Chapter Fifteen
Remington
I ’m still smiling the next morning when I make my way to the dining room for breakfast.
After all the stress I went through, worrying about whether or not the day five suitors would get along, you’d have thought the five of us were already a pack.
Ian spent most of his time making us laugh, with Carter throwing in a joke or two. Taylor is the more reserved of the four of them, but even she couldn’t wipe away the smile on her face.
Riley is so different from how he was portrayed during Bree’s season. It’s insane to think just how much his instincts were affecting his personality. Though he did say he’s changed since then, so maybe he really was that cocky and that possessive three years ago. All I know is he’s not like that now, and that’s all I care about.
“Oh!” I startle, offering a smile to Taylor and Carter as I step into the dining room. “I wasn’t expecting anyone to be up before me.”
“I run every morning before breakfast, so I used the gym before showering and heading down. I prefer to start my day early.” Taylor offers me a smile as I take my seat, already reaching for the carafe of coffee. Her fir, sage, and lemongrass scent drifts toward me, and I find myself sniffing the air for another hit.
Damn. What a combination.
Carter pulls it out of my reach with a chuckle. “I’ll pour it for you, Remy. Like Taylor, I like to start my day with a light workout. Actually, both Riley and I do, but he’s still showering. He likes to take really long showers, so I’m always out before he is.”
As a beta, his sugar and nectarines scent is lighter but no less delicious smelling than Taylor’s.
“I’m a fan of baths myself,” I admit. “But I usually make do with a shower that’s probably too long and too hot.”
They both chuckle as Carter pours my coffee, pausing only long enough to ask how I take it. When he pushes it into my hands, I can’t help smiling as I lift it to my lips.
I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone who wanted to take care of me as much as these suitors have. That’s probably a little telling about the caliber of men and women I’ve dated over the last few years.
“Good morning,” Riley calls as he steps into the room, pausing when the side doors open and the food is brought over to the buffet. His hair is dry and already styled. If Carter hadn’t told me he was taking a shower, I never would’ve known. “Well, it seems I have good timing.”
“Me, too.” Ian appears beside Riley with his usual easy smile. “Which is good because I’m starving.”
Ian walks straight for the buffet, but Riley veers toward us and comes to a stop beside my chair as he offers me his hand. “I’d be delighted if you’d allow me to make your plate for you, Remy.”
My face flushes as I place my hand in his, and his scent nearly bowls me over. Buttercream, prosecco & blackberries—hot damn, this man smells sweet as hell.
Carter snorts as he pushes to his feet. “Don’t get too used to that. Even with how much he’s changed since our last foray on the show, he’s usually more worried about his hunger than me.”
“Is that so?” I ask, eyes finding Riley’s, and he shrugs.
“My beta rarely lies, but that doesn’t mean I can’t attempt to learn how to be a better alpha, right?”
It’s my turn to shrug as he pulls me to my feet and walks me toward the buffet, Taylor just behind us. “Just know I don’t need anyone to get my food for me. I’m perfectly capable of not only making a plate but making myself food.”
“Just because you can do something, doesn’t mean you have to,” Taylor offers with a cock of her eyebrow. “Let the alpha spoil you.”
“I was planning on it,” I assure her, already pointing out what I’d like as Riley grabs a plate.
Ian offers me another smile as he heads back to the table, leaving behind a trail of fennel, orange, and peppermint scent.
He manages to make his own plate at the same time, and then the five of us sit down and eat.
I don’t know who Tessa and Bree have hired to do their cooking, but it’s divine. Everything I’ve had here has been amazing, but the breakfast has been a nod above the rest. That’s probably because I love breakfast. I’d eat it for every meal of the day if I didn’t know I’d tire of it eventually.
There’s a little bit of conversation around the table, but we mostly focus on our food.
I pour myself another cup of coffee as Bree and Tessa join us.
“Good morning, Remy and suitors.” Bree smiles as her eyes move around the room. “It’s almost time for your date, but we were hoping we could borrow Remy for a few minutes?”
I nod, already standing. “Of course. Am I good to bring my coffee with?”
“Feel free to bring it. I know better than to stand between an omega and their coffee.” Tessa laughs, the two of them leading me to the living room. “Why don’t you have a seat?”
Frowning, I do just that. “What’s going on? Is everything okay? Did I do something wrong?”
I hate this so much, is all I can think to myself as anxiety presses down on my chest.
