Chapter Twenty-eight
Brooke
T he last two weeks have flown by.
After mating both Aubrey and Camila, Remington spent most of his time with his new pack on Sunday. Then, we each went on our dates with him and his pack. We went shopping for our group date, and I finally think Victoria is warming up to me. It probably helps that I stopped hitting on her—which I’d done as soon as I realized she wasn’t into women.
I always find it so gross when people keep hitting on someone who isn’t attracted to their gender. It’s just rude.
When the rose ceremony came around last week, he didn’t send any of us home. He just switched up who would be going on individual dates and group dates. I loved the one-on-one time I got with him. I really love spending time with him and all the others, really. It’s just nice to be around other people, I guess.
As the youngest suitor, I sometimes think they don’t take me as seriously as they do each other, but that’s okay. At least they don’t treat me as less than them.
Remington has also proven he’s nothing like my sister. Maybe most omegas aren’t like her.
Finn and I have been working hard at overcoming the shit my sister put me through. I even think I finally know what I’m going to say to her and my ex. I’m still working on how I’m going to approach my parents, but I think that’s because their decision to side with my sister hurt worse than the rest of it. I don’t know how they’ll respond or if I’ll be able to forgive them, even if they’re sorry, but I’m working on it.
As for my sister, I’ll never be able to forgive her. But I need the closure that’ll come after I talk to her.
I kind of feel selfish about taking up so much of Finn’s time, but he’s been really great. It seems a little weird to me that I’m spending so much time working on myself when I should be focused on Remington, but he’s assured me repeatedly that he’s happy Finn’s helping me. I guess if anyone would understand, it’s him. He seems to be doing so much better with his anxiety. I don’t know if that’s because of the work he’s been doing with Finn or because he knows all of us better now, but I’m so happy to see it.
After bonding with Remington, Camila and Aubrey moved into the pack suite with Pack Hawthorne. They all seem to spend most nights in Remington’s room, but who can blame them for that?
Ian considered moving down to the second floor since there are so many open rooms down here, but he didn’t want to leave Carter and Riley up there by themselves—which I totally get.
The thing I miss the most now that Camila is part of Remy’s pack is having someone to get ready with. I’m the only female suitor left, and it’s not like any of the guys want to get ready with me. Although Alexei invited me to get ready in their suite with them while Nikolai glared at him. I turned them down, not wanting to deal with all of that.
I startle when someone knocks on my door, almost messing up my eyeliner. I hurry over and throw it open to reveal the twins standing there.
“You are ready?” Nikolai asks, and I shake my head.
“Almost. I just need to finish my liner and put on some mascara, then I’ll be ready. Come in.” I step back, ignoring Nikolai’s sneer at the mess of clothes on the extra bed.
What can I say? I couldn’t decide on a dress. They’re lucky I finally decided on one.
I hurry back into the bathroom and finish up as quickly as I can. I don’t want them to have to wait too long for me.
The two of them seem to have adopted me, and I’m not complaining. It’s nice to have someone to hang out with when Camila’s busy. She always makes time to see me, but it’s not the same. No matter what comes of the show, I know the two of us are besties for life.
“You do not need to wear makeup,” Alexei says, leaning against the door jamb.
I roll my eyes, used to hearing this. “I know, but I like it.”
“Okay.” He’s quiet for a moment. “You look beautiful. If Remington does not see, then it is his loss.”
I sigh, deflating. “I’m going to be sent home tonight, aren’t I?”
He shrugs. “I do not know. Nikolai and I could be sent home. We could all end up staying. We have no way to know. I just want you to know I see your beauty.”
“That would mean more if you were interested in me as more than just a friend, Alexei, but I appreciate it.”
He considers me as I walk toward him, needing to put on my heels so we can head to the ballroom. I don’t want to make us late. I’m always the last one to arrive.
I frown when he doesn’t move out of my way. “Alexei?”
Alexei reaches out and cups my cheek before leaning in for a kiss. I’m so surprised, I just stand there for a moment. When he goes to pull back, I grasp his shirt and tug him toward me. Opening my mouth for him, our tongues slide against one another.
