Page 22 of Knot Our Reality

Both men’s smiles fade, but it’s Dalton who speaks up. “We are here because you’re pregnant—because of what you’ve been through. Not in spite of it. Everything you’ve dealt with just shows how strong you are, sugar, and that’s the kind of omega we’d be proud to call ours. So you can get the idea of you being a burden out of your head right now.”

I flush, ducking my head. I really did mean it as a joke, but considering I just met them, I can see why they would respond like this.

As much as I hate to admit it, I like it.

“Don’t be embarrassed, Emilia.” Maverick lifts my chin with his finger, waiting until I meet his gaze before continuing, “We just wanted to make sure you knew why we were here. We’re not just here because you’re our last chance at an omega or anything. We’re here because you intrigue us, and we want to get to know you. Yes, you have baggage, but don’t we all? Neither of us cares that you’re pregnant beyond being angry on your behalf about how that came to be.”

“We like that you already have kids,” Dalton adds on, his mouth quirking up. “Just as we know, it’s not just your opinion that matters when it comes to you choosing a new pack.”

I blink rapidly, trying to will away the tears forming in my eyes.

How is it I’m still surprised to hear these men say the same words my day one suitors said?

“Right. Well. That’s…” I wave my hands in the air, not able to find the words I’m looking for. “Will you tell me about yourselves before I end up embarrassing myself by bursting into tears in front of suitors again?”

Maverick bites his bottom lip as his mouth curves up, but doesn’t say anything.

Dalton, on the other hand, has no problems asking the question I know they’re both wondering. “Again?”

“Yes, again. I cried on Sasha for who knows how long yesterday. It’s the hormones. I swear, I’ve never cried this much in my life.”

“There’s nothing wrong with crying, sugar. And Sasha Rostova?” Dalton’s smile grows.

I nod slowly. “Yes. The three of you were on the same season. He was one of my suitors who arrived yesterday. Are the three of you friendly?”

“We’re more than friendly,” Maverick assures me. “We’ve all kept in contact since we left the show. It’ll be good to see him again.”

Dalton nods his agreement. “As far as us, I’m forty-one, and Maverick is forty. Obviously, we’re both alphas. Since neither of us is interested in men, we’re an unbonded pack just looking to find our omega and the rest of our pack. I moved to Los Angeles shortly after the first season. We wouldn’t be much of a pack with me living on the other side of the continent, would we?”

Maverick shakes his head. “Dalton left behind his business, but we started our own. Cole-Kelley Incorporated, where we can design and build the home of your dreams. Or do remodels, or whatever else you want. We just finished doing a new high-rise luxury apartment building. It’s probably the largest project we’ve done so far.”

Talking business I can do.

“It wouldn’t be the new building off Sunset, would it?”

“It is,” Dalton confirms with a smile. “You know it?”

I nod. “It’s just down the road from the Reinhardt offices. We’re actually looking into buying a few units to use when we have someone visiting from another location. They’re gorgeous.”

“The design is all Maverick. I just boss people around and build the shit.”

Maverick makes a face. “Don’t downplay the role you played in making the client’s vision become a reality, asshole. See, I told you he could be modest.”

I laugh at their bickering. It’s clear they spend a lot of time together.

Reginald catches my eyes, giving me the signal I’m not ready for just yet, which surprises me. I’m enjoying talking to the two of them.

I wonder if it’ll be this easy with all my suitors. Maybe it’s because they’ve already been on the show once, so they don’t have the same hangups they would’ve had before.

“Sadly, it seems our time has come to an end,” I tell them, honestly sorry to cut them off.

Dalton elbows Maverick. “Do you hear that, Mav? She enjoys talking to us.”

Maverick rolls his eyes, ignoring his pack mate. “I’m really glad to be here, Emilia, and I look forward to getting to know you better.”

“I’m glad you’re here—both of you.”

“Don’t worry. We won’t be going anywhere until you tell us we have to,” Dalton says, darting forward to brush his lips against my cheek.

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