How can I go from enjoying a meal with suitors to practically frozen with anxiety? This shouldn’t be possible, and yet, here I am—proof that anything is possible.
“Of course you didn’t do anything wrong.” Bree sits beside me, her champagne and berry scent holding hints of her mates’ scents as she takes my hand. “We know you’ve been worried about Lorenzo, and we received a phone call from the hospital this morning. He’s awake.”
Lifting a hand to my chest, I hold it there as if I can will my pounding heart to slow down. “Thank goodness. I’ve been so worried. Is he okay?”
“That’s the other reason we wanted to talk to you.” Tessa settles on the coffee table in front of me, her pear, lavender, and sandalwood scent woven through with blackberry and something sweet, undoubtedly from her omega mates. “Lorenzo was the one who called us. He knows he won’t be on the show any longer, but once he’s been released, he’d like to come speak with you. You’re not required to have anything further to do with him, but if that’s something you want, then we’ll make sure it happens.”
He wants to see me even though he knows he can’t be a part of my pack? That’s…actually, I’m not sure how I feel about that—which is exactly what I tell them.
“And that’s okay. He doesn’t know how much longer he’ll be in the hospital. He didn’t go into any details, but he did say they’d be keeping him in for observation for a few days at least.” Tessa runs a hand through her red hair. “You don’t owe him anything, but for now, why don’t you just worry about your suitors and your date today? Once we know when he’ll be released, we can revisit the topic.”
I nod slowly. “Yeah, I think that’s a good idea. I kind of want to see what he has to say, but I also kind of don’t want to. It can’t really be pertinent, seeing as he’s no longer a suitor.”
“And that’s why we’ve left the decision up to you,” Bree tells me. “Regardless of what he wants to speak with you about, he won’t be reconsidered as a suitor. The network won’t allow it, and it didn’t really seem as if the two of you had a ton of chemistry right off the bat.”
“We didn’t,” I agree. “It’s unlikely he would’ve become a part of my pack. As for speaking with him, I’ll think about it.”
I push to my feet as Bree and Tessa stand.
Tessa offers a soft smile. “I hope this doesn’t cause you too much duress, Remy. We couldn’t, in good conscience, keep this from you. It has to be your choice of whether you want to hear him out or not.”
“Which I appreciate. Thank you both, but I’m definitely ready for my date.” I scoop up my coffee cup and down it, as we make our way back to the dining room, where the others are waiting.
“Is everything okay?” Ian asks, moving toward me as soon as we step into the room.
I nod. “It is. I was just getting an update on Lorenzo—he’s the suitor who was rushed to the hospital. Thankfully, he’s awake. I think that’s a good way to start the day, so why don’t we head out for our date?”
Taylor, Riley, and Carter join us, Taylor watching me carefully. “You’re sure you’re okay?”
“I am. I promise. I’m really looking forward to today’s date,” I tell her with a smile, and it’s all true. I am okay, and I am looking forward to the date.
But I’m also worried about why Lorenzo feels the need to speak with me. The worst part is I have no idea when he’ll even be released from the hospital so he can talk to me. Or if I even want to listen.
Running a hand through my hair, I grin at the four of them. “Who’s ready for some fun?”
There’s a small hesitation from the four of them, but they seem to let it go and follow me out the door. We greet Mike and Ethan as we climb into the SUV and then we’re off to Rancho Mirage.
A little over thirty minutes later, we pull up outside of the Alley Cat, and I can’t help grinning as excitement rushes through me again.
I haven’t been bowling in years. We used to go all the time growing up, but for some reason, as an adult, I stopped going. Luckily, Heated has allowed me to remedy that problem.
“Bowling?” Carter asks with a snicker, glancing at Riley. “This should be fun.”
“Oh?” I turn in my seat to face the two of them sitting in the back row with Ian.
“I’m heading inside to make sure everything is clear. You know the drill, Remy.” Mike’s stern voice has me glancing over my shoulder and nodding. “Good. I’ll see you soon.”
“Now, why is this going to be interesting?”
Carter elbows his alpha. “Why don’t you tell them, Riley?”
Riley’s face flushes as he pushes Carter away the best he can with the limited space.
“I’veneverbeenbowling,” he blurts, and I just blink at him.
What the hell did he say?
“You want to try it again with some spaces between your words so Remy can understand you?” Carter is grinning and fighting back laughter, and I’m so confused.
Riley sighs, leaning his head against the back of the seat. “I’ve never been bowling. It wasn’t something my parents deemed appropriate growing up. Carter has tried to get me to go a few times since we met, but I keep refusing.”