When he pulls back, I just blink up at him while he grins. “Was good kiss.”
“It was a good kiss,” I agree. “Now, I need to get my shoes on so we can get down there.”
“Finally,” Nikolai grumps. “No time for kisses, brother. We cannot be late.”
Alexei chuckles. “There is always time for kisses.”
My face flushes as I duck my head. I grab my shoes off the floor and pull them on quickly. I’m not sure how I feel about Alexei kissing me.
Obviously, he and his brother are hot—I’m neither blind nor stupid. I wasn’t lying when I said it was a good kiss, but it was…missing something. He’s not meant to be mine.
I’m also not sure if he’s meant to be Remington’s, but that’s not my decision to make.
“I’m ready.” Standing, I hurry to the door with the twins following me out. We run into Ian, Quinn, and Pack Woods in the hallway. “Oh, am I not running as behind as usual?”
Alexei wraps his arm around my waist, tugging me to his side. “No. We arrive early to make sure we not late.”
“Asshole,” I hiss, glaring at Nikolai.
The others laugh and head for the stairs, Alexei and I falling to the back of the group.
“Look, Alexei. I feel like I talked you into kissing me, and it really was a nice kiss, but I…I don’t think we’re meant to be more than friends.”
He looks relieved. “That is good to hear. I enjoyed kissing you, but I do not see us together.”
“Because your brother can barely stand me?” I ask with raised eyebrows, and he laughs.
“That is one reason. My brother and I intend to share a mate, but it is also because I do not think we are right for each other.”
I pat his chest. “Don’t worry. I haven’t gone and fallen in love with you because of one kiss.”
“I did not think you had. But I am glad we are on same page.”
“We are. I promise.”
We’d slowed while we were talking, but we catch up to the others just outside the ballroom.
“Brooke isn’t rushing in at the last minute?” Tessa laughs. “Good job, boys.”
“Whatever. I always make it, don’t I?”
Bree runs her hand down my arm, her omega scent surrounding me as if she’s trying to make me feel better. It’s sweet but unnecessary. “Of course you do. They just need to understand that sometimes.”
Nikolai offers me his arm, and I take it, a little surprised, as the twins escort me inside. As we stand around talking, I realize why I don’t like arriving early—all we can do is wait until Remy and his pack arrive.
I’m getting antsy—and annoying the hell out of Nikolai, I think—when the doors finally open. It feels strange to be standing here with the other six remaining suitors. We started out with so many more people out here with us, but our numbers have slowly dwindled. I can’t help thinking they’ll lower even more tonight.
There’s no way Remington isn’t sending anyone home this week after having us all stay last week.
Camila waves to me from Milo’s side as they follow the rest of the pack onto the stage. I return it, beaming at my bestie. She looks so happy. I want to look that happy.
I want someone to choose me.
“Good evening, suitors and viewers. We’ve arrived at another rose ceremony—the sixth, to be exact. Last week, Remington didn’t choose to send anyone home or choose anyone for his pack. Will he this week? Let’s find out, shall we? First, I’d like to invite Brooke, Quinn, Nikolai, and Alexei to the stage.”
Alexei takes my hand and Nikolai falls into step behind us. Quinn sends me a nervous smile as he leads the way, and before I know it, the four of us are standing in front of Remington.
Camila and Milo hand him two roses each. My heart falls when I see that one of them is a black rose. At least that means the twins are staying.
I glance at Quinn, seeing that he’s made the same deduction.
Damn it. I haven’t spent much time with Quinn—with or without Remy. I have no idea how the two of them are together. I don’t know which one of us is going to be sent home.
“As you’ve all noticed, I’m holding a black rose. This week, I’ll be sending one of you home. Obviously, that means Nikolai and Alexei will be remaining on the show for another week.” Remington offers them each a peach rose. “Each of you will be going on a one-on-one with me separately. Everything we’ve done so far has included both of you, and I think it’s about time I get to know the two of you as individuals.”
“Thank you,” Nikolai says as he takes both the roses, handing Alexei his. They’re on either side of me, both of them taking one of my hands as we wait for Remington to continue.
