Page 15 of Knot Our Reality

“Part of me wanted to apologize for abandoning you last night,” I finally blurted. “But my pack taught me I should never apologize for taking what I needed—whether that was time away from them or the last doughnut. They might be gone, but it’s something I stand by. It makes a lot of people angry, but it doesn’t stop me from doing it.”

“Nor should it.” Sasha nods. “They were good pack—teach you well. Omegas should not feel need to apologize for their needs. No one should, but it seems most omegas are taught to apologize for every part of themselves. It is not good. I am glad they help you see this.”

Malik hums. “As long as they’re not being selfish for selfish’s sake—because we all know there are omegas out there like that. Not you, Emilia. None of us fault you for needing time for yourself. I’m sure yesterday was a lot for you.”

Once more, I find myself gaping at them. Are they for real right now?

Davis, Gerald, Maxwell, and Ryan were all amazing men, but they weren’t like most of the men I’ve encountered in my life. Just like the four men sitting in front of me aren’t. It helps restore a bit of belief in the men of this world.

“Thank you,” is all I can manage to get out as emotions rush through me.

Disbelief.

Happiness.

Despair.

Grief.

Hope.

Tears prickle at the back of my eyes, and I look up at the ceiling to keep them from falling. This pregnancy has been insane on my emotions.

Crying at the drop of a hat seems to happen almost daily, and I still have months until I give birth and my hormones even out.

“Good morning,” Bree singsongs as she steps into the dining room, Elliot in her arms and Tessa at her side. “How are we all doing?”

I blink rapidly, clearing my throat before pasting a smile on my lips. “Fantastic, and yourself?”

Bree wrinkles her nose. “I’d be doing better if Elliot could learn to sleep through the night. You know what that’s like.”

“Oh, do I.” I laugh as Tessa snorts.

“You should try doing it with three babies at once. I love our kids, but we definitely should’ve planned this better.” Tessa shakes her head. “Maybe not have had so many, so close together, but I’m not going to lie. I miss the hell out of Brent and Zachary. I’m really glad Evangeline came down with Juniper. I’m not sure I could’ve survived with all three of them at home.”

I nod in understanding. “Being a mother is a whole new experience. No one ever really understands it until they become one.”

Bree sniffles, nuzzling at Elliot. “Okay. Enough of that. I don’t want to start crying right now. Everything is set up for your date. Lucas has the car pulled around for whenever you’re ready. He and Mike will be joining you on today’s date.”

“Have fun,” Tessa offers. “I’ll admit, I’m a bit jealous.”

Bree nods, and I snicker. I can feel the suitors’ eyes on me once again, and I know what’s coming before any of them speak.

“Oh, yes. I am ready for date.” Sasha flashes me a smile. “Do we get to know what we’re doing?”

I consider the four of them for a moment before shaking my head. “Nah, I think I’ll make it a surprise.”

There’s a bit of grumbling from them, but it’s all done good-naturedly.

I’m still not sure this is the best date idea, but it’s something I desperately need. I can only hope the four of them will enjoy themselves as well.

“Do we need to dress a certain way?” Malik asks, and I shake my head.

“Nope. You can wear whatever you want. What you’re wearing is fine, or you can change if you want to.”

No one seems inclined to change, so we make our way outside.

“Morning, everyone!” Lucas calls out as we approach. “Are you ready for your date?”

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