“Interesting,” I say, watching him closely. “But why?”
“Because I hate doing things I’m not good at, and what if I suck?”
It’s my turn to snort now. “Most people suck at bowling, Riley. You’ll be right at home with all of them.”
His eyes narrow as he watches me. “I don’t like the way you said that. Does that mean you don’t suck?”
“Maybe?” I shrug with a laugh. “I used to be good when I was a kid, but I haven’t been in years. I’m probably going to suck, too.”
“Me, too. I haven’t been since I was a teenager,” Taylor admits.
“I went last year with my family, and I sucked. I’ve always sucked at bowling, but it’s so much fun even if you’re not good at it.” Ian grins as he glances at Riley. “All else fails, we can ask them to put up the bumpers. That’s what I had to do to get a decent score. My family sent me to the kids’ lane.”
That sends all of us into peals of laughter until Ethan clears his throat. “It’s all clear. You can head inside.”
“Excellent!” I throw the door open and hop out, offering my hand to Taylor.
“Thank you, Remy, but you really should allow someone out before you. Your pack will feel better knowing it’s safe for you.” She squeezes my hand to soften her words. “An omega is precious, and you should let your pack keep you safe. Or, in this case, allow your suitors to do that. It’ll help keep some feathers from being ruffled.”
I make a face, but considering it’s already been mentioned to me by more than a few of my suitors, maybe I need to start listening. “It’s been mentioned to me. I’m just used to being independent. My sister and I were both raised that way and we never really lost it. Even when she met her pack, she still remained independent, but I wasn’t there every day. Maybe this is something she did to allow them peace of mind.”
“I did read that you had a sister,” Ian says as he climbs out with Carter and Riley right behind him. “She’s an omega too? That’s amazing. I’m sure she’s been raving to you about how great having a pack is.”
My smile wanes. “She used to. Unfortunately, she lost her entire pack in a plane crash the year before last.”
“That’s terrible. How is she doing?” Taylor reaches out, her hand closing around my arm. “That must be so hard for her to deal with.”
“Emilia is strong—one of the strongest people I know. It’s been rough for her,” I tell them as we head inside. “I don’t know if she would’ve survived if she didn’t have my nephews. They’re five and seven, and they’re just as devastated as their mom at losing their dads. On top of that, she’s also running their telecommunications company. She’s a fucking rockstar, there are no ifs, ands, or buts about it. She’s surviving something that most people don’t. Not only is she surviving, but she’s thriving. I’ve always looked up to her, but now? She’s my role model, to be sure.”
“I can’t even imagine,” Riley says quietly, his hand clinging to Carter’s. “I’d lose it if something happened to Carter.”
I nod. “The bonds between packs make everything so much deeper. I asked her once if she regretted being bound to them, and she told me no. She’d rather have suffered through their loss than to never feel their love for her and each other wrapped around the bonds. That’s part of the reason she was able to convince me to come on the show. I want to feel that—even if it ends badly, like it has for her. I want to have that in my life.”
We fall silent as we approach the front desk where three men stand, all in their mid to late forties. The first man stands a few steps in front of the other, and he’s on the short side, probably close to five foot six if I had to guess. The others standing behind him aren’t much taller—I’d say they’re maybe five foot nine? All three of them have brown hair, though the colors vary slightly. The man in the front has bright blue eyes, and he smiles as we approach.
“Welcome! I’m Eugene, and these are my alphas, Raph and Don. The three of us run the Alley Cat together, but it’s my baby. I’m so glad that Bree and Tessa want to showcase omega-run businesses on Heated . Not only does it get us some advertising, but honestly, it’s really brought tourism back to Rancho Mirage. There was a time we were worried we’d have to shut down and maybe move away. But ever since that first season, business has picked up. And I’m so glad someone finally chose to have a date here.”
I can’t help smiling at the omega’s enthusiasm. “We’re glad to be here. It’s been a few years since I’ve been bowling, and we even have a first-timer here.”
“That’s not uncommon.” Eugene nods. “Why don’t you give Don your shoe sizes, and we can get you started.”
Once we’ve each been passed a pair of shoes, we put them on before Eugene leads us toward the walls of balls. There are three of them with varying color bowling balls.
“From what I found in my research on the times before,” Eugene smiles as he gestures to the balls, “many of the bowling alleys would have each weight be a specific color, so it was easy to choose the size you needed. Personally, I’m a fan of colors, so we didn’t do that. We have many colors in each of the sizes, from six to sixteen pounds. I’d recommend testing the weight of each size to see what feels right in your hands. Then you can find a color you like. You might have to go through a few, depending on your finger size.”
