Page 96 of Knot His Reality

Within seconds, Eric is behind me while Milo lies in front of me. Victoria lays her head on my pillow but lies the opposite way as she trails her fingers through my hair.

I press my nose into Milo’s shirt as both alphas begin to purr, and just like that, all my worries wash away. I know I should talk to them and let them know what happened, but they’re already lulling me to sleep, and I think that’s what I really need—for them to hold me while I sleep. They’ll keep me safe.

Chapter Twenty-four

Eric

Victoriastraightensmybowtie as I bite back a curse. I’m so over wearing tuxes, and it’s only the end of the third week. As much as I’m hoping to be here for the remainder of the season, I’m not looking forward to having to wear this damn thing every Saturday. At least it’s only it’s not more often than that.

“Stop fidgeting, Eric.” Victoria cups my cheek. “I know you hate wearing it, but it’s only for like an hour. Plus, you look very dashing.”

“That doesn’t make it any better, but thank you.” Leaning down, I kiss her—albeit carefully because if I smear her lipstick, I’ll never hear the end of it. “You look amazing.”

She grins up at me, but I can tell how uncomfortable she is about the compliment. I try to limit how often I praise her on her appearance because it makes her so uncomfortable, but I refuse to stop completely. I like to recognize when she puts in the effort like she did today.

She’s wearing a sexy red satin dress that drapes across her figure perfectly. She looks like the queen she is, and she should know that.

“Let me guess,” Milo says as he sweeps into the room. “You told her how she looked?”

I smirk because our beta knows both of us so well. He swoops in to kiss her before booping her on the nose. “You’re hot as hell, Vic, and we’re never going to stop telling you that. Just know we love you for more than your looks. That’s all that’s important.”

We’re separated from the other suitors by a few feet. Not because we don’t want to interact with them but because there’s a weird energy in the air. Everyone seems to be a little on edge.

Remy never explained to us what happened on his date with Taylor, falling asleep almost immediately once we settled into his nest. Then when we woke up this morning, he had us join him for breakfast in his sitting room, where he thanked us and let us know he was going to see Finn as soon as he finished eating.

None of us wanted to press him for information, so we let it go. Once we joined the other suitors, there was already tension in the air, and it seemed to originate with Taylor. I know Milo tried talking to Camila and Brooke about it, but they just said she started spewing shit, so they walked away. They wouldn’t tell us what she was saying, but I can imagine.

I would never hit a woman, but I kind of want to send Victoria over there to rearrange her face.

As the doors to the ballroom open, we move closer to the others. Reginald is walking arm in arm with Tessa while Remington and Bree trail them, also arm in arm. I’m a little surprised to see all four of them making their way on stage, and I can’t help wondering if it has anything to do with Taylor.

Once they reach the table holding the vase of roses, Reginald steps forward. “Good evening, suitors and viewers. It’s Saturday night, which means it’s time for our third rose ceremony. As I’m sure you’ve noticed, Bree and Tessa have joined me and Remington on stage. The two of them have an announcement to share with you before we continue with the ceremony.”

“Hello, everyone,” Tessa says with a smile. “We recently received a phone call from Remington’s older sister, Emilia. She is being honored in their hometown of Wilde for her charity work. She hoped that Remington would be able to attend, which can be hard considering we’re filming, but we worked it all out.”

Bree takes over for her. “The ceremony is next Friday, so we’re heading to Wilde for the week. Anyone who makes it through the ceremony will join us as we head to the small town about forty-five minutes outside of San Diego. You’ll have a chance to see where Remington grew up and to meet his family. We’ll be leaving tomorrow afternoon as it’s a two-hour drive. Luckily, it’s a vacation destination, so we’ve rented a cabin for the week.”

“Remington, the stage is all yours,” Tessa says with a nod, the two of them moving to stand behind Reginald.

“Taylor Larkin, if you’ll please join us on the stage.”

All eyes turn to the woman, who’s standing at the front of the suitors with her arms crossed over her chest. She doesn’t move from her spot as she glares up at the stage—not that they can see her with the bright lights illuminating.

Reginald’s smile falters as he repeats, “Taylor, please make your way to the stage.”

When she doesn’t immediately move, I wonder if she’s planning to outright refuse as murmurs spill from the other suitors. Finally, she drops her arms and heads for the stage, but she’s definitely taking her sweet ass time.

Yeah, I really should’ve sent Victoria after her.

No, wait. That would’ve been bad because we’d have been kicked off.

Remington looks so uncomfortable as he shifts from foot to foot as he waits. When she finally joins him, he clears her throat. “Taylor, clearly things didn’t go the way either of us expected—“

She cuts him off with a shake of her head. “You mean when you threw an omega tantrum before stomping out of the restaurant, leaving me there alone and embarrassed?”

His head jerks back as if he was struck. “Excuse me?”

“What? You don’t like being called out? Did you think I was going to let you pin the blame on me?” She scoffs. “As if I would allow you to sully my reputation like that.”

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