Chapter Five
Remington
A s Tessa leads me down the walkway, I wonder what my suitors are doing now that they’ve been sequestered to the top two floors. I really enjoyed my date with them today and have already added the plush from Milo and the blanket from Eric to my nest.
Both smell like them, and I’m tempted to sleep in there tonight so I can be surrounded by their scents—even as faint as they are.
Alas, that’s a decision for me to make later. Now, I get to meet my next four suitors.
I don’t feel nearly as anxious or panicked as I did yesterday, which surprises me. I expected another panic attack or at least some minor hyperventilating.
Not that I’m complaining. Gods, I surely am not.
Holy shit. Am I getting anxious about not being anxious enough?
Tessa turns her head as I snicker. “What’s so funny, Remy?”
“I think I was trying to psych myself up—getting anxious over not being anxious enough about meeting my next suitors.” I shrug, knowing just how dumb that sounds.
Tessa just grins, shaking her head. “You’re a special one, that’s for sure, Remington Montgomery.”
That’s me—always the special one.
“Hey, Remy! Good to see you!” Reginald grins as I park my ass in the chair across from him. He does a quick interview with me, talking about my suitors and our date. I can’t help gushing over the gifts they gave me.
I’m sure most omegas expect gifts, but that’s just never been something I’ve wanted or needed. Probably because I didn’t think I needed or wanted a pack.
Today’s date made me realize just how much I want a pack despite always knowing I needed one. I might have ignored it, but I always knew something was missing from my life. I was just too stubborn, thinking I didn’t need anyone.
Even if that was true, I should’ve wanted a pack to share my life with. I guess part of me did, but I just suppressed it.
Putting those thoughts out of my mind, I follow Tessa and Reginald to the circular driveway and take my spot. Nerves rush through me the longer I stand there, waiting to hear the limo turning into the driveway.
What’s taking so long?
Did something happen on the way to drop off my next suitor?
Did they change their mind?
Am I going to be left standing here like an idiot waiting for someone who isn’t coming?
“Take a deep breath, Remy. You’re doing it again,” Bree murmurs, and I startle.
Where the hell did she come from?
I don’t bother asking the question, thankful she ripped me from my thoughts.
Sometimes, the inside of my head is a scary place to be.
Finally, the sounds of tires turning onto the pavement catch my attention, and I straighten.
This is it. It’s time to meet my next suitor—or suitors, if it’s another pack.
My eyes follow the limo’s progress as it drives around the circular driveway and comes to a stop in front of me.
There’s just enough of a delay between the limo stopping and the door opening for me to begin my downward spiral once more before it pops open.
A beautiful woman with vibrant red hair and matching red lips emerges. She smiles as she saunters toward me, her hips swinging with each step she takes. Something tells me she knows just how good she looks and is working it to her advantage—not that I blame her.
She’s smoking hot from her regal nose and high cheekbones to her curvy body encased in the green gown she wears. Her eyes are a pale jade green that are hard to look away from.
She’s breathtaking.
And there goes the slick spill.
Ha! That’s a good one.
At least she won’t be able to tell…or at least I hope she won’t be able to.
Omega problems, I swear.
Hints of lavender and lemon reach my nose and confirm my suspicions that she’s a beta as she comes to a stop in front of me, offering her hand to me. “Hello, Remington. I’m Brooke Spade.”
“Hi, Brooke,” I murmur before lifting her hand to my lips, brushing them across her palm instead of the back of her hand, as would be expected. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
Her sultry smile turns up into a grin as I release her hand. “You’re a smooth one, Mr. Montgomery.”
I snort, ruining whatever smoothness she thought I possessed.
“I’m the complete opposite of smooth,” I assure her. “In fact, in the time it took from the limo stopping until you opened the door, I almost had a complete meltdown.”
“Well, you could’ve fooled me.”
I clear my throat, wishing I could be that smooth. Although kissing her palm was pretty damn out of character for me. “Before I put my foot in my mouth, why don’t you tell me a little about yourself?”
“Sure. I’m twenty-three and a beta. I work as an administrative assistant.” She shrugs. “It’s nothing glamorous, but I love it. It’s for an insurance company, and I’m slowly learning more about how all that works. I’ve found it to be quite interesting.”
