Page 88 of Knot Their Reality

"This looks good," I say, pointing so Dylan can put down the blankets. As soon as they're on the ground, Chase and I lay the pillows down and begin to build a little nest. It's an omega thing, what can I say? Within five minutes, we both sit back and look up at the two alphas expectantly.

"Is it ready for us?" Brooks asks, sitting down at my nod.

Dylan dives down, messing up our hard work. I give an indignant huff and Chase growls. Both of us get back to work, fixing what he's just destroyed. I ignore everything but fixing the area. As soon as it's good enough—because there's no way we're going to get it perfect now that the two alphas are sitting with us—I sit back again.

Dylan and Brooks are sharing hushed whispers, and Brooks looks pissed. Glancing at Chase, he just shrugs. A few moments later, Dylan sighs as he turns to face us.

"I'm sorry that I messed up the beautiful nest you'd made for us, omegas. I didn't mean to mess up your hard work or upset you."

"Apology accepted," I respond, though my words are stilted. "Just don't do it again."

Chase nods. "You should know that omegas take their nests very seriously—even if they're temporary. Doing things like this will always upset us."

Dylan's head drops as he nods. "I understand."

"Now, how about we start getting the food out? I'm starving." I reach for the basket, but Brooks carefully brushes my hand to the side.

"Let me, Sophia. Dylan and I will make plates for the two of you."

I beam up at him. "Thank you, alphas. We'd like that very much."

Chase wraps an arm around my waist, leaning close as the alphas pull the food out and begin making plates. "I'm not sure I like him."

"Who?" I ask, eyebrows drawn.

"Dylan. He's funny enough, most of the time, and he's got a ton of energy. But the whole diving into the nest thing? It puts me on edge, and it's not the first time I've noticed that he doesn't think about other people's comfort levels."

I tilt my head, trying to think of a time that I've seen anything like that, but I come up blank. Chase just shakes his head. "No, I won't ruin your perception of him. I won't be choosing him for my pack, but if you like him, I want you to be able to get to know him without my words at the back of your mind."

"You're sure?" I ask, shrugging when he nods. Even if he doesn't tell me what he's noticed, it doesn't mean I won't be watching Dylan closer. I still think he's a good guy, but even good guys have their flaws. I'll have to see if Dylan's are worth overlooking or not.

I look up as a plate presses into my hands, beaming up at Dylan. "Thank you, alpha."

"You're welcome, Sophia." Dylan hesitates for a moment before leaning over to kiss my forehead.

My smile only grows with his actions before I focus on my food. As per usual, the food is amazing and perfect for a picnic. I eat and eat until I'm stuffed. At this rate, I'm going to gain weight being on the show. Because the cooks here are superb. I still need to figure out how to steal one of them away when the show is over.

It's easy to ignore the camera crew set up not too far from us. The longer they follow us around, the easier it is to forget all about them.

I lounge on the blanket, my head in Chase's lap as the alphas finish eating, having kicked my shoes off. Chase runs his fingers through my hair, lulling me into a relaxed, not quite asleep state. A state that I'm jerked right over as a cold liquid spills over me.

"What the fuck?" I scream, jumping to my feet.

"What the fuck, indeed." Chase's face is drawn in anger, confusing me.

"Sorry, Sophia," Dylan says, not looking at all sorry. "I lost the grip on my water bottle, and it went flying."

Looking down at how soaked my dress is, it's hard for me to believe it was an accident, but I bite my tongue. "It's fine. I wanted to climb into the hot springs anyway. This is a good excuse."

I undo the bow holding my dress together before shrugging it off. Beneath it, I wear a teeny, tiny bikini in the same color. I can feel all three sets of eyes on me, and I can't be bothered to try to hide my smirk. Tossing the dress to the ground, I start toward the hot springs, calling over my shoulders. "Are you three going to join me?"

I laugh, throwing my head back as they all scramble to get their shirts and shoes off so they can follow me. I don't wait for them, just continue to the hot springs. When I go to climb in, two hands land on my hips.

"Let me help you, omega. I wouldn't want you to lose your balance or anything."

I smile at the overly protective Brooks. Not that I'm complaining. I would never. I love the idea of someone caring enough about me to make sure I don't fall. It's sweet.

He climbs in with me, helping me settle before turning back to Chase and offering his hand. "If you'll allow me to help you as well?"

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