Page 25 of Knot Their Reality

I take the envelope from him, frowning as I take in the elegant script on the front with my name. "Did he say what it was? Or why he was giving it to you?"

"No. Sorry. He just asked if I wouldn't mind giving it to you.”

I flip it over, running my finger under the flap and pulling out the piece of paper inside, quickly realizing it's a letter. "Oh. It's a letter from Alejandro. I'll read it after our date."

"I don't mind if you read it now. It seemed pretty important to him." Brooks gives me a crooked smile. "We all know we're going to be a part of a pack. I've got no problems with sharing. You might as well read it while we're on our way because once we start our date, I'm going to want your full attention and how can I have that if you're wondering what it says?"

I bite my lip, considering him. "Are you sure?"

"Yes. I promise I wouldn't have offered if I didn't mean it."

Taking him at his word, I turn back to the letter. I don't know that I've ever received a letter in anything but a business capacity before today, but I also wonder why he's writing me one.

Sophia,

Since I’m unable to see you before the rose ceremony and there’s so much I feel like I need to say to you, Ezra suggested writing to you. I wish I could’ve come up with the idea on my own, but I’m so thankful to him for suggesting it. The best part of writing a letter is that if I screw up, I just throw it away and start over again.

This is attempt number ten, and I finally think I know what I’m trying to say and how to word it. First, I’m sorry for being an asshole. There’s a whole slew of excuses that I can make to you, but that’s all they’d be. Instead, I want to make a promise to you.

If you allow me a second chance and don’t send me home on Saturday, I promise I will be more conscientious of my behavior. I will remember that I’m more than a moody model who’s used to getting everything he wants. I will remember that I’m an alpha who’s courting a fantastic omega—that it’s her wants and desires that matter the most, not mine. And I’ll speak up when something bothers me, instead of holding it inside.

That’s not to say that I won’t mess up time and again, but all I ask of you is that you call me out if you see me slipping back into these behaviors. I’m aware I won’t be able to change overnight, but I want to change, and that’s because of you.

I don’t want to live a lonely, selfish life. I want to find a pack who I adore, and I especially would love to find an omega to spend the rest of my life with. Is that you? I don’t know, but the only way we can find out is if I’m here with you as I try to become the man, the alpha, that I’m meant to be.

Sincerely,

Alejandro

I smile as I refold the letter and slide it back into the envelope. When I look up, I find Brooks staring at me, a question in his eyes.

"Alejandro and I didn't get off to the best start, and I've been going back and forth over whether I should keep him here or if I should send him home at the first ceremony." My smile only grows as I lift the envelope in the air. "But this letter tells me he deserves a second chance, and I want to get to know him better."

"That's amazing. I'm glad. As I said, I didn't really get to know him during our short breakfast, but he and Jace spent most of breakfast talking quietly."

I hum. "He says he's planning to work on what caused the issue between us and put in the effort to become a better person. Anyone who's willing to admit when they're wrong and is willing to work on themselves is someone who deserves a second chance."

Before Brooks can say anything else, the car comes to a stop. He glances out the window, frowning.

"No More Knots?" He raises an eyebrow. "What kind of place did you bring me to?"

I laugh as the driver opens my door. "I guess you'll have to come with me to find out."

He laughs alongside me as we both climb out of the SUV. He reaches down to grab my hand, intertwining our fingers. I beam up at him, loving the way his hand feels in mine.

"You have our pickup time?" I ask the driver, realizing I haven't bothered to ask his name and feeling like shit. "Goodness, I didn't ask your name."

He laughs. "That's okay. You obviously have a lot going on right now, so it's absolutely forgivable that you didn't ask, but it's Ian. And yes, I have the pickup time. Enjoy your day."

With a dip of his head, he climbs back into the car and then he's gone, leaving Brooks and I alone on the sidewalk.

"Well, let's go get this date started, yeah?" I grin and we head for the door. I'm so excited about this date.

The camera crew arrived some time before us and have been filming since we stepped from the car—if not sooner.

Brooks opens the door for me without relinquishing his hold on my hand. When we step into the elegantly tranquil lobby, a smile breaks out on his face. "We're having a spa date?"

"I hope you don't mind," I say, wrinkling my nose. "After last night, I knew I needed it, and I thought you might enjoy it with how hard you work."