Page 111 of Knot Their Reality

Even from here I can hear Sophia scoff, which makes the suitors chuckle.

“But before we call her forward, we want to let you know what week four has in store for our omega and her suitors. Next Saturday, we’ll be hosting a charity gala right here at the mansion. The proceeds will be going to a local animal shelter, Furry Angels Sanctuary. This cause was chosen by Sophia herself, and they are the shelter that brought out the dogs you saw earlier.

“Unlike last season, our omega does not have to be included in the planning of said gala—something I’m sure Sophia appreciates. There will be some tasks that she and the suitors will be asked to complete as they prepare for the gala, but beyond that, Monday through Friday will consist of individual dates with each of the remaining suitors. The catch? The date must be planned for the members of Sophia’s pack as it exists after tonight’s ceremony and not for the omega in question.

“I don’t know about the audience, but I’m very much looking forward to these dates. But that’s enough from me for now. Suitors, your names will be called at random, and then Sophia will let you know what your fate is this night. Sophia, I’ll hand it over to you.”

She nods her head, watching as he makes his way down the stairs. A few moments later, his voice sounds over the sound system. “Our first suitor tonight is Jace. Jace, if you’ll join Sophia and her pack on the stage.”

As Jace approaches, Sophia keeps her attention on the suitors at large. “As you all already know we’ll be doing individual dates this week, you’ll know that I won’t be handing out any roses for that tonight either. I’ll be handing those out throughout the day tomorrow to determine the order in which you’ll have your date.”

Then she turns to smile at Jace. “But just because you can’t get a date rose tonight doesn’t mean I can’t talk about how awesome this week has been with each of you. Can I tell you how exhilarating it was riding on the back of the motorcycle with you and then learning how to do it on my own? That was such an amazing mini-date that you planned for us. It was perfect. I also loved the bit of one-on-one time we got this week. I think it let us get to know one another better, and I’m grateful for that.”

Chase plucks a yellow rose from the giant vases and hands it to her. She presses a kiss to his cheek before stepping toward Jace. “I’d love for you to remain on the show so I can continue to get to know you. I think we’re onto something good between the two of us and I want to explore that further.”

“I’d love nothing more.” Jace takes the offered rose, but when she starts to pull back, he grabs her wrist. He lifts her hand to his lips and places a kiss on her palm. “Until later, omega.”

I can see the shiver that shakes her body from here. Damn, that alpha is good.

The next one called up is Quinn. She tells him how much she enjoyed their time talking and how much better she’s felt since beginning the daily meditation and yoga with him. When she presents a yellow rose to him, his smile lights up his face. He kisses her cheek before heading down the stage.

Next are Ulf and Gage. The two alphas smile down at Sophia like she’s their reason for living as she tells them how much she enjoyed the group date with them and her one-on-one time with Gage. She flushes when she recalls her date with Ulf, which definitely piques my interest. They both also receive a yellow rose.

Then my name is being called. I make my way to the stage with a smile on my face. Tears flicker in Sophia’s eyes again as I stop in front of her.

“Malik.” She sighs. “I don’t even know where to start. I’ve enjoyed the time we’ve spent together, but our chat yesterday really opened up my eyes. I know it was foolish to believe that I’d feel a connection with every suitor. No one can predict how people will interact in person or how they’ll feel. It’s impossible. But also, I’m glad I didn’t feel instant connections with everyone. Can you imagine trying to decide if I had? And there’s no way I’m having a pack of twenty.”

We all laugh, and I reach out to squeeze her hand. She needs reassurance right now. She shoots me a grateful smile as she continues, “We didn’t have an instant connection, and sadly one never did form. I’m just glad it was mutual as this makes it so much easier.”

Brody’s the one who hands her the black rose. A tear slips down Sophia’s cheek, and I quickly wipe it away, already reaching for the rose.

“It was a pleasure to meet you, Sophia, but we just weren’t meant to be. There’s nothing wrong with that. You’re going to find the pack that’s perfect for you, and I wish you the best of luck with that.”

“You’ll find your pack one day too, Malik. Thank you.”

And just like that, it’s over for me. My time on Heated is over. But first, I have to finish watching the ceremony.

When Brooks is called next, I wonder if Sophia will choose him this week. We’d all have to be blind to miss the way the two of them look at one another. She and I might never have found our connection, but the two of them? Their connection is palpable.

There’s not a damn one of us that has doubted that she’ll choose him. Well, him and Pack Lewitt. But she’s taking her time with both of them. But I know they’ll all be a part of her pack eventually.

“Brooks...” Sophia shakes her head. “I’ve told you more than I’ve told anyone else here except Chase and Brody. It’s like I knew from the start I could trust you, but part of me continued to deny that. It hasn’t been fair to either of us. But my pack set me straight and made sure that I knew how stupid I was being.

“I’m fairly good at hiding what I’m feeling usually, but my omega side doesn’t allow that as much anymore. Now that I’ve accepted it as a part of myself instead of bundling it up so I could focus on work, I’m learning more about the woman I am. And what I can tell you is that every part of that woman wants you to be a part of our forever.”

I don’t know who hands her the red rose, but it’s suddenly in her hand. “You’re everything I want in an alpha, but that’s not all I want from you—or all I see in you. I see all of you. I see the man you are that has nothing to do with the fact that you’re an alpha. And if you’ll have us, we’d like it if you joined our pack.”

Before Brooks can say anything, Chase appears at her side, a red rose in his hand as well. The smile that had already been forming, splits my face. I don’t think I’ve ever been happier for another person than I am for Brooks right now.

“I already have a pack, and up until two years ago, I thought we were already complete. Meeting Sophia changed that. She was always meant to be mine, and part of me already knew that. Finding out that we’re an omega pair makes sense, but it also told me that my pack isn’t yet complete. With my pack’s blessing, as well as Sophia’s, I want to ask you to be a part of my pack as well.”

Tears spill down Brooks’s cheeks even as he smiles. “I’d love nothing more than to be a part of both of your packs, no matter what that looks like. I know you’re all still figuring out this whole omega pair thing and what the pack will look like, but I’d love to be a part of it. I’d love to help you both learn how to navigate this new path.”

“You too, Brody,” he says as he looks up at the beta. “I know you’re here for Sophia, but I’d be glad to call you brother.”

“Nothing would make me happier.” Brody inclines his head.

Brooks turns back to the omegas, taking the roses from each of them before bending over to kiss them lightly. When Reginald gestures for him to join Brody, he does so with a smile. Chase kisses Sophia’s cheek before taking the spot on Brooks’s other side, taking his hand.

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