Page 27 of Knot Their Reality

I wrinkle my nose, hating that he's throwing my words back at me, but also knowing he's right. "I was just thinking about how I was going to have to say goodbye to you until Saturday, and I hate that."

"I get it, Sophia. I'm not looking forward to it either, but you still have twelve more suitors to meet. I'm not going anywhere." He cups my face in his hands, turning it up so I'm looking at him. "We've already gotten more time together alone than anyone else. I think it's allowed us to get closer than we may have otherwise.

"While I don't think it's a bad thing, I also think that being apart for a bit will do us good. This show already moves too fast and I don't want to rush anything between the two of us. I would hate to ruin what we're building already. Plus, now that I know you enjoy letters, I might write you a few too."

And I'm melting again. How can he be so perfect?

When he leans down to brush his lips over mine, he keeps it light and sweet—unlike our last kiss. It's... nice.

And I don't mean that in a bad way. I melt into his arms; the tension releasing. I'm back to feeling just as relaxed as I had earlier, if not even more.

Brooks is right. This isn't about finding one person, this is about finding a pack. Before I can decide on anyone, I have to be sure that they can handle a pack situation. That's part of the reason we have the group dates and he hasn't been able to go on one yet. I look forward to seeing how he interacts with the other suitors.

While I'm still grateful for the change in introductions of the suitors, I can't wait until they're all together. One thing I noticed during the first season was that the pack Bree ended up choosing; the suitors she chose all seemed to drift toward one another.

I don't know if it will end up the same way for my suitors, but I think it'll be interesting to see how they do group up. Obviously, I'm not going to use that as the way I choose my pack—but it'll be interesting.

Both of us are smiling as we pull back, and I settle into his side for the rest of the ride back to the mansion. We don't speak, but we don't need to. We've said what we needed for now, and I want to enjoy the few moments we have left together before I have to prepare to meet the next group of suitors.

Brooks

After my date with Sophia, I'm practically on cloud nine. First, I loved the day at the spa, and I will definitely be sure to work in a day every month or two when I return to work.

Second, the time with Sophia has made me fall even harder for her. I have zero doubt that she's the omega for me. Now, I just have to convince her of that, and whoever else she chooses for her pack. I don't think it'll be as easy as just saying she's meant to be mine.

In the first century or so after the Event, there are stories of many packs that seemed to be fated. It turns out that they were a scent match. There haven't been as many packs with that kind of chemistry in more recent years and I don't know if being scent matched was ever real or not, but I do feel a pull to Sophia that I've never felt to another person before.

To me, that screams that we’re fated. But that’s just my personal opinion. I have no idea what Sophia’s thoughts are on the matter, and it’s way too early into the relationship to ask her—even with how fast-paced the show is—that’s way too soon. I don’t want to scare her away. I want to keep her forever.

"Oh, good. You're back."

I jump at Hector's voice as I start up the stairs. I'd been too lost in my thoughts to take in my surroundings once I'd left Sophia at her suite door with one last kiss.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you," Hector says with a grin from where he stands on the landing between the first and second floors. "Bree asked me if I could bring you to the third floor game room. She wants to discuss interviews with you, Pack Duval, and the day one suitors."

"Yeah, okay." I shoot him a grin before following him up the stairs. I'm surprised that this is the first time we're being interviewed, but I'm okay with that.

Over breakfast, Jace had told us they'd opted for a group interview of sorts, but that it was more like a conversation between the four of them. I wonder if that's why they're gathering us.

It'll be interesting if they expect all eight of us to speak together. We'd only had about an hour together over breakfast, but I realize that it's likely that Pack Duval has probably spent the day with them.

Hector steps to the side once we reach the third floor and as soon as I step into the game room, Tessa is smiling and gesturing for me to join them. There are already cameras set up around the couches that they've grouped together to form a circle of sorts, leaving open the side for the cameras.

Pack Duval sits on one couch, while Jace and Alejandro sit on the second. The third one is occupied by Jackson and Ezra. I drop to Jace’s free side before stretching out to get comfortable.

"Welcome back, Brooks. I hope you had an enjoyable date with Sophia." Tessa holds up her hand when I open my mouth. "Don't tell me yet. Wait until the cameras are rolling."

"If he wants to do a group interview." Bree shakes her head as she focuses her attention on me. "We offered the first four suitors an option of doing a group interview or individual interviews. They opted for a group interview, and Pack Duval has requested the same.

"With that being said, you're not obliged to take part in the group interview. We can just have them sit with the day one suitors and talk. If you do decide you'd like an interview, you can vote to include all the suitors or just have it be the four of you."

My eyes dart around the room, taking in each of the suitors before shrugging. "I'm good with all of us being here, but if they've already done a group interview, won't it seem repetitive?"

“Yes, and no.” Tessa nods, admitting that it’s a valid question without words. “Their instructions are to discuss any new developments only. They’re here to support your interview. Obviously, we don’t want them silent the whole time; they’ll be included in your conversation, but they won’t mention their time with Bree unless it’s relevant.”

Well, that makes sense. "That sounds great to me."

It only takes a few minutes to make sure that everything is set up correctly, and then Tessa is gesturing for us to go ahead. Knowing exactly where I want to start, I turn to Alejandro.

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