Page 4 of Knot Our Reality

“I did,” I finally answer her with a smile. “It’s been just the three of us for the last few years, so it’s hard to leave them—even if it’s with my brother and they’rereally close by.”

Bree hums, smiling down at the sleeping baby still in her arms. “I can understand that. It’s why Emmett comes with me while we’re filming. It’s hard enough being away from my mates when they’re unable to come up, but being away from my kids? It would kill me.”

“I can’t believe you’re working less than three months after you had a baby.” I smile down at Elliot. Just like all of Bree’s kids, he’s beautiful. I run my hand over my bump. “Not that I won’t be the same way. This baby is going to be coming to work with me the minute the doctor clears me.”

“Evangeline is already trying to go back to work, and she just had Juniper two weeks ago.” Tessa rolls her eyes, running a hand through her hair. “She’s mad because Lillian and Natalie are back at work. But Natalie had Brent in July, and Lillian had Zachary at the beginning of September. It’s not the same.”

Bree giggles. “Are you regretting bonding with an independent omega already?”

“Hell no.” Tessa’s smile lights up her face. “It was the best decision of my life. But Alejandro, Koda, and Jagger are bringing her and Juniper up here this week. Apparently, they’re having problems telling her no without me being there.”

I laugh with Bree this time. “Aww, are you the hardass alpha in your pack?”

She shakes her head. “No. That’s the worst part, but Evangeline has learned if she hands one of the babies to her alphas, they turn to goo. That’s why they’re only bringing one of the babies with them. We had to hire nannies for Brent and Zachary, which is fine. We were already planning on it once Evangeline goes back to work, anyway.”

We finally make it to the main house and into my suite.

“Evangeline? What are you doing here?” Tessa sounds exasperated. “Where are the others?”

Tessa’s omega smiles, her blonde hair falling around her shoulders as she rocks the tiny baby in her arms. “They’re getting everything settled in the cabin. If you think I’m going to be here and not help with her wardrobe, you’re crazy.”

I bite back a laugh as the two have a silent standoff before Tessa’s shoulders droop. “Damn it. Fine. Let me take Juniper. She can hang out with me while you help Emilia get ready. Allison and Mindy should be here soon for hair and makeup. But you have to promise me you’ll call me or one of the guys if you get too tired. And sit down when you can. You’re still recovering from having a baby.”

“I’ll be fine, Tessa.” Evangeline’s smile is blinding as she leans in to kiss her alpha before handing her the baby. She turns to me and holds her hand out. “You must be Emilia. I’m Evangeline, Tessa’s omega.”

I shake her hand, returning her smile. “I gathered that. It’s nice to meet you. I hear it’s your designs in the closet. I wear your clothes exclusively. No one else has even come close to offering omega clothing like yours.”

“Oh, flattery will get you everywhere,” Evangeline says with a laugh. “Come, let’s figure out what you should wear tonight.”

She drags me into the closet, and for the first time since arriving, I let go and allow myself to enjoy the moment. It’s hard not to when Evangeline’s excitement is contagious.

I still don’t want to be here, but maybe it won’t be as bad as I think it will be.

Only time will tell.

Chapter Two

Emilia

“You look amazing,” Evangeline raves from her perch on the edge of my bed. “Your suitors are going to be speechless when they see you.”

I shift from foot to foot as I stare into the floor-length mirror. Evangeline isn’t blowing smoke up my ass—I look amazing, and it’s making me uncomfortable as hell.

While I’ve had to attend events over the last two years since the death of my pack, I’ve never put in this much effort into how I look. The last time I was this dolled up, it was for my pack.

It feels like I’m betraying them.

Not just because I’m meeting suitors in an attempt to form another pack, but because it looks as if Iwantto find another pack—which couldn’t be further from the truth.

Squeezing my eyes shut, I lean my head back to keep the tears from falling.

“Emilia?” Evangeline is at my side. “What’s wrong?”

I shake my head, not wanting to answer. I don’t want to admit where my head is at. I don’t want to talk about them right now—not when I’m feeling this vulnerable.

“I know you just met me,” she says softly. “But I’m a great listener. Whatever it is, it’ll be okay, I’m sure. But it might make you feel better to talk about it.”

“I doubt it,” I scoff, but it doesn’t keep me from lowering my head to meet her gaze. The empathy in her eyes is my undoing. “I’m betraying them.”

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