Page 66 of Knot Their Reality

“The network execs will eat this shit up, are you kidding me?” Bree laughs. “Those assholes love to air truths that those in power don’t want us to know. Whatever brings in the ratings—that’s what they care about. And this will bring in some big numbers as news spreads.”

“She’s not wrong.” Tessa runs a hand down her face, sighing. "I don't think we're going to be introducing Pack Lewitt to the suitors just yet. We do still need to do an interview, but if you're feeling up to it we can do it after the ceremony. I think it would be best if Sophia and Chase went with Finn for now. Then everyone can get ready for the ceremony, and we'll get this show on the road."

I want to argue with her, but it really does seem to be the best course of action. And for legal reasons, I can understand why Tessa wants us to speak with Finn to make sure we're doing alright after the bombshell that had been dropped on us.

"Come on, omega of mine," Chase says with a grin. "It seems that we have a date with the doctor."

And for the first time since seeing them again, I feel completely at ease. Like everything will be just fine as long as I have Chase by my side.

Chapter Twenty-one

Chase

I'm fated to Sophia.

It's almost unbelievable, but it explains why her leaving hit me the hardest. Why I've felt drawn to her from the moment I laid eyes on her. Honestly, today is one of the best days of my life.

We'd spent close to an hour talking with Finn. He asked me a lot of questions about how I felt about Sophia and how I felt two years ago. He was easy to talk to, but I'm sure having Sophia snuggled up to my side helped. I feel fine about the discovery, though I keep pinching myself to make sure I'm awake.

Because this is a dream come true—for me at least. I feel a little bad because while I'm fated to Sophia, the rest of my pack isn't. She's chosen me but may never choose them. I'm not sure what I'll do if that happens, but I'm still hopeful that she'll choose them like I have. They're amazing men, and I know she knows that.

I also know she's having a hard time letting go of the hurt she felt two years ago. I completely understand why it's hard for her, but I really hope that she can move past it. If she doesn't, then she'll never choose the rest of my pack mates.

"Chase?"

I jerk my head up as Asher's hand lands on my shoulder. From the smile on his face, I'm guessing he's called me a few times already. "Yes?"

He turns me around and takes over tying my bowtie. We're once again back in the tuxedos we'd arrived in as we prepare for the rose ceremony. We still haven't met any of the other suitors and won't until after the ceremony. Since this isn't how it's worked with the other groups, I can imagine that they're all wondering what's going on.

I don't think anything can prepare them for the news they're about to get.

"Are you sure you're doing alright, Chase?"

I lean up to brush my lips against Asher's after he's finished tying my tie. "I promise I'm fine, and I promise to let you know if that changes at any point. How are the three of you doing?"

Asher sighs. "We're dealing. We're all very happy for you, Chase. You deserve this, but I don't know if this is going to hurt or help our chances with Sophia. I'm afraid she might choose us just out of principle."

"That's understandable. She is a little stubborn." We laugh together because it's true, but we love that about her. "You just need to bring your A-game and show her that you're all just as amazing as she thought you were in that cabin."

A knock sounds, and we head for the main room just in time to find Carson swinging the door open. Tessa is standing there, a smile on her face. "Are the four of you ready? We've already had the other sixteen suitors escorted to the ballroom. They're all aware that something is up and that they'll get the information at the beginning of the ceremony."

I let my eyes drift to my alphas and my beta, licking my lips at how good they look in their tuxes. I hadn't been able to focus on it as much when we'd been on our way to surprise Sophia. She'd been all I could think about, and it's nice to get to appreciate how fucking delicious they look.

Carson smirks, moving toward me, but Asher catches on much too quickly. "Absolutely not, Carson. You will keep your hands off our omega. First of all, Tessa is standing in the doorway. Second, they're waiting on us. Turn your ass around before I have Liam turn it red."

"And who said I'd have a problem with that?" Carson sasses.

Liam makes a face before reaching over to slap Carson in the back of the head. His hand slides down to grip the back of Carson's neck, and he leads him from the room.

"Oh, yes, Daddy! I love it when you take control," Carson yells, and I can't help the laugh that spills from my lips.

"Liam is going to kill him." Glancing at Asher, I see him shrug before taking my hand in his and leading me from the room as well.

He stops next to Tessa and shakes his head. "I'd apologize for him, but this is pretty on par for his behavior, so I guess it's better that you know that now."

Tessa laughs. "I'm not worried about your beta. He has troublemaker written all over him, and I saw that way back when I first met all of you."

We fall in step with her as she leads us down to the first floor. Liam and Carson are waiting for us at the bottom of the stairs, and Liam still hasn't relinquished his hold on Carson's neck.

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