Page 124 of Knot Their Reality

Tessa doesn't say anything, just purses her lips. Bree throws her hands in the air.

"I know you're going through some shit right now, but this isn't the way we run this show or our business. I don't even blame Sophia for what she did. I would've done the same damn thing." She shakes her head. "You need to go to your cabin before I say something I can't take back."

Tessa stands there for another moment before storming from the room. Bree's head falls forward before she turns back to us. "I'm sorry, Sophia. I had no idea that any of this happened. I will find out what the hell happened and then I'll let you know. Because we're in breach of our contract, I'll understand if you don't want to remain here for the next three weeks. Honestly, there's no reason to."

"I believe that you didn't know, Bree," I say softly. "I know I've messed up the show for you, and I'm sorry for that since it's punishing you along with Tessa."

"You haven't ruined anything. We're showing two weeks late anyway. We'll just need to do some different edits. But that's nothing you need to worry about. I'll figure it out." She shakes her head. "I do have a favor to ask of you though—you, of course, can say no."

I nod. "It depends on the favor."

"I'd like you and your pack to have at least one session with Finn. As usual, the choice is yours if you want it to be shared for the show or not."

"Of course. I'd actually like that."

Bree nods. "That's not the only favor."

I laugh. "Of course it's not. Give it to me straight, Bree."

"First, are you planning to bond with the rest of your pack here?"

I glance over my shoulder at my pack and shake my head. "No, I don't feel safe here any longer."

"That's what I thought. I'd like to set you up in a suite at The Omega Suites so that you have somewhere safe to do so, but if you could stay here tonight, I would appreciate it. Not only do I need to find out what the hell is going on with Tessa, but I want to share the information with you. Then in the morning, you can have your session with Finn before we transport you to The Omega Suites.

"There are a few shots I'd like to get of you all before you go, but I promise it won't take long. I'll have you out of here no later than early afternoon tomorrow. I just need to make sure we have enough together to put together three additional episodes between what we already have from week three through now."

I nod. "We can do that. Assuming that the rest of you agree with it?"

Turning back to my pack, I find them all nodding.

Bree exhales, and it looks like some of the stress falls away from her. I feel bad that this is falling on her when it's clear she knew nothing about what was going on. But this is their show, their business. Luckily, I know she has an amazing pack to lean on when things get tough.

"Anything else?" I ask, and she shakes her head. I turn back to my pack—plus Ezra and Quinn. "Then let's go celebrate me choosing my pack. Quinn and Ezra, you're welcome to join us, but I understand if it's too awkward and upsetting."

"It depends on what you're doing to celebrate." Quinn smiles, and I know I really did make the right choice. I can see he's a little sad about my decision, but I think it's his pride more than anything else that's hurting. He might have convinced himself that he wanted me, but we weren't the right match. He'll see that soon. Or maybe he already knows, and that's why he's sad. Who the fuck knows?

"We're having a pool party with drinks!" I crow.

The others whoop and holler at my words, including Quinn. Ezra doesn't join in the noise-making, but he is nodding. So we head for our respective rooms to get changed.

This isn't how I thought my experience on Heated would go, but even if I'm pissed about what happened last week and tonight, I'm still glad I came on the show. If I hadn't, then I never would've found my pack, and that's a devastating thought.

Epilogue

Sophia

August 2261

"Ugh,” I groan as I try to sit up.

"Gods, Sophia, will you just ask one of us to help you?" Chase scolds as he hurries over to my side. He wraps one arm around my back, and I grasp the other with both of my hands so he can lift me off the couch.

"Maybe if I wasn't as big as a damn whale," I grouch, knowing he's going to get on to me for that too, but it's the fucking truth. Pregnant women nearing the end of their pregnancy are always enormous, but my due date has already come and gone. I'm like a damn beached whale.

Chase glares. "Sophia..."

"Yes, yes, I know. I'm carrying the next generation, and I'm beautiful. But I can't even get off the couch without help anymore. Why won't these babies just come out? The doctor said multiples usually come early, but they're past due! How is that fair?"

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