Page 117 of Knot His Reality

I sigh, deflating. “I’m going to be sent home tonight, aren’t I?”

He shrugs. “I do not know. Nikolai and I could be sent home. We could all end up staying. We have no way to know. I just want you to know I see your beauty.”

“That would mean more if you were interested in me as more than just a friend, Alexei, but I appreciate it.”

He considers me as I walk toward him, needing to put on my heels so we can head to the ballroom. I don’t want to make us late. I’m always the last one to arrive.

I frown when he doesn’t move out of my way. “Alexei?”

Alexei reaches out and cups my cheek before leaning in for a kiss. I’m so surprised, I just stand there for a moment. When he goes to pull back, I grasp his shirt and tug him toward me. Opening my mouth for him, our tongues slide against one another.

When he pulls back, I just blink up at him while he grins. “Was good kiss.”

“It was a good kiss,” I agree. “Now, I need to get my shoes on so we can get down there.”

“Finally,” Nikolai grumps. “No time for kisses, brother. We cannot be late.”

Alexei chuckles. “There is always time for kisses.”

My face flushes as I duck my head. I grab my shoes off the floor and pull them on quickly. I’m not sure how I feel about Alexei kissing me.

Obviously, he and his brother are hot—I’m neither blind nor stupid. I wasn’t lying when I said it was a good kiss, but it was…missing something. He’s not meant to be mine.

I’m also not sure if he’s meant to be Remington’s, but that’s not my decision to make.

“I’m ready.” Standing, I hurry to the door with the twins following me out. We run into Ian, Quinn, and Pack Woods in the hallway. “Oh, am I not running as behind as usual?”

Alexei wraps his arm around my waist, tugging me to his side. “No. We arrive early to make sure we not late.”

“Asshole,” I hiss, glaring at Nikolai.

The others laugh and head for the stairs, Alexei and I falling to the back of the group.

“Look, Alexei. I feel like I talked you into kissing me, and it really was a nice kiss, but I…I don’t think we’re meant to be more than friends.”

He looks relieved. “That is good to hear. I enjoyed kissing you, but I do not see us together.”

“Because your brother can barely stand me?” I ask with raised eyebrows, and he laughs.

“That is one reason. My brother and I intend to share a mate, but it is also because I do not think we are right for each other.”

I pat his chest. “Don’t worry. I haven’t gone and fallen in love with you because of one kiss.”

“I did not think you had. But I am glad we are on same page.”

“We are. I promise.”

We’d slowed while we were talking, but we catch up to the others just outside the ballroom.

“Brooke isn’t rushing in at the last minute?” Tessa laughs. “Good job, boys.”

“Whatever. I always make it, don’t I?”

Bree runs her hand down my arm, her omega scent surrounding me as if she’s trying to make me feel better. It’s sweet but unnecessary. “Of course you do. They just need to understand that sometimes.”

Nikolai offers me his arm, and I take it, a little surprised, as the twins escort me inside. As we stand around talking, I realize why I don’t like arriving early—all we can do is wait until Remy and his pack arrive.

I’m getting antsy—and annoying the hell out of Nikolai, I think—when the doors finally open. It feels strange to be standing here with the other six remaining suitors. We started out with so many more people out here with us, but our numbers have slowly dwindled. I can’t help thinking they’ll lower even more tonight.

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