He sighs. “This is such a hard decision for me. I’ve gotten to know the remaining suitors pretty damn well, and you’re all amazing people, but sometimes hard decisions must be made. Brooke, I’m sorry. You’ll be heading home tonight. While we’ve agreed you’re an amazing woman, we just don’t see you fitting well into our pack. I’m so glad I got to meet you, and I hope you’ll continue to be in our lives—especially since I know how close you and Camila are.”
As soon as he said my name, I knew I was the one going home. Tears fill my eyes as I nod, reaching for the rose.
“Don’t cry,” Remington says softly, pulling me into his arms. “I don’t like to see you hurting. You mean a lot to me even though you’re not moving forward. I hate that this hurts you, but I think it’s the right decision for all of us. I know there’s an amazing pack out there waiting for you.”
“It’s okay,” I tell him as the first tear falls. “I’m disappointed to be going home but not surprised. I’ll never regret coming onto the show. I made some amazing friends, and I want what you and your pack have. It might not be with you, but you’re right. There’s a pack out there for me. I just have to find them.”
“You’re amazing,” Remington tells me, wiping away my tears.
I nod, stepping out of his arms. “Thank you.”
Alexei and Nikolai pull me into their arms, and I see Camila mouth that she’s sorry before I’m enveloped in their arms. They hold me as I cry quietly. I wish I could’ve left with more dignity than this, but I can’t seem to get it together.
Even knowing there was a good chance I’d be going home, it still hurts. I wouldn’t want to be a part of a pack who didn’t love me for who I am either.
I hear Remington speaking to Quinn, but I can’t really make out the exact words. Then the twins lead me off the stage. Once we reach the others, I feel each of them reach out to me. It means a lot to me to have everyone’s support, and as they’re called onto the stage, my tears slow.
This might be the end of my time on the show, but that’s okay. I’m okay with this.
I swipe at my tears, finally able to focus enough to realize Remington is holding one black rose and two peach roses. My eyes fall to Ian as Remington gives him the black rose. He looks disappointed but not surprised. Then Remington turns to Pack Woods, letting them know they’d be going on separate dates with him as well. I guess it makes sense since there are only five of them remaining.
Once they’ve rejoined us, Bree and Tessa make their way onto the stage and join Reginald.
“As you can see, the lovely Bree and Tessa have joined me. They have an announcement to make about this upcoming week for the remaining suitors. Ladies?”
Tessa clears her throat. “We weren’t sure if this was going to be necessary or not, but we made arrangements just in case. Quinn has a movie premiere in New York City this week. Since he’s still a suitor, we didn’t want to send him off on his own. We’ve arranged for all of you to travel to NYC with him tomorrow.”
“Obviously, the crew will be joining you—as well as Tessa and I. You’ll each have a night on the town with Remington. These dates have been planned by his sister, Emilia, who assures me he’ll love them.” Bree laughs. “You’ll be traveling by private plane—also thanks to Emilia. Tessa and I will be joining you, as well as a small skeleton camera crew. The rest of the crew will fly out tomorrow morning before the plane returns to take us to the big city.”
“Damn it. I’ve always wanted to go to New York City. This sucks.” I pout.
Quinn nudges me with a grin. “Just because you’re not coming with us doesn’t mean you can’t go. I’ll have my agent get you a ticket to the premiere, plus a flight and hotel.”
“You don’t have to do that,” I assure him, but he just shakes his head.
“I know I don’t have to, but I want to. I think you’ll love it.”
I throw my arms around him. “Thank you. No one’s ever done anything like this for me.”
Alexei chuckles. “Now you have friends in high places, do you not?”
“I guess I do.”
“That brings our rose ceremony to an end,” Reginald says with a wide smile. “Come back next week to see our adventures in New York City. I personally love the city, and I’m so excited about this. We’ll see you then.”
I might not have found my pack on Heated , but I feel like I’ve found something so much more important—a family. It’s not what I was expecting to find, but I’m not mad about it either.
I’m young and this was my first attempt at finding my pack. I’ll just have to keep trying until I find them.