Page 35 of Knot Our Reality

“That’s okay. You’ll see very quickly I’m not just some kid out here trying to get with an older woman.” He winks, and I bite my lip as heat rushes through me.

My eyes widen as I realize just how attracted I am to this man as slick spills into my panties. This is the first time I’ve experienced this with one of my suitors. Not that they’re not all attractive. There just hasn’t been that instant attraction, plus with the pregnancy, my hormones have been all over the place.

When I was pregnant with Hawk and Jasper, all I wanted to do was climb onto my pack and screw their brains out on the regular. I haven’t experienced that at all during this pregnancy. I thought it might be because I’m older, but it doesn’t seem that’s the case at all.

“Yes, I guess I will.” I flush as my voice cracks, and Evander’s grin only grows. I have to bite back a whine. “Why don’t you tell me a little about what you do when you’re not working?”

Between the scent blockers and Evangeline’s designs, I don’t think he can smell me perfuming the air. If he can, he doesn’t mention it as he tells me about his hobbies. I find myself only half listening as my eyes find Reginald, as I beg him to tell me our time is up.

He just smirks.

I don’t know how much time passes before he signals for me to wrap it up, but I grasp onto the opportunity with both hands.

“It’s been wonderful meeting you, Evander,” I blurt out, one hundred percent cutting him off. “It looks like it’s time to meet my next suitor.”

Evander just nods. “It’s been nice meeting you as well. I look forward to our next conversation.”

As soon as he steps away, I let my eyes fall shut as my shoulders droop.

“Are you okay?” Reginald’s worried voice has me blinking my eyes open.

“What?”

Concern is written all over his face. “I thought you were enjoying your time with Evander and didn’t know how to handle it. If I’d known you really wanted it over, I wouldn’t have waited.”

“Oh, no. You’re fine, Reginald.” I wave him off. “I was enjoying myself, but my body responded in a way I wasn’t prepared for. It was…a little overwhelming, to say the least.”

A grin splits across his face. “Did you start slicking?”

My face burns with embarrassment as I swat at him. “That’s none of your damn business. Go away.”

“That’s a yes.” He grows sober. “It’s okay to be attracted to him like that. He’s hot.”

I bury my face in my hands. “Go away, Reginald! I’m telling Tyler!”

He chuckles, but I can hear him stepping away as I allow my hands to fall away. When I glance at him, I expect him to be smirking at me. Instead, he offers me a comforting smile, and I want to burst into tears.

Fucking hormones.

I attempt to shake it off as the next limo pulls into the driveway, hoping I can collect myself enough before my second suitor approaches me.

I can’t remember the last time I responded to someone like this. I think it might have been when I met my pack in college.

What an odd sensation after so many years.

As the limo comes to a stop, I take a deep breath.

I can do this.

The man who steps out is on the shorter side, maybe three or four inches taller than me. He has his dirty blond hair pulled back in a low ponytail, a full trimmed beard covering his jaw. He doesn’t seem to have the easy confidence Evander did. He tries to play it off like he does, but it feels forced. As he approaches, his woodsy scent hits me. I can’t quite place the individual notes, but it’s pleasant enough.

“Hello, Emilia. I’m Daniel Kennedy. I was one of Remington’s suitors during the last season.” He offers his hand with a smile.

He doesn’t look familiar to me, but I recognize his name and remember what my brother had to say about him.

“Oh, the one who tried to force a kiss on my brother? I’m surprised they let you return to the show after that show of aggression.” I plant my hands on my hips, eyebrows shooting up.

Daniel’s face falls along with his hand as he nods slowly. “There’s no excuse for the way I acted toward your brother. I felt like I wasn’t standing out enough and had it in my head that if I could just get him to kiss me, then he’d see I was a worthy alpha. I was an asshole, and you’re right—I am lucky they allowed me to return. I don’t expect you to believe me, but I’m aware of the mistake I made and how I came off. I can assure you that’s nothing you’d have to worry about.”

---