Knot Her Reality (Heated Book 3)

Chapter Six

“Are you sure you’re okay?” Bree asks from her spot on the couch in my suite.

I shrug, unsure how to answer her. After breakfast, she asked if she could speak with me in my suite. She’d seemed so serious that I knew something was going on, but I hadn’t been prepared for what she had to tell me.

“Death threats?” I repeat. “Seriously?”

Bree nods slowly. “Yes. Things seem to be escalating outside of the compound now that the show is beginning to record. I promised you we wouldn’t keep you in the dark about any of this, which is why I wanted to tell you about it before you left for your date. It’s not the first death threat that’s been made against anyone involved with the show, but it’s the first one that the cops have taken seriously. That makes me worry.”

“All because I’m a bisexual woman? How is it that this is the world we live in? Most of the men in this world are bisexual or pansexual—or some kind of sexual that makes them attracted to men and women, so what makes it so different?” But even as I say the words, I know what the difference is. I’m a woman, and there aren’t as many of us in the world. Add on the fact that I’m an omega, and here we are. I fucking hate it.

Bree doesn’t bother answering my question because we both know the answer. Sighing, I run a hand over my face. “I need to get ready for my date. Do you mind if I do that while we talk?”

“Of course.” Bree stands and follows me into my bedroom, pausing for a moment as I strip down naked.

Glancing over my shoulder at her, I laugh at the look on her face. “Oh, honey. I work in the fashion industry. I’m used to people dropping trow all the time. It’s made me not think twice about changing in front of others. If it makes you uncomfortable…”

Bree laughs, shaking her head. “No, you’re fine. It was just unexpected. You’d be surprised at the number of omegas who won’t be vulnerable around other omegas.”

“Pish posh.” I wave my hand in the air. “I’m sure you’ve figured out by now that I don’t give a flying fuck about being like others. Life is too short not to be yourself.”

“Yeah, I’ve noticed.”

Laughing, I grab the bikini I’d set out when I woke up this morning. It’s a beautiful teal color that reveals a lot more skin than it covers, but what’s special about it is that it’s my first attempt at a scent-canceling bathing suit. Well, not the first. We’ve definitely tried a few times before, but this is the first one that I think might actually work. It’s been hard because there’s just so little material to a bathing suit—especially a bikini—but I think we’ve finally done it.

“We’re going to add more security on the compound, and we’re going to be sending guards with you anytime you leave the compound,” Bree tells me as I pull the bikini on, glancing in the mirror to make sure that everything that is supposed to be covered is, in fact, covered.

“You want me to take guards on my dates? That’s super conducive to romance.” I snort as I spin to face her. “Is that really necessary?”

She shrugs her shoulders. “This came down from the network, Evie. They’re not going to take any chances with your safety, and I happen to agree with them.”

I huff, shaking my head. I really think that they’re worrying over nothing, but what can I do? “Fine, but those fuckers better make sure they stay out of the way. I’m not going to let them stop me from banging someone if I so desire.”

“Gods above,” Bree splutters. “Warn a girl, yeah?”

I laugh because what else can I do? “So, what do you think?”

“It’s sexy. Well-made, just like everything else you’ve designed.”

I snort, shaking my head again. “No, Bree. That’s not what I’m talking about. This is the scent-canceling suit.”

“What? Seriously?” She hurries over, pausing for a moment. “It would be weird if I leaned down to smell your crotch, wouldn’t it?”

Not much surprises me, but her words certainly do. “Maybe a little, but how else are you going to be able to tell?”

She shrugs. “Better start thinking about those sexy ass suitors you’ve met so far. Can’t tell if they’re working if you’re not producing slick.”

Goodness. If anyone could hear our words right now without seeing what’s going on, they’d be very confused. But I think about Alejandro, Lillian, Viktor, and Dustin—better known as my dates for the day. After spending some time with them last night, I’m still not sure how I feel about Dustin and Viktor, but Alejandro and Lillian? I’m definitely attracted to the two of them. My thighs clench as I think of the three of us together and the fun we could have together.

“Holy shit!” Bree exclaims, pulling me from my fantasy as she jerks upright. “I couldn’t smell anything.”

“I told you so! As long as the omega is wearing the proper size so that everything is covered, it’ll work—even when wet.”

