Page 24 of Knot Their Reality

Now, I'm feeling much better about everything, and am looking forward to this date with Brooks. The original date that I'd planned for today's group date was scrapped, as it wasn't what I felt like I wanted when I only have one suitor. I'm really excited about the new plans, though. Let's just hope that Brooks feels the same.

The knock on the door brings a smile to my face as I know it will be Brooks, ready to go on our date.

I'd chosen to wear a warmer dress, paired with some sparkly tights and my over-the-knee boots. I feel cute, and I love it.

When I open the door, I'm fairly sure I'm going to melt to the floor in a pile of Sophia. It's like I've forgotten just how attractive this man is. Not really. Of course, I'm still aware of just how hot he is, but somehow, seeing him in casual clothes versus the tuxedo makes him more attractive. I'm guessing it's because he feels more comfortable in what he's wearing.

"Hey, Sophia. You ready to go?" He gives me a half-smile that has me clenching down on nothing as slick spills from me.

I wonder if it's too late to cancel the date and just have it in my suite?

No, Sophia. You naughty little omega. No sleeping with the alpha you haven't even known for twenty-four hours yet.

"Sure am." My answer comes out much more enthusiastic than I expected it to be. Have you ever wanted to facepalm in real life? Because that's exactly what I'd like to do right now. Instead, I straighten my shoulders and force a smile on my lips as I step out of my suite. "Since it's just the two of us, I decided to change up the date."

"I'm down for whatever you have planned. I'm sure it'll be great."

I laugh. "You say that now." I head for the door, not bothering to wait for him because I know that he'll follow me.

"Well, that answer is only slightly worrisome." He makes a face as he falls in step with me as we head toward the waiting SUV.

I shrug. "I guess you'll just have to wait and see. I did think that we could both do with some relaxation with how intense our jobs are. So you can expect that out of the day at least."

"You won't hear me complaining about that." He shoots me a wink before taking my hand in his.

So what if my heart speeds up and I temporarily forget how to breathe? That's totally normal stuff, right? At least for omegas who are surrounding themselves with eligible alphas and betas, right?

Brooks huffs when we come to a stop beside the SUV where the driver holds the door to the backseat open for us. I look up at him with a frown.

He chuckles, shaking his head. "I would have liked to open the door for you, is all. It's stupid."

"No, it's not. I appreciate the thought, even if you were unable to complete the task due to the entirely too competent staff that Bree and Tessa employee."

I hear the driver snicker, though he tries to hide it behind a cough and his hand. I shoot him a wink as I grin. Turning back to Brooks, I find him laughing as well. "I guess I am funny, after all."

"Get in the car, omega, so we can get this party started."

I laugh as I climb into the backseat, scooting along the bench seat until I'm in the middle. Since it's just the two of us, we have a smaller SUV that only seats five today. Once Brooks climbs in behind me and the driver has shut the door, I focus my attention back on my date. "I'm sorry if you wanted a party, but I don't find them exceptionally relaxing, so I didn't plan one of those."

"Oh, so you're playing at being a bratty omega today?" he asks with a cocked eyebrow.

"There's no playing. I'm definitely a bratty omega, but you'll come to love that about me."

"Of that, I have no doubt," he says so quietly I almost miss it.

We catch each other up on how we spent our nights—me hanging out in the tub until I was pruny all over, and him reading smutty romances in the quiet of his room—and then he tells me about breakfast with all the suitors.

Apparently, Pack Duval isn't taking the news I'd delivered overly well. Or at least Ramsey isn't. According to Brooks, he'd had some choice words to say about me this morning, and then Jace had put the alpha in his place. Something about being too old to be acting like a toddler. The idea of Jace sticking up for me means a lot, and it definitely brings a smile to my face.

I hate that Ramsey is feeling bitter toward me because I'd said it wouldn't work between us. It's not like I'm planning to take all twenty suitors into my pack so people are going to get sent home. I just don't see the point in wasting anyone's time when I know that we won't be moving any further—especially considering the fact that being around them could be triggering for me.

Honestly, seeing this side of the alpha tells me that I made the right choice. There's no way I want an alpha who doesn't respect my limits—and that's what this is. This is a hard limit for me.

"I like Jace," Brooks says with a grin. "I think we could be friends. Ezra, Jackson, and Alejandro were pretty quiet, but I guess I'll get to know them over the next few days while you meet the rest of your suitors."

I nod. "I can see you and Jace getting along. He's a bit of a naughty alpha though, so make sure he doesn't get you in trouble."

Brooks just laughs. "Oh! Alejandro asked me to give this to you. Bree and Tessa both said it was okay."

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