I snort. “I’m not sure if I’d call insurance interesting, but it’s a necessary evil, and what really matters is that you enjoy it.”
“Oh, trust me, I didn’t find it very interesting in the beginning either.” She taps her finger against her chin. “Let’s see. What else can I tell you? I’m the youngest of two. My older sister is an omega. She’s been with her pack for about five years now. We grew up in a pack with two alpha dads, two beta dads, and two beta moms. Everyone was surprised when my sister turned out to be an omega, but sometimes, luck is just with someone, right?”
There’s a small tightening around her eyes, but it’s there and gone before I can even begin to guess what that’s all about.
“I’m bisexual—something my parents knew before I even knew. They really are the best. They raised us on a horse farm, and I love horses so much. It’s been hard living in the city and not being surrounded by them every day, but beyond that, I love the city.”
I smile as she continues on about horses and her love for them. I like listening to her talk.
Listening is what I’m good at. I like letting people talk about themselves because it means I don’t have to talk about myself. Plus, they were given information about me before arriving, so they already know a lot about me.
Reginald signals to me, and I nod. “Well, Brooke, it seems it’s almost time for the next suitor to arrive. I can’t wait to hear more about growing up on a horse farm later. Maybe even a little more about why you love insurance now.”
“You’re a good listener,” she says, a light flush covering her cheeks. “I didn’t mean to just keep talking.”
Picking up her hand, I kiss it once more. “I promise it was more than okay. I much prefer to listen to pretty women than talk. When I talk, I’m more likely to say something stupid.”
“I highly doubt you would’ve said something stupid, but I understand.” She giggles as she steps back. “I like it when a partner knows how to listen. Not many people are good at that, so thank you, Remington.”
“Remy,” I correct her as she makes her way over to where Bree and Tessa are standing.
As I watch her walk away, my eyes drift down to her ass. She has a really nice ass.
There’s no denying her beauty, but I love how almost innocent she seems. She is a decade younger than me. I wonder if that isn’t part of the reason she seems so innocent.
Turning back to the circular driveway, I focus my attention on the limo as it pulls to a stop. I’ll have more time to consider Brooke later. Right now, I have three more suitors to meet before we sit down to dinner.
A man steps out this time. While it’s harder to tell at a distance, I’m fairly certain he’s at least six feet tall. His sepia skin is mostly hidden beneath his traditional tuxedo that hugs his shoulders and upper body. He’s well-built, though not as big as Eric. His black hair is cut close to his head while a well-kept beard covers his face.
He walks over, the lights reflecting off his black-frame glasses, and I bite my lip. I’ve always had a thing for a man in glasses.
“Good evening, Remington.”
“Hello.” I’m proud of myself when it comes out steady, not revealing just how turned on I am by a pair of glasses. I know it’s a little weird, but what can I say? It’s just my thing.
Sucking in a deep breath, I have to bite back a moan as his key lime pie scent hits me. That’s my favorite dessert, and the man standing before me smells just like one—and he’s an alpha to boot.
“I’m Lee Campbell.” He holds out his hand, shaking mine when I grasp it.
I smile, probably looking goofy as hell. “It’s nice to meet you, Lee. I love your glasses.”
He reaches up, pushing them up his nose and drawing my attention to his nut-brown eyes. “Thank you. I usually wear contacts, but they were bothering my eyes today.”
“Oh, there’s no need to wear contacts,” I blurt. “Your glasses make you sexy as hell.”
“Do they?” Lee grins, lifting his eyebrows. “That’s good to know.”
My eyes widen, and I wish I could bury my face in my hands. Instead, I just nod and ignore the blush creeping up my neck and spilling onto my cheeks. “Why don’t you tell me a little more about yourself?”
He nods, not calling any more attention to the words that fell from my lips—something I’m very grateful for. “I’m forty-two, and I work as a marketing specialist. I’m an alpha, but have been told on more than one occasion that if it weren’t for my size, they’d think I was a beta. Something about being too calm and collected to be an alpha? I hate when people stereotype us by our designation. We’re all just people, and people are different. We should celebrate those differences.”
“Here, here,” I agree. “After all, I don’t exactly fit my designation’s stereotypes, either. What do you like to do for fun?”