“That’s amaz—“ She’s cut off by a knock on the door.

Glancing at the clock, I realize it’s time for my date. “Shit, I’ve got to hurry.”

“I’ll go let them know you’ll be right out. I’m sending Finnegan and Lucas with you today as your guards.”

I snort. “My mandatory psychologist and Reginald’s alpha?”

“Let’s be real. Finnegan could fuck someone up if he wanted to, and we both know it. Both Reginald and Tyler would murder Lucas if he let anything happen to you. Plus, he has a background in security. We don’t have a lot of mated alphas around who aren’t already working for me to send with you.”

“I get it. It’s fine.” There’s another knock on the door. “You deal with them. I’ll be ready in a few minutes.”

Not bothering to wait for her response, I quickly finish dressing in a tank top, a pair of shorts, and tennis shoes. Throwing my hair into a high ponytail as I head for the door, I push away my annoyance at needing guards to “protect” me on dates. I just want to live my best life. I don’t get why that has to make people so angry.

Throwing the door open, I find a scowling Viktor standing on the other side, and I jerk back from the anger in his gaze.

“Oh, Evangeline, there you are.” As if it was never there, the anger disappears, replaced with a smirk. “The others headed out to the car, and I told them I’d wait for you.”

“Oh, uh… Thanks.” I try to step out of my room, but he’s suddenly directly in front of me, cutting me off. “Ummm… What are you doing, Viktor?”

Instead of saying anything, he lifts his arm to lean against the doorframe, blocking my way out. My heart pounds in my chest, fear racing through me as I stare up at him.

“You look beautiful, omega,” he finally says, reaching up as if to run his hand down my cheek, but I jerk away from him.

“Thank you, but how about you get the fuck out of my doorway and let me out?”

He laughs as if I’m joking or something, but I’m not. And if he doesn’t move the fuck out of my way, I’m going to show him just how much I’m not joking. “Sorry, omega. I just couldn’t let you leave the room without telling you that.”

When he finally steps out of my way, I let out a sigh of relief. What the hell is up with this guy? He tries to pretend like he’s this nice guy, but there’s just something off about it all. I thought that last night before he even pulled whatever this was.

“Again, thanks.” Brushing past him, I head for the front door as I try to slow my heart rate.

“What the hell are you doing, Viktor?”

At the unexpected voice, I look up to find Alejandro staring at the other alpha. I slow my pace, glancing over my shoulder to find Viktor pushing into my room.

Viktor spins around, pinning Alejandro with a glare. “I thought you went out to the car with the others.”

“Yeah, I wanted to see Evangeline too much, so I decided to stay inside, too.” Alejandro reaches out to pull me against his side, his eyes never leaving Viktor. “Now, answer my question. What were you doing going into Evangeline’s room? No one is to enter an omega’s space without permission—especially while on the show. It’s rude and disrespectful.”

“I thought I saw something, so I was just going to check it out,” Viktor says smoothly, pulling the door shut as he steps back into the hallway. “But it was just a trick of the eye. I’m sorry, Evangeline. I would never think of invading your space without your permission.”

I force myself to smile and nod. “Of course. We best get going. We’ve got a busy day ahead of us before I meet the next set of suitors tonight.”

Something flashes in Viktor’s eyes, there and gone again in a flash before he smiles. “Of course.” Without another word, he passes us and heads out the door.

“That was weird,” I say slowly.

“Weird as fuck,” Alejandro agrees. “I’m not sure about him. There’s just something off.”

“I’m glad I’m not the only one who noticed.” I pull away from the alpha, shaking out my body as I force myself to relax. “I’ll mention it to Bree. She’s already freaking out. We have two guards coming with us on the date.”

Alejandro makes a face. “Why?”

“Apparently, there have been death threats made against me, and they’re taking them seriously.” I shrug. “I think it’s just assholes being assholes. It’s not the first time I’ve had death threats for being who and what I am.”

“Death threats? Are you serious? Why would you be getting death threats?”

I make a face. “Did you not watch the news about the show before you came? Or notice the protesters outside the compound?”

He nods. “Of course I did. They think the death threats are coming from the same people? That’s quite a leap from protesting to murder.”

“I agree, but that’s what Bree said. I tried to tell her it wasn’t necessary. Apparently, the orders came from the network, so there’s no fighting them. But right now, I just want to forget about all of this and enjoy my date.”

