Page 15 of Knot Their Reality

"I do remember learning about that. I guess I have something I need to think about between now and Saturday." Ezra frowns. "I thought I'd thought through everything before choosing to apply, but I obviously missed this. Thank you Alejandro for asking. It's a good point."

"And that's okay, Ezra," I tell him gently. "But now you're aware of it, and you have the time to think about it. And if you need to speak to anyone, I'll be happy to talk to you about it more."

He nods, still frowning. "I appreciate the offer, Jace, and I might take you up on it later. For now, I think I need to return to my room. I'm feeling overwhelmed and need to be alone."

I glance at Bree and Tessa, who both quickly nod. "Of course, Ezra. Let us know if you need anything."

We watch him as he heads for the stairs, all quiet. Once he disappears, I shake my head. "This must be so hard for him, and honestly, this is a conversation he should be having with Sophia, not us. Except the next time we see her will be at the ceremony."

"Maybe he'll take his own advice and write her a letter," Alejandro offers, and I nod.

"Hell, I might write her a letter myself. I think she'd get a kick out of it, and the idea of not talking to her until Saturday? I don't like it—not one bit."

Jackson hums his agreement but doesn't say anything else. None of us do, too lost in our thoughts. I almost miss it when Tessa, Bree, and the crew start to pack up. I shake my head as I turn back to them.

Bree's smile is tight as she moves the baby to her shoulder. "It sounds like you all have some thinking you need to do, and if I'm honest, that makes terrible TV so we're going to pack it up."

"Was there anything else you wanted us to cover before you leave?"

She shakes her head. "No, I think we're good. Plus, there are cameras everywhere so if you start talking again, it's not like we won't have footage of it."

I laugh with her because it's so easy to forget that there are cameras in every room. We're always being watched by someone, but they're not obvious. I don't even mind my every move being recorded. It's not like I'm all that interesting while being locked in a house that'll never feel like home.

But we're only here for eight weeks, and really, that's not all that long. It's not that it's uncomfortable here—there's always something to do or someone to talk to.

I've gotten to know these three men pretty well—at least as well as you can know someone in a day—but what will the other suitors bring? In only just a few short hours, Sophia will be meeting the next group of suitors. And then there's still another three days and twelve suitors after that. While the four of us are able to get along well enough, now that Alejandro is acting less like a child and more like the adult he is, but what will happen when you add in more?

It's always a risk to put a large amount of alphas together in one place. All it takes is one bad apple to set off the others. I don't want that to happen to Sophia, or to us. But I guess there's not much I can do but wait until I meet them. Until then, at least I can enjoy the company I'm in.

Chapter Six

Sophia

Once again, I find myself standing along the circular driveway as I wait to meet four new suitors.

Today's group date hadn't gone quite as I'd expected it to, but it wasn't bad. I appreciate the time I've had to get to know Jackson, Jace, Ezra, and Alejandro before meeting any more suitors. Bree was right. This is much less stressful. I'm super glad they decided to change up how the omegas meet the suitors. It also means I'm able to get to know them better before we ever make it to a rose ceremony.

Based upon my initial meetings with the four of them, both Ezra and Alejandro could've ended up on the chopping block—which wouldn't have been fair for any of us. I now understand the reasons behind Ezra's behavior, and we're working on finding a better way to communicate. Alejandro, on the other hand, well... I guess we'll just have to wait and see.

I'm not saying that I’ll be sending him home on Saturday, but I'm also not saying that he won't be. It'll be hard for me to overcome that initial meeting and dinner since I won't have any further interaction with him. But I'm definitely not making any decisions today.

Reginald smiles as he moves to stand next to me, telling me the cameras are rolling once more. "It seems the day with your first group of suitors was interesting."

"To say the least," I say with a snort. "But I really love that I now have a chance to get to know them before throwing more suitors into the mix. I honestly have no idea how Bree did it last season. I probably would've been hiding in my nest if I'd been her."

"I somehow doubt that. We're always our hardest critics, but I know you're a strong woman no matter what your designation is. Would there have been some bumps and bruises? Absolutely, but then again, there were some bumps and bruises with just four suitors, weren't there?" Reginald's smile still lights up his face, but I see the understanding in his eyes. "But you would've made it through it and found your pack just like she did. Just like you're going to do."

I take a deep breath, forcing myself to hear his words—to believe his words. I am a strong woman. A strong omega. While I might doubt my abilities at times, I know he's right. I would have persevered because there would've been no other choice. I'm definitely not a quitter so I would've seen it through. Just as I'll see this through—even if there are some bumps and bruises along the way.

The sound of tires crunching keeps me from responding, my eyes locking on the limo as it comes into view. The fact that the first group of suitors was only single men makes me wonder if I'll meet my first pack today. I don't know how I feel about it. My encounters with packs haven't worked out in my favor, but I know better than to judge everyone based on one or two assholes.

As the limo rolls to a stop, Reginald steps away from me.

When the door doesn't open immediately, I have to fight against fidgeting. What is it about this show that has me acting so unlike myself?

Unable to stop myself, I run my hands over tonight's dress. It's just as beautiful as the one the night before. It's a pale, smoky purple that seems to shimmer between gray and purple. As with most female omegas, my body is curvy. I always make sure to keep up a gym routine because it's easy for our bodies to become soft. The dress hugs each of the curves from the sweetheart strapless neckline, down my torso, and over my hips before flowing to the ground. It has a split on each side that's only noticeable when I'm walking. It's elegant and sexy all at the same time.

Finally, the car door opens, and I catch a glimpse of my first suitor of the day.

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