It turns out Lee loves the outdoors, spending most of his weekends running and hiking. I wish I had that kind of energy. Working in a lab doesn’t exactly lean into physical activity.
We talk for a few more minutes before it’s time to send him to join Brooke.
Lee seems to be a genuinely nice person, and I love that. We don’t seem to have a lot in common, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Maybe he can help me learn to love the outdoors.
Unlikely, but anything is possible, right?
I feel more relaxed after speaking with him than I have been the entire time when it comes to meeting suitors. It’s a nice feeling.
When the next limo comes to a stop, there’s a momentary pause before the door swings open to reveal my next suitor.
Like Lee, this suitor is over six feet tall, but I think he has a few inches on the alpha I just met. His black hair is cut close on the sides in a fade, but the top is long and spiked up. I wonder how much height his hair adds—not that he needs additional height. His skin is a deep, tanned brown that speaks to someone who spends a lot of time in the sun. His black beard is thinner along his jawline but thicker around his mouth and ends at a point beneath his chin.
As he walks toward me, hints of clove and eucalyptus reach me. Based on his wide shoulders and fit build, he screams alpha—something his calming scent confirms. When he stops in front of me, he doesn’t smile as he stares at me—it’s a little disconcerting.
When he doesn’t say anything, I frown. “Ummm…hi?” It comes out as a question and not a statement, disclosing my uncertainty.
“The name’s Lorenzo. Lorenzo D’Espoito. Jersey born and bred—though I moved to LA for college about ten years ago. It wasn’t for me, so I decided to open a gym,” he says, his chocolate brown eyes never wavering from me. “I’m twenty-eight and ready and able to care for an omega.”
I hesitate for a moment, assuming he’ll continue, but when he doesn’t, I just smile.
“That’s nice. If you own a gym, you must like working out.” I’m babbling—I know it, but I can’t seem to stop myself. “I don’t get to the gym often—or ever.”
He grunts, eyes trailing over me. “That’s fine. I can help you with that. Everyone should go to the gym at least a few days a week. It keeps us healthy.”
Once again, he doesn’t offer any additional details, and I’m left trying to figure out where to go from here.
I hate being the one to lead conversations.
Lorenzo is nice on the eyes, but I’m going to need a little more from him than what he’s given me so far. Surely, he has something more he’d like to tell me about himself.
“So, what do you do in your free time?”
“If I’m not working, I’m working out. Just because I’m an alpha doesn’t mean I don’t have to work to be this stacked. Recently, I’ve begun trying to meet omegas. It’s time to find a pack. Plus, fucking omegas is fun.”
My eyes widen, glancing over at Reginald, who’s shaking his head.
“I…uhh…I wouldn’t know, but that’s good to hear?” Once again, my statement comes out as a question. While Lorenzo’s words were crass, I’m not put off by the fact he’s slept with other omegas. Good for him, I guess. I just don’t know if that’s something that should be announced when you meet a potential omega for the first time. Or meeting anyone for the first time, really.
Then again, maybe he’s just as awkward as me?
Either way, I’m not sure how much longer I can keep directing this conversation. I’m so terrible at this.
“Working out and dating omegas, huh? Anything else?”
He shrugs. “Not just dating omegas. Alphas, betas, omegas—designations don’t overly matter to me. That’s not true. I want an omega. I don’t think I could give up on having one after being buried inside of one. They’re just so—“
“Oh! Um! It looks like it’s time for the next suitor.” I have to cut him off right there. I don’t want to hear the rest of his sentence. “It was really great meeting you, Lorenzo. I’m sure we’ll have plenty of time to talk more later.”
He shrugs, not at all offended by me cutting him off. He grunts before heading toward the other suitors.
I’m sure my face says everything I’m not saying out loud when I glance at Reginald. He’s still shaking his head, his face revealing how shocked and appalled he is.
When our eyes clash, he mouths, “Are you okay?”
I nod, forcing myself to smile. Lorenzo’s comments didn’t make me uncomfortable, per se. Okay, maybe they did a little, but I think it’s because I’d just met the alpha. There’s an appropriate time for conversations like that, and this wasn’t one of them.