He looks like he wants to argue, but nods. “Then let’s get out of here.”

When he offers me his hand, I take it with a smile. I’m so happy that he’s here—this version, and not the way he was when he first arrived last season. It’s clear that he’s matured so much from his experience and what he’s been doing since. He leads me out to the SUV, where Lillian and Dustin have already climbed inside. Finnegan stands next to it, and I’m a little sad to see that Lucas is in the driver’s seat.

“Where’s Ian?”

“Glad to know you’re happy to see us,” Finnegan grumbles with a smile. “Since Lucas and I will be joining you, one of us will act as the driver while the other one comes with you. That way, we know no one will mess with the car and you’re still covered. If anything happens, he’ll be able to join us quickly, but I don’t anticipate any issues.”

“Thanks for playing bodyguard for me, Dr. Abernathy. I think it’s overkill, but I’m glad it’s you and Lucas. At least I’m comfortable with the two of you. I don’t know what I’m going to do when permanent guards get assigned.” I wrinkle my nose before climbing into the SUV.

Finnegan glowers at me. “Do not start calling me that again. Finn or Finnegan only.”

“Whatever you say, Dr. Abernathy,” I tell him with a smile, ignoring his growl of frustration.

Lucas turns in his seat. “I am one of your permanent guards. My company is going to be doing the security, and since I’m here, I figured it would be better if I was one of your guards since you are comfortable with me. Either Finn or I will be with you at all times, but the second guard will rotate. I’ve got a few guys coming down to help out. They’re good guys.”

“Well, thanks for that.” Seeing that Lillian and Dustin are sitting in the last row with Viktor in the second row, I drop into the first row. Alejandro joins me, and I swear I hear Viktor huff behind me, but when I turn to face him, he’s smirking at me once more.

“You ready, omega?” he asks, leaning forward in his seat. It’s harder than it should be to not flinch away from him.

I nod, turning around in my seat. “Yup. I can’t wait.”

Feeling his hot breath on my neck, I realize turning my back on him might not have been my best idea.

“Back off, Viktor,” Alejandro growls.

“Touchy, touchy,” Viktor says with a laugh. “I was just scenting the omega.”

Turning, I see how tense Alejandro’s body is. He looks like he’s seconds away from decking the other alpha. I lay a hand on his arm, waiting until he looks at me before giving him a soft smile. “Thanks for looking out for me, but it’s okay. But Viktor, I’m using scent-canceling products, so you won’t be able to scent me.”

Viktor hums. “Of course. Silly me.”

Facing forward once more, I find Finnegan’s eyes narrowing on Viktor before they flicker to me. He lifts his eyebrows in question, and I just shrug. Sure, he’s weird, but maybe it’s just because he feels awkward. I really don’t want to write someone off so early in the show just because they’re a little weird. Or, in his case, a lot weird.

I was planning to mention something to Bree since Alejandro also thought his behavior was weird, but something tells me I won’t have to. I’m fairly certain that Finnegan will mention it to her.

He looks like he wants to say something but eventually turns around. I lay my head on Alejandro’s shoulder as we pull out of the compound, trying my best to tune out the protesters.

“It’s not natural!”

“There aren’t enough women in the world!”

“Leave women for the rest of us!”

“Omega whore!”

“Fuck, they’ve gotten worse,” Alejandro murmurs, jostling me from his shoulder and instead wrapping his arms around me. “Don’t listen to them. They’re getting ballsy.”

“Fuck them.” Letting myself melt into his hold, I squeeze my eyes shut. There’s a rumble beneath my cheek, and it takes me a moment to realize that he’s purring for me. As soon as it penetrates my thoughts, my entire body goes limp in his hold. Within moments, I can feel sleep pulling me under. Now, that’s an idea—spending the hour-long drive to the lake sleeping.

I jolt awake as the SUV slows, sitting up and looking around. It takes me a moment to realize we’re pulling up to the lake. “Damn, we’re here already?”

Alejandro chuckles. “We are. Once I started purring, you were out.”

“Thanks for that,” I say, ducking my head. I’m not a shy person by any means, but I can’t seem to stop blushing since I started meeting my suitors. I don’t know what’s going on with that, but there’s also not much I can do about it.

