria and Eric are more reserved than their beta, but I’m used to my stoic brother. I know how to wait out people and how to get them to talk to you. Our conversations might not have been soul-deep, but I feel confident that they’re good people.

Which is probably a good thing since I know Remington is head over heels for them already. I’ve seen him watching them with hearts in his eyes on more than one occasion. It’s cute. It even made Nikolai smile.

“Pack Hawthorne. We’ve already talked some about how we felt an instant connection, and I still believe that to be true.” Remy clears his throat, looking slightly uncomfortable as he shifts from foot to foot. “I never thought I’d be announcing this on television for the masses, but here we are. There’s one important piece of chemistry that hasn’t been tested with us, and that’s something I’d like to explore with you. This is an important part of choosing my pack because while relationships are about so much more than sex, that’s still important—especially for an omega. This is why I’m offering the three of you a white rose and asking you to join me in my suite tonight.”

“No take-backs,” Milo says, snatching the rose from Remington, rubbing it along his cheek as he grins at the omega.

“Seriously, Milo?” Victoria hisses with a shake of her head before she focuses back on Remington. “If this is what you want, then I would be honored to join you.”

Eric nods. “Me as well. And you already know what you’re getting into with Milo, so I won’t apologize for him.”

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