My eyes are already locked on a midnight blue ball that looks like a galaxy with the silver, blues, and purples on the ball. Checking the size, I see it’s a ten-pounder, so I lift it like Eugene recommended. It doesn’t feel too heavy or too light, and I grin as I slide my fingers into the holes.
It’s perfect.
“I see someone has decided on a ball,” Eugene says slyly, coming to stand beside me. “That’s one of my personal favorite designs. Unfortunately, we only have two of them.”
“It’s beautiful. As soon as I saw it, I knew I needed it. I guess I got lucky that it was the correct size.”
“Or it was kismet.” He grins, moving to help Carter and Riley as they try out balls.
Ian carries over a bright orange, red, and yellow ball with a grin. Taylor joins us moments later, holding a jade green ball.
“It looks like the three of us are set,” I say, glancing toward the others. “Maybe four. I think Riley’s struggling.”
Taylor hums. “It can be hard to decide on a weight when you’ve never bowled before.”
“Which is why we’re grabbing three sizes for him,” Eugene announces, carrying one ball while Riley carries two. “Follow me, and we’ll get you all set up for your first game. You have the full place to yourself, so if you want, you can each bowl in your own lane.”
“Nope, that’s not happening,” I say with a laugh, already shaking my head. “Bowling is the most fun when you’re playing together. We can take turns. It’s not like we don’t have all day.”
Eugene grins as he sets the ball on the ball return. “I knew I liked you. You can key in your names and decide which order you want to play in. If you get hungry, we have a variety of snacks and drinks available. For lunch, you’ll eat at our restaurant. I’ll come check in with you a little before one to see what each of you wants. Then, after lunch, you can keep bowling or enjoy one of our many other offerings.”
Carter raises his eyebrows. “What other offerings would those be?”
“We have laser tag, karaoke, an arcade, pool tables, and air hockey. There’s much fun to be had here. Now, did you want to do the black light bowling?”
Glancing between my suitors, I shrug. “Definitely, but maybe not for the first round. We need to teach Riley how to bowl first.”
Eugene nods, stepping back. “Raph will be manning the snack stand, and Don will be at the main desk in case anything pops up. I’ll be in my office working on paperwork, but if you need anything, just see either one of them. When you’re ready for black light bowling, let Don know, and he’ll hit the lights for you. Have fun!”
“Thank you,” Ian calls out as he drops in front of the computer screen to enter our names after taking my ball and setting both of them on the return.
Taylor joins him after she does the same, leaving me to lead Carter and Riley over to the return. “Put your balls here, Riley. This is where they’ll come out once we throw them down the alley. Now, how much do you know about bowling?”
Riley gives a self-deprecating snort. “Not a damn thing.”
“That’s okay. We’ll start from the beginning.”
I didn’t know how much fun it would be to teach someone how to bowl, but I have a blast. We all do terribly on the first round, which seems to set Riley at ease. For the second game, most of us do better—especially Riley. Ian was right. He absolutely sucks at bowling, and he doesn’t seem to improve from that first game.
By the time lunch rolls around, Riley is kicking our asses in every game. We eat a quick meal before trying out each of the options offered by Alley Cat—even karaoke.
I’m a terrible singer, but everyone claps for me just as much as they do for Taylor and Riley, who can actually sing.
When Mike rounds us up to head back to the compound, I’m exhausted. I had so much fun, but I’m really not looking forward to the rose ceremony in a few hours. I’ll have to see if I can sneak a nap in before then.
This time, I sit in the back between Carter and Riley. Every time my head lilts to the side, I jerk myself awake until Riley chuckles.
“Just lay your head on my shoulder,” he tells me. “Let yourself sleep a bit before we make it back.”
And who am I to argue with the alpha?
My nap might be short, but it’s a deep sleep. Riley has to help me up the walkway because I can barely keep my eyes open. He hands me off to Bree and Tessa, who carry me into my suite and lay me on the bed.
“Thank you,” I murmur, eyes already closed—not that I had much luck keeping them open in the first place.
“Sleep, Remy. I set an alarm for you. When you wake up, just call the kitchen and they’ll bring you some dinner before the ceremony. Or you can join the others if you wake up early enough.”
“‘Kay,” is all I manage to get out before sleep is pulling me under once more.