Page 107 of Knot His Reality

Like yesterday, the other suitors and the crew are enjoying time at the park too. They keep their distance, though I see Eric and Victoria more than once, and I know they’re checking on me. They never interrupt us, but they always make sure I see them. It’s sweet.

I find Lee sitting outside the lion exhibit a little while later, and I lower myself onto the bench beside him. “They’re beautiful, aren’t they?”

“They are,” he agrees. “They’re also at the top of the food chain. I’ve heard some alphas claim to be lions themselves—bunch of assholes. As if any human could compete with them.”

“I never really thought about it like that,” I respond. “Do you not get along with other alphas?”

I don’t know what makes me ask. It just pops out of my mouth.

He shrugs. “I wouldn’t say that. It’s only alphas who think they’re better than everyone else that I tend to not get along with. I’ve got a cousin like that. He used his bark on me to prove he was stronger than me. Technically, his alpha is stronger, but he likes to brag about it every time our family gets together. I’m aware I’m not the strongest alpha there is, but I don’t think that makes me less than.”

“Neither do I. I also don’t think that the strength of your designation proves your strength of character. We’re all so much more than our designations. I’m so tired of people thinking that our designations are the be-all and end-all.” I suck in a breath before shooting him an apologetic look. “I’m sorry. I have some strong opinions.”

“Don’t apologize for that. I feel the same way.” Lee’s smile is soft. “It’s nice hearing that we share that.”

Guilt hits me. Once again, here’s another suitor who’s fallen through the cracks.

“I’m sorry if I haven’t spent enough time with you, Lee.”

He shakes his head. “No. You also don’t get to apologize for that. You’re juggling a lot of people right now. It’s not like I haven’t had chances to speak to you or that you’ve ignored me. We just haven’t clicked like you have with some of the others. There’s nothing wrong with that. You were never going to choose everyone for your pack, were you?”

I snort. “Definitely not.”

“Okay then. That means you have nothing to feel sorry for. You’ve been spending time with people who you’ve felt a connection with. I would never hold that against you. I’m enjoying my time on the show. I’ve made some good friends so far. And this week has been really fun too. I can’t believe you grew up here. I’m surprised you ever left.”

“I went to LA for school and just never left. I’m sure I could find a job here if I really wanted, but LA feels like home. It was great growing up here, and I should visit more often, but it’s not home anymore.” I sigh.

“Going home isn’t always easy, so I understand,” Lee says as he pushes to his feet. “Come on, there are more animals to look at than the lions. We should probably catch up with the others.”

Talking to Lee was nice, but it also makes me realize he’s right. I don’t feel a spark with him. That doesn’t mean one can’t grow—they’re not always instant—but I’m unsure if keeping him on the show would be a good thing or not. I’ll definitely need to talk to my pack mates about it because it’s not just about me anymore, is it?

“There you are.” Camila grins as we rejoin them. “I know I was really excited about the big cats—the lions were awesome, by the way—but I’m kind of in love with the elephants.”

“I can’t pick a favorite animal,” I admit. “Every time I try to, I think of another one I love. I just love them all.”

Aubrey joins us, grinning. “That’s kind of adorable, but I’m not surprised since you’re pretty damn adorable.”

I duck my head, grinning as I flush. “Thanks.”

“I hear we have quite the long walk ahead of us,” Quinn says. “We should keep moving. I’m beginning to agree with Remy. All the animals here are amazing.”

“Lots and lots of walking,” I agree. “There’s definitely a lot more amazing stuff to see.”

As we begin walking, Camila and Aubrey remain at my sides. They both keep grabbing my arm to point something out or bumping into me as we walk, and it’s setting my nerves on edge. Each touch turns me on more and more until I feel like I’m going to explode. I used enough scent blockers that my perfume shouldn’t be noticeable—especially since we’re outside—but if this continues, everyone in the zoo is going to be able to smell me.

“I need to use the bathroom,” I yell entirely too loudly as I step away from them. “Sorry, I probably didn’t need to announce that so loudly. Umm…I’ll be right back.”

Hurrying away, I duck into the closest bathroom and gasp in a breath before moving to the sinks to splash water on my face. I jump when the door swings open, not expecting anyone to have followed me. I relax when I see it’s Milo.

“What’s wrong, baby?” he asks with a smirk. “Feeling a little…hot?”

“Fuck off, asshole,” I growl. “I just needed a break.”

He chuckles. “To jerk off? I can only imagine. If they were both touching me like they were you, I’d need to relieve some pressure, too. That’s why I followed you. I thought I could help you out with that.”

“I’m not letting you jerk me off in a public restroom,” I tell him with a roll of my eyes.

“No one’s going to interrupt us. Our alphas are outside, guarding the doors.” He stalks toward me, and I don’t know why I’m fighting this. “I’ll take care of you, baby, but first, maybe we should talk about this?”

---