Page 68 of Knot His Reality

One of the suitors, Santiago, is sitting away from the others, but he still joins in the conversation from time to time. It’s as if he wants to be a part of it but wants to keep himself separate at the same time.

I shrug, not understanding but knowing it won’t affect me. Or at least it shouldn’t.

It’s clear that some friendships, and maybe more than friendships, have been made. Gracie and Rhys can’t seem to tear themselves away from one another, even though Victoria tells us they just met a few days ago. The twins, who are actually twins, seem to follow around the Latina woman, Camila. She acts annoyed by their presence but doesn’t seem to actually mind them.

Everyone else seems to move from group to group with ease, and once we’ve met everyone, I find myself drawn into conversation with Camila and Quinn, who I recognize from his time during the second season and from his acting. It’s kind of surreal to think about the various different types of people here to become part of Remington’s pack.

We’re all likely from the Los Angeles area, but probably never would’ve met one another or Remy if it weren’t forHeated.It’s kind of crazy to think about.

“Okay, suitors, it’s time for the wrap-up interview.” Bree claps her hands as she steps into the game room with a few men at her back. “If you can all follow me downstairs, we have the living room set up already.”

It takes a few minutes for all nineteen of us to make it down the flight of stairs and into the living room where there are couches and loveseats set up in a U-shape. I find myself sitting next to a pretty redhead beta, Brooke, with Carter on my other side. As the last group of suitors to arrive, the four of us have had less time to get to know the other suitors.

Unlike last time, I plan to remedy that as soon as possible. Because I’ve already been on the show, I know it’s about more than just having a connection with Remington. Carter and I could have off-the-chart chemistry with him, but if we can’t get along with the other suitors, we don’t stand a chance of being chosen.

While being a part of a pack with an omega means we’re there for said omega, it’s about so much more than that. We have to be there for each member of the pack, whether we’re intimate with them or not. It’s building a family, and no one wants a family who doesn’t get along.

“So, how is everyone feeling?” Bree asks, eyes roving over us. “Remington has met all nineteen suitors and been on a date with you. Tonight is the very first rose ceremony. That has to be nerve-wracking for you.”

Glancing around at the others, I lean forward. “I guess there’s one upside to having been on the show before. I’ve already been through this. At this point, there is no reason for us to worry. We’ve done everything we can to ensure that Remington will choose to keep us around or not. Worrying ourselves about something we can’t change will just give us ulcers, and I don’t know about you all, but I don’t need that in my life.”

Laughter follows my words, and I smile as I sit back. What I said is true, and I hope at least someone can find comfort in them.

“I just hope it was enough,” Brooke says quietly. “There are so many of us. I can only imagine how overwhelmed Remington must be.”

There’s a hum of agreement as the others nod. Now that the conversation has started, it flows well. Bree tosses in a question here and there when it starts to slow, but overall, it feels more like a conversation between peers than an interview.

“During the first season, Riley and I missed out on a lot of the camaraderie because of the new bond. I’m really looking forward to getting to know each of the suitors as well as Remington,” Carter offers. “I want to do it right this time.”

“Me, too.” I lean over and kiss him softly.

Milo grins at us from his spot on the couch across from us. “Fates, the two of you are adorable together.”

Adorable? Me? I don’t think anyone has used those words about me since I was a child.

“Ummm…thank you?” I say as Carter laughs.

Bree snorts. “Oh, Riley, it’s going to be fun to watch you this season. I’m glad the two of you decided to come back. And Quinn, of course. That’s more than enough for now. All of you need to be in the ballroom at eight forty-five tonight. You have until then to eat dinner, hang out, and get ready. If Tessa or I have to come looking for you, you’re going to regret it. Am I understood?”

Then she’s gone, leaving us alone once more.

The living room is quiet for a moment before Milo claps his hands. “I say we go back to the game room until we need to get ready. I think I need a drink.”

“Or ten,” Camila says with a laugh.

As I pull Carter to his feet, I feel myself relaxing even more. I was right in saying there’s nothing more we can do right now. Everything is in Remy’s hands, but that doesn’t make it easy to let it all go. At least we’re all in this together.

Chapter Seventeen

Remington

Iwakeupfrommynap feeling refreshed. I guess I just needed a little break after five days of stress.

Not that I haven’t enjoyed myself, but I’ve been operating outside of my comfort zone for days. I needed a battery recharge so I’d be ready to do the first rose ceremony.

This is certainly going to be fun. I feel like this show could be subtitled with ways to unnerve the introvert.

Standing in front of the cameras and all nineteen suitors, plus the staff that’ll be there—while wearing another damn tuxedo? It sounds terrible, if I’m honest with myself.

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