“We had a team clear the area before we arrived,” Lucas tells me, his eyes meeting mine in the rearview mirror. “They’re staying but won’t be anywhere near the lake unless there’s trouble. As Finn said, I’ll remain in the car while he comes with you.”

I nod my head, reaching for the door handle. “I appreciate you, Lucas.”

Hopping out of the car, I stretch my body as the others follow me out. I have no idea what’s up with my falling asleep in cars lately, but it probably needs to stop. It’s not doing great things for my back.

“Have a good nap?” I spin around at the sound of Viktor’s voice, honestly expecting him to be sneering at me from his tone. Surprisingly, he’s not, but that could have something to do with Finnegan standing at his back.

“I did, thank you.” Fighting back an eye roll, I turn my attention to Dustin and Lillian. “I’m so sorry about falling asleep without even saying hello to the two of you.”

Lillian’s smile makes her even more beautiful as she brushes off my words with a wave of her hands. “Don’t you worry about it, Evangeline. You obviously needed the rest, and I can never fault someone for taking what they need.”

Dustin’s head bobs up and down. “Exactly.”

“Evangeline?” an unfamiliar voice calls out. I turn around to find a middle-aged woman walking up from the lake with a smile on her face. “I’m Tina! I’m going to get you guys set up for the first part of your day. Are you ready?”

“Hell, yes, I’m ready!”

Lillian glances from me to the lake. “Isn’t it a little cold for the lake?”

“Maybe a little, but we’re starting out with kayaking, so I don’t think we need to worry about being cold.”

Finnegan grumbles behind me, and I turn back to him with a frown. “What?”

“Bree sent sweatshirts, jackets, and blankets.” He jerks a thumb toward the SUV. “Go ahead and go through them if you’d like, and grab anything you need. Something tells me Evangeline runs warmer than most people.”

Huh. I wonder if that’s true.

“Maybe we should grab you a jacket just in case,” Alejandro starts but cuts off when I shake my head.

“Nope. Don’t need it. It’ll just be in my way.” I start following Tina, who has started making her way back to the lake. “But thanks for looking out, alpha!”

Movement behind me has me turning my head to find Finnegan following in my footsteps. I roll my eyes, which causes him to laugh.

“Don’t be a brat, omega. Once the others make it down here, I’ll keep my distance, but I’m not leaving you alone with someone we don’t know.” He nods his head toward Tina, and I shrug. She doesn’t look like a danger to me, but since it’s his job to keep me safe currently, I don’t feel like I can complain about it too much.

I snort, raking my eyes over the single kayaks. “Something you’ll have to learn about me is that I’m usually a brat, Finn. It’s my natural setting.”

“Oh, I believe that,” I think I hear him say, but when I glance at him, his eyes aren’t on me—no, they’re on Viktor. His eyes narrow as he watches the other alpha head toward us on his own. “I don’t trust him.”

“Yeah, he kind of gives me and Alejandro the creeps, but I thought it might just be he’s nervous, so he’s coming off smarmy?” I shrug.

Finnegan hums. “Doubtful, but I’ll keep an eye on him. If he makes you feel unsafe, just let me or Lucas know and we’ll take care of it.”

“Got it, Finn. Now shoo!” I push his chest, but of course, he doesn’t move an inch as he smirks down at me. Asshole alpha. They’re always so damn cocky.

Focusing my attention back on Viktor, I notice the others making their way toward us now. Good, I won’t have to be alone with him for long.

“So, Viktor, have you ever been kayaking?”

“Nah. It’s not really the type of physical activity I prefer, if you know what I mean?”

I wrinkle my nose because, yes, of course, I get what he means. But that doesn’t make it any less lewd. I like sex jokes and innuendos as much as the next person, but I barely know this guy, and he’s already hitting high on my creep meter. This isn’t helping matters at all.

I don’t even know how to respond to him without calling him a fucking moron, but something tells me that won’t go over well. Luckily, Lillian saves the day.

“Hey, whatcha talking about?” She’s still smiling, and I wonder if this is her default setting. Can someone truly be this happy all the time? I certainly hope so. I would hate to see that smile wiped off her face.