Rolling my shoulders back, I try to call back the relaxed feeling Lee left me with but can’t seem to grasp hold of it.
Luckily, another limo pulls up, bringing with it my fourth and final suitor of the night. Anxiety rumbles in my chest as I take a deep breath.
I was doing so damn well until Lorenzo arrived. He just threw me off.
Before I can work myself up too far, the door to the limo opens and another man steps out.
This man needs no introduction.
Quinn Nichols, thirty-one, movie star extraordinaire, and season two suitor.
Holy shit, he’s even hotter in person.
Six foot two with broad shoulders, strong arms, and an easy smile. His dark brown hair has highlights which makes it seem lighter than it is. Before he even reaches me, I know I’ll be able to fall into his deep brown eyes.
“Oh, my fates! You’re Quinn Nichols! You were one of Sophia’s suitors. I was so upset when she didn’t pick you.” The words spill from me, and I can’t seem to make them stop. “Now, I’m really happy she didn’t since you’re here. Holy shit, I can’t believe you’re one of my suitors.”
“Whoa, whoa, whoa.” Quinn places his hands on my shoulders, his earthy sage scent buzzing along my nerves. There’s more to his scent than the sage, but with the blockers, I can’t quite pick them out. “I’m going to need you to take a deep breath for me, yeah?”
When he mimics just that, I follow his lead as my face flushes.
Look at that. I did it again. Just met the man, and I’ve already put my foot in my mouth.
Ducking my head, I chuckle. “Sorry about that. I get a little excited sometimes. I’ve been obsessed with Heated since the first season. I’ve watched every season, and you were one of the suitors I was sure Sophia was going to choose. Besides Pack Lewitt, of course—but then she didn’t.“ I wince. “Sorry, you probably don’t want to rehash all of that.”
“It’s quite alright, Remington. It doesn’t bother me. Sophia and I just weren’t the right fit. She chose an amazing pack. Well, she and Chase chose amazing packs.”
I suck in a deep breath, getting another lungful of sage and sighing. “Okay, then I’m sorry I embarrassed myself.”
This time, he laughs, and I love the sound of it. It sounds different from when he does it in the movies—something I noticed during season two. It’s deep and rumbling, making me wonder what it would sound like if he were to purr.
Which causes me to perfume as slick spills from me.
My eyes squeeze shut in embarrassment, knowing that all the scent blockers in the world aren’t going to hide that from Quinn.
Fates above, could I be more awkward?
“I feel like you should share with the class where your thoughts just went,” he says, still chuckling.
I blink my eyes open to find him still smiling, a twinkle in his eyes. It doesn’t seem like he’s making fun of me, more that he’s…enjoying my awkwardness?
That’s weird.
“Absolutely not. I think we should change the subject completely. By the way, you can call me Remy. My name is quite a mouthful.”
“I bet it’s not the only thing that’s a mouthful, Remy,” Quinn says with a shrug, that twinkle never leaving his eye. “I guess we can move on if you insist. It seems you already know a lot about me, so I’m not sure how much more I can add.”
I sigh. “I’m sorry. I know that’s probably weird for you.”
He waves me off. “It’s really not. It’s something you grow accustomed to in my line of work. Although, it seems like you might know more about me because of the show than because I’m an actor. That’s not usually the case.”
“I’ve spent a lot of time focusing on my career and haven’t always made time for things like watching movies. I actually hadn’t seen one of your movies until you came on Heated .“ I flush again, unsure why I felt the need to announce that particular bit of information.
“And did you like it?”
I nod. “Yes. Very much so. In fact, I ended up watching all your movies. You’re a very talented actor.”
“Then, I guess it doesn’t matter when you started watching them.” He pauses. “I might be an actor, but I’m really just like the rest of your suitors—I just have a more high-profile job.”
“Don’t worry. I won’t treat you any differently just because you’re a star.” I wrinkle my nose. “That sounded weird, didn’t it? It definitely sounded less weird inside my head.”
He shakes his head. “No, not at all. Stop doubting yourself. I think I’m going to enjoy getting to know you, Remy.”
I freeze when he reaches up and runs the back of his hand down my cheek.
Holy shit.
It’s like how I forget to breathe or act. All I can focus on is the feeling of his skin against mine.
