Page 135 of Knot His Reality

Rolling my eyes, I turn back to the mirror, making sure my bow tie is perfect. Of course it is, since Riley’s the one who tied it. I can tie a regular tie with no problems since I wear them almost daily, but these fucking bow ties always get the better of me.

“You look amazing, Carter—just like you always do. Stop fussing. Let’s head downstairs.”

While he doesn’t use his alpha bark, it’s definitely a demand. One I know I’ll be punished for ignoring if that’s the route I choose. Not that being punished by my alpha is necessarily a bad thing, but I also know he’s right.

Making us late for the ceremony isn’t going to stop it from happening. Bree and Tessa will just end up sending someone up to get us, and neither of us wants that.

“Fine. Fine. Fine. You win. Let’s go.” I start for the door, but Riley stops me.

“I’ll be hopeful enough for both of us, okay?” He leans forward, brushing his lips against mine, and I sigh into the kiss.

Riley’s a damn fine kisser, that’s for sure.

“I’m trying, Ri. I promise I am, and I hope like hell you’re right about this one.” I tug him toward the door. “But we also don’t want to keep an omega waiting. Or two omegas since Bree’s down there as well. I’m so not in the mood to deal with hers and Tessa’s anger tonight. I think we all saw enough of that last night.”

He snorts. “That’s for damn sure. That was a fucking disaster. It looks like everyone managed to patch things up with Remy, and that’s all that really matters.”

“You’re the fucking best, Riley, and Remy would be lucky to have you as an alpha.” I kiss him one last time before opening the door and stepping into the hallway.

“Thank you, Carter. He would be lucky to have you as a beta, too.”

“Da.He would be lucky to have any of us.”

I jump at the sound of Alexei’s voice, turning my head to find him and Nikolai leaning against the wall outside our suite.

“We thought we could go together,” he continues. “Quinn was supposed to meet us, but he not.”

“I’m here,” he calls, coming running up the stairs. “I’m sorry. When the two of you didn’t answer your door, I headed for the ballroom. I was halfway there when I remembered you said we were going to meet up here. My head is a fucking mess right now.”

Riley snorts. “That probably has something to do with the incomplete bond you’re carrying around. Imagine what Remy is dealing with.”

Quinn winces. “I know. I spent most of the day with him to ease some of his discomfort. He was begging me to bite him earlier, and I almost gave in. I’m not a fan of him being in pain.” He pauses, glancing around at the four of us. “We’re all cool, right? I know I haven’t really gotten a chance to talk to all of you since last night…”

“Everything is fine here,” Alexei assures him. “Remington wanted to bite you, so he did. It is omega’s prerogative.”

Nikolai grunts. “You protected him and took care of him when he needed you. You are good alpha. I am happy for you.”

“Thanks, man.”

“Mine and Carter’s only concern last night was that no one noticed how upset Remy was getting. What happened wasn’t your fault. It could’ve happened to anyone—especially when both of you thought he was going into heat. We’re good.” Riley holds his hand out, and Quinn shakes it with a smile.

“Just keep taking care of him, and I won’t have to hunt you down and pretend to kick your ass,” I say with a chuckle. “I’m a little jealous, though.”

Quinn shrugs. “I think a little jealousy is normal. I’m glad I didn’t screw things up with the four of you. I’ve enjoyed getting to know you this season, and I’d love to remain friends.”

“Da.”Alexei nods his head. “Nikolai needs more friends. Maybe me too.”

I laugh, moving toward the stairs. “Come along, gentlemen. We have a rose ceremony to get to.”

We make our way to the ballroom. Tessa rushes us inside with a hissed, “Hurry up. Remy isn’t doing great. We need to get this done before he goes into heat.”

Only a minute or so has passed since we found our spots in front of the stage before the doors fly open to reveal Reginald with Remy on his arm. When Remy’s eyes land on Quinn, he tries to break away from him and run to the alpha, but Reginald holds steadfast. He murmurs something to Remy, and the omega glares at him but allows him to drag him onto the stage. The rest of his pack trails in behind him, with Tessa and Bree bringing up the rear.

Reginald stops beside the table, holding the vase of red and black roses. He leans in to whisper something to Remy, who nods. Then he steps forward with his signature smile.

“Welcome back, viewers. We arrived back in Rancho Mirage a few hours ago. What a week Remington, his suitors, and his pack had in New York City. Unfortunately, there were a few speed bumps along the way. As Remington’s heat could start at any time, he has decided that this week’s rose ceremony shall be the last.” He chuckles. “Somehow, our omegas never make it to week eight, do they? Maybe next season’s omega will break the mold? For now, let’s see what Remington has decided about our five remaining suitors, shall we?”

Remington smiles, but I can tell it’s forced even from where I stand. “Would all the remaining suitors make their way to the stage? I’d like to do this all at once.”

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