Page 123 of Knot Our Reality

Dylan

As Camden escorts Emilia onto the stage with their pack behind them, I’m not sure I’ve ever been more nervous.

I think my date with the omegas I want to be mine went well—really fucking well, if I do say so myself. But there’s still a kernel of doubt buried deep inside me.

Why would they want me to be part of their pack? I’ve had no issues with my bipolar since meeting them, meaning my meds are working as they should. But that doesn’t mean it’ll always be like this.

Why would they choose to have that uncertainty in their lives when there are other viable options?

Rolling my head, I stretch out my neck to release some of the tension I’m holding onto.

There’s no reason for me to be freaking out so much. There’s still another week before the show ends. As long as they don’t send me packing, I still have a chance, and that’s the hope I need to cling to when my self-doubt hits me.

“Welcome back, viewers.” Reginald grins at the cameras before his gaze reaches me and the other four remaining suitors. “And good evening, suitors. Today marks the week seven rose ceremony. Each day this week, Emilia and Camden went on a date with each of the suitors they’re considering for their pack. I can only imagine being part of an omega pair can make things more interesting. Let’s see what this week’s ceremony brings us. Emilia and Camden, the stage is yours.”

Emilia smiles down at us. “This week, we’d like all five of you to join us at the same time.”

We trudge toward the stage, and it’s not until we reach the omegas I realize the vase holds only black and red roses.

It seems I don’t have one more week.

Fuck.

Emilia follows my gaze, nodding. “I see some of you have noticed that we only have black and red roses with us today. I know we were supposed to have another week, but this baby is almost ready to meet us, so I don’t think I can afford to delay this any longer.”

“All five of you are amazing men. You, with the help of those I’ve already claimed as my mates, have helped me heal from a loss I never thought I’d recover from. Because of that alone, you hold a special place in my heart.” She takes a deep breath. “Then there’s the way you’ve taken to my boys. They adore all of you, and I know they’ll be disappointed to lose any of you from their lives.”

There are tears in her eyes, and if the black roses didn’t tell me someone—or multiple someones—is going home tonight, then that would.

“But before we get into that, Camden has something he’d like to say.”

“I agree with Emilia,” he begins. “You’re all amazing, and anyone would be happy to have you in their lives. The decisions we make tonight, we decided together. Not just the two of us, but the entire pack. Speaking of our pack, I have a few roses to hand out.”

He takes three red roses from the vase and turns to his pack. “While not everyone Emilia has chosen for her pack will be with me, I want you to know I love all of you. It seems like her and I have a thing for Russians. Alexei and Sasha, last week I didn’t give you a rose, but I should have. I knew what I felt, but was denying it. This week has shown me there’s no reason to be afraid. I would like to be your mate.”

Both men step forward, taking the roses from his hands and kissing him before rejoining the pack.

Camden returns to us with one red rose still in his hands, and I have another realization. Between me, Gavin, and Evander, at least one of us will join their pack tonight.

A thrill rushes through me. I want to be the one they choose, but I know I’ll be happy for whoever they select.

How can I not be when these are friends I’ve grown to love and admire?

“This was a hard decision to make, but it needed to be made. Each of you deserves a pack that will love and respect you with their entire being.” She takes another deep breath, her voice shaking with unshed tears. “Evander, I’m sorry. I realized this week that while we share a connection, it’s not what I share with the others. We’re not destined to be lovers or mates but friends, if that’s something that interests you.”

Evander nods, and I feel so bad for the guy. He looks absolutely wrecked.

“Of course,” he assures her, hugging first her and then Camden before taking the rose. “If I’ve learned anything from being on this show twice now, it’s that you don’t let go of the good people in your life. All of you have been amazing friends to me, and as much as I’d have liked to have something more with you and Camden, I’m glad neither of you tried to force it.”

When he ducks his head, I catch a glimpse of a tear running down his cheek that he tries to hide from Emilia, but she’s too observant.

“I’m so sorry, Evander. I didn’t want to hurt you.” She buries her face in Camden’s chest, her body shaking with sobs. “I’m sorry.”

Evander swipes at his cheeks, but the tears just keep coming. “You have no reason to apologize. I don’t want to see you cry. If I could make them stop, I would, because I know how much you hate to see others in pain.”

When he glances behind us, I follow his gaze to see he’s having some kind of silent conversation with Tessa.

“I don’t want to upset you further, so I’m going to head to my room so I can start packing.” He reaches out as if to touch her before shaking his head and turning to the four of us. “Good luck.”

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