“The fact that Viktor’s never been kayaking before,” I tell her, choosing to ignore Viktor completely. If he wants to keep this up, then I don’t feel the need to give him a chance. Damn, I’m being awfully wishy-washy even with myself.

Lillian pulls the jacket tighter around herself. “I’ve never been either, but I’ve always wanted to. It should be fun—now that I have a jacket.”

“Is it really that cold? I feel fine.” I shrug, turning my attention to Tina, who’s trying to hide her laughter. “Let me guess, you think it’s cold, too?”

“It’s not too bad, but I also live here. But there’s a reason there was no problem setting up to use the lake without anyone around today. People don’t tend to try to go out on the lake quite this early. We still get some colder days this time of year.” The woman shrugs as Dustin and Alejandro join us. “Is that everyone?”

Glancing around, I nod. “Sure is. Let’s do this.”

Tina gives us a quick rundown of how the kayaks work and what to do if we get tipped over before handing out life vests.

Viktor grimaces as he looks down at the bright yellow vest as if it offends him. “Is this really necessary?”

“It absolutely is, young man, and I don’t want to hear any lip about it,” Tina says, hands on her hips as if she’s so much older than him. I bite back a snicker as his eyes narrow, but he quickly pulls it on before stomping toward one of the kayaks.

This time I don’t bother to hold back my eye roll. Some men, I swear. They just never stop acting like children, do they?

Lillian struggles with her life jacket, but before I can offer to help her, Alejandro is at her side. “Here, let me help you.”

I practically melt where I’m standing. It’s just like yesterday with Jagger and Skylar. Okay, it’s not quite the same thing, but it’s along the same line.

“Did you need some help, Evangeline?” I jump at the sound of Dustin’s voice. If I’m honest with myself, I completely forgot he was even here. How bad is that?

“Ahhh, no, Dustin, but thank you.” I pull on the life jacket, grinning up at him. “Would you like to paddle along beside me so we can talk?”

His eyes light up. “Oh, really? That would be awesome.”

That definitely makes me feel better about forgetting he was here—kind of, at least. I’m still an asshole.

After we all climb into our kayaks, Tina helps by giving us a push into the water. Dustin struggles at first, so I slow myself down so I don’t leave his side.

“This is harder than I thought,” he says with a chuckle. “I don’t spend much time outdoors.”

“There’s nothing wrong with that. So what do you do for fun?”

He makes a face as he glances over at me. “I’m a bit of a nerd. If I’m not working, then I’m usually playing video games or getting together with my friends to play DD.”

I perk up at that. “Oh, yeah? Do you have a class you prefer to play?”

“You know DD?” he asks, surprise written all over his face. “How?”

I laugh, throwing my head back. “Just because I’m a fashion designer doesn’t mean I don’t have a nerdy side—I’m multifaceted like a diamond.”

He snorts. “Okay, I see it now. Definitely a nerdy side. As far as classes, I love barbarians and wizards.”

“That’s two very different classes.” We cut across the water, Dustin seeming to have an easier time of it while we’re talking. “I personally love rogues and sorcerers. I’ve even done a multi-class between the two.”

“That’s so cool. I can’t believe you play DD. I’m not going to lie. I’ve been questioning why I was chosen to come on the show. We’re so different that I just couldn’t see what we could have in common.” Dustin laughs again. “But it’s because you’re a closet nerd.”

“Yeah, I guess I am.” Before I can say anything else, something bumps into my kayak and since I’m already leaning toward Dustin, it throws off the balance. I only have a second to freak out before the kayak rolls, the water rushing up toward my face.

The water is colder than I thought it was, stealing any breath I might have had. I shake my head, feeling the life vest trying to lift me to the surface, but first, I need to get out of the kayak. Trying to keep calm, I drop the oar and slip out of the kayak. As my head breaks the surface, I take a gasping breath. My body shakes, and I realize why no one else is out on the water right now. I’d been fine in a tank and shorts while in the kayak, but the water is so cold that I know my body is already going into shock.

“Evangeline!” I hear someone yell my name and turn in a circle as I try to find the person. Something thumps up against my head, sending me back under the water. What the hell? Did someone just hit me with a kayak?

Thank the gods for the life jacket as it forces me back to the surface. I blink against the water running down my face, coughing as I try to expel the water I swallowed. My ears are ringing, and when I lift my hand to my head, it comes away with blood.