Page 17 of Knot Our Reality

“Lucas’s company has been working for me for months—practically since I was assaulted. I’ve been approached by both men and women alike—of all designations. Besides his sister, the day after he was arrested, none of the encounters have been violent, but it seems Simon and his family are sending everyone they know to shame me. Lucas believes it’s best to have a guard with me any time I’m outside the house—or the compound while here. It’s mostly a just-in-case.”

“Such bullshit,” Sasha spits. “He is in wrong, and he try to bully you. He give alphas a bad name.”

Lee, Bradley, and Malik look just as upset as my Russian suitor as I pat Sasha’s arm.

“He thought I would be a pushover. It’s his own mistake. As long as he’s known me—he worked with my pack from the very beginning—I never have been.” I shrug. “It is what it is. I’d just wish he’d leave me alone. I want nothing to do with him, but he just can’t seem to let it go.”

Lee shakes his head. “What I’d give to get my hands on the asshole.”

I wave him off. “There’s nothing he can do to me once I have a pack. That’s why I’m here, and that’s what I want to focus on.”

Am I angry at Simon? More than anyone will ever know.

He turned my place of business into somewhere I dread going. It’s the company my pack built from the ground up and trusted me with it upon their death, and he tried to ruin that for me. For that alone, I hate the man.

Then he made the mistake of coming after my kids.

I may not like that I have to have a pack. It’s an archaic law that needs to be abolished, but until it can go through the legal channels, this is my only choice. Because you can be damn sure I’m not losing any of my kids.

People think omegas are possessive of their mates, but that’s just because they haven’t seen an omega mother when her kids are threatened. It’s the one way to guarantee we turn feral.

I startle when the door swings open, and Lucas sticks his head inside. “I didn’t expect you to still be in the SUV.”

“I had to explain why we’re being so cautious about having one of you with us—even to walk to the front of the building.”

“Ahh, that makes sense. I think we’re good. There aren’t many people out on the street today.” Lucas steps back, allowing Malik and Bradley to step out of the SUV before helping me out. Sasha and Lee follow quickly after.

I fight a smile when I realize all four of them are eyeing the street around us, looking for threats. It’s adorable.

I don’t mention it as I allow Lucas to lead me into Serenity, where four people wait just inside the door for us.

“Hello, Emilia! I’m Leslie. We spoke on the phone. We’re so happy to have you and your suitors with us today. As per Bree and Tessa’s request, we have shut down the spa for all other clients for the morning and afternoon. The only people in the building are me, my pack, and our employees. This will allow you to relax and enjoy your day.” The petite brunette grins. “Evangeline and Koda seemed to enjoy their time here, so I am hoping the five of you will as well. Oh, and these are my alphas—Terrance, Harrison, and Matthew.”

“It’s nice to meet all of you.” I smile at the four of them. “I’m really looking forward to this.”

Leslie grins. “Of course you are. I have the itinerary to go over with you before we get you set up for your first treatment. While you’ll have separate changing rooms, all five of you will be in the same room for the treatments. Also, as with most of the businesses in Rancho Mirage, we’re now using the same system as Nathaniel’s—that’s where your brother had one of his dates earlier this year. It’s top of the line and will make scents undetectable. The mayor has all the businesses slowly moving to it so that everywhere in town is safe for all designations.”

“Oh, I remember how much he raved about that! I’m so glad to hear the mayor is implementing that mandate. Now, we just need the rest of the country to catch up with Rancho Mirage.” I sniff, realizing Ican’t smell anything around me—it’s absolutely scent-free. “This is amazing.”

“We think so,” Terrance rumbles from behind Leslie. “It will allow the oils and essences we use here at Serenity to be used as they should be.”

Now, I’m doubly excited about today. I glance over my shoulder at the suitors, only to find them already watching me. My face flushes, warmth pulsing inside me, and I’m very grateful that no one can pick up on my scent just now.

“Clearly, this is a spa,” I tell them, tearing my eyes away from them. “I’ve already forgotten most of what I chose, so I’d love it if you’d go over the itinerary.”

Leslie nods. “It’ll be my pleasure. Once we finish going over everything, I’ll show you to the women’s changing room while Matthew shows your suitors to the men’s. You’ll change into what amounts to a bikini and a robe. The men will have shorts and a robe. First up will be facials, followed by hydrotherapy. Due to your pregnancy, Emilia, we’ve adjusted how yours will be handled, and the staff will explain that to you before beginning your treatment. Afterward, the men will go to the sauna while you enjoy some time in the pool.

“Once they’re done in the sauna, they’ll join you and we’ll have a snack and water break before your massages. Then it’s onto manicures and pedicures. Don’t worry, gentlemen, if you don’t want polish, we won’t force it on you. You’re always welcome to have your nails painted, but we do have a service specifically for men. This will be followed up with a body scrub and one last dip in the pool, where you’ll enjoy your lunch. Last up, we have head massages and treatments, followed by a shower in our special spa showers. By then, we hope you’re all relaxed and ready for the day.”

I sigh. “That sounds amazing. I can’t wait.”

“I want my nails painted,” Sasha tells me as he saddles up beside me. “I have always wanted to, but with ballet, I was unable to. You’ll help me choose a color, won’t you?”

“I would love nothing more.”

Lee chuckles. “I haven’t done most of what she mentioned, so I’m excited, but I think I’m going to go with no nail polish.”

Bradley and Malik agree with Lee, and I just shrug. It’s their bodies. They’re the ones who get to choose what to do with them, but I’ll admit I love that Sasha is going to get his nails painted.

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