“Breathe, Remy. Never stop breathing,” he says with another chuckle, his hand falling away.
I suck in another breath and shake my head. “That’s good advice. I’ll try to keep it in mind. Why don’t I bring you over to meet the other suitors so we can eat? I’m starving.”
Quinn nods. “That sounds perfect. Lead the way.”
When he places his hand on my lower back, I have to take his advice to keep breathing.
Wow. This man is making me lose my damn mind.
My perfume fills the air once more, but I just keep walking. Better to ignore it, right?
And thank the fates and the gods for Evangeline Deveraux and her amazing omega clothing because I’m leaking slick like crazy.
Get it together, Remy, I tell myself as we reach the others.
“Everyone, this is Quinn. Quinn, this is Brooke, Lee, and Lorenzo. I assume the three of you introduced yourselves to one another?” Look at that—my voice doesn’t even give away how horny I currently am. That’s definitely a win.
“Uhhh…” Brooke blinks up at Quinn for a moment before shaking her head. “Yeah, we did. It’s nice to meet you, Quinn.”
She doesn’t move from her spot beside Bree as her wide eyes fall to me.
Oh, good. I’m not the only one freaking out.
Lee and Lorenzo offer Quinn their hands, which he shakes, and then we’re heading up the walkway toward the mansion.
I glance over at Brooke as she falls into step with me. “You know who that is, right?”
“Quinn Nichols? Uh, yeah. Before season two of Heated , I would’ve only recognized his face from magazines,“ I admit.
“Damn, Remy, you’re one lucky omega.”
I tilt my head, wondering if I imagined the slight bitterness in her voice as she smiles.
I must have.
“I am, but not just because Quinn is here. Sure, he’s a hot actor, but have you seen yourself?”
She giggles and ducks her head, bringing a smile to my face. I definitely imagined the bitterness. I don’t think this woman has a bitter bone in her body.
“Thank you, Remy. You’re sweet.”
“You’re also lucky,” I add. “Because you’re here too. You can get to know Quinn alongside me.”
Her face grows serious as she turns her head to meet my gaze. “You’re serious?”
“Why wouldn’t I be?”
She bites her lip as she shrugs. “Not all omegas are good at sharing. I assumed you wouldn’t want us getting to know one another overly well.”
I grab her wrist, pulling her to a stop. “I’m sure there are omegas out there who are petty and jealous, but that’s not me. Hell, that’s not any of the omegas who have come on Heated . Do you know what I think makes a good pack?”
“What?”
“A group of people who get along and care about one another. How in the world would I find that if my suitors didn’t get to know one another?” I scoff. “Plus, I’m only one man. I don’t expect my pack to only be with me. Can you imagine? Everyone sitting around while they wait for their turn? That sounds terrible.”
Another giggle falls from her lips. “That does sound terrible. I’m sorry for making assumptions about you, Remy.”
“I don’t mind,” I assure her. “I just want to make sure you know that’s not me.”
“I should’ve probably already guessed that. I really am sorry. I hope this doesn’t affect anything?” Brooke no longer looks like the self assured woman she had been when she stepped out of the limo. “I really don’t want to have messed this up already.”
“You haven’t messed up anything.” I wrap an arm around her shoulder and start leading her up the walkway once more. “I really am hungry, and if I don’t get some food soon, everyone is going to see what a monster I turn into.”
Her giggle brings another smile to my lips. “Thanks, Remy.”
“I don’t know what you’re thanking me for, but you’re welcome.”
We catch up with the others easily, Quinn and Bree turning back when they hear us. I can see the question in both of their eyes, but I ignore it. There’s nothing for Bree to worry about, and I want Quinn to get to know Brooke on his own. I don’t want the conversation we just shared to influence anyone’s opinion on the beta.
She was right. We all come onto the show with preconceived notions of what it’s going to be like and the people we’ll meet. Not just her but myself as well. It’s a good reminder that there’s more to someone than who we think they might be or who they might appear to be upon first meeting them.
Luckily, I’ll have plenty of time to get to know each and every one of my suitors over the next eight weeks. Not everyone will make it that long, but there’s more than enough time between then and now.
But first, dinner.