Chapter Twenty-one
Alexei
I can’t believe we’re already having another rose ceremony. It feels like just yesterday we were having the first one.
My brother and I have been here for two weeks, give or take a few days. We’ve been getting to know not just Remington better but also the other suitors.
I finally feel like we can trust them around Camila, something I’m sure she’ll appreciate. While she’s put up with me and Nikolai following her around, I can tell it’s starting to get on her nerves.
I almost wish I could blame it on us trying to get in her pants, but as beautiful as she is, it isn’t like that between the three of us. She feels more like a younger sister to us. Luckily, she feels the same way. Otherwise, things could’ve gotten a little awkward.
Reaching over, I slap Nikolai’s hand away from his bow tie. “Leave it. You are going to make a mess of it. Camila did wonderful job for us. You will not ruin her hard work.”
Rather than respond, Nikolai just growls and bares his teeth.
“Is that supposed to be scary, Nik?” Camila asks with a grin, patting my brother’s chest. “I’ve seen ankle biters scarier than you.”
“Nyet.” He shakes his head. “You should never fear me, solnyshko. I will never hurt you. My brother? He is not so lucky.”
I tilt my head as I watch the two of them. My twin might say he wishes to scare me, but it is not so. There has only been one time he has truly scared me, and his anger was not directed at me. He would never hurt me, just as I would never hurt him.
At least not permanently. We are still brothers. It is how we show our love.
“Enough out of the peanut gallery,” Milo calls over his shoulder with a smirk and a wink at Camila. “It’s showtime.”
And sure enough, the doors to the ballroom are swinging open to reveal Remington and Reginald as they make their way to the stage. Unlike last week’s ceremony, Reginald isn’t escorting the omega—something I did not much care for. As he starts up the stairs, Remy’s eyes rove over the suitors. I’m not sure what he’s looking for, but he must find it because a smile lights up his face.
It’s been hard this week with Remington going on dates with some of the suitors and leaving others behind. The worst days were Monday and Thursday, when he came home and went straight to his room, refusing to join us.
I tried to ask him about how his dates had gone yesterday after he came back from something called putt putt with Riley, Carter, and Taylor. He told me he had a great time with the putt putt, but wouldn’t tell me anything about his previous day’s date with Santiago or the one on Monday with Daniel.
That he would talk to me about the dates on Tuesday and Friday—because I knew how the one on Wednesday went since I was there—is awfully telling. Not only did he end up in his suite alone and away from us, but he wouldn’t talk about them. When I questioned the men themselves about their dates, they said they went just fine.
It didn’t feel like they were lying, but they must be because something caused Remington’s scent to smell burnt.
It is not a scent I wish to smell. He smells delicious when he is happy, but when he is angry or upset, I want to destroy the world to make him feel better. It is more an alpha trait than a beta one, but I am my brother’s twin. Surely, some of his alpha instincts exist inside of me, even if I don’t share his designation.
“Welcome back to our suitors and viewers,” Reginald says with a smile. It’s not a genuine smile—just one he uses for the show and acting. I’m sure most people can’t tell the difference because they’ve never seen the smile he gives his pack mates. “We’re wrapping up the second week of Heated’s fourth season tonight with the second rose ceremony of the season. Remington, why don’t you tell us a little about how you think the week went?”
Remy moves to stand beside Reginald, but he’s not nearly as comfortable with all the attention being on him as the beta is. He hides it well, and it’s only small tells I pick up on—the stutter of his breath, the jerk of his hands, and the forced smile—that allows me to realize it. Most people would assume he’s completely at ease as he talks about the different dates from the week and getting to spend time with all nineteen suitors.
“You’ve definitely been a busy man.” Reginald hums, his smile never faltering. “Now, it’s time for you to hand out the roses. Would you like to explain how you’ve chosen to have the suitors called to the stage?”
“Yes, I decided this week you will all be called up based on the color rose you were given during the first ceremony, although there are a large number of you who I gave lavender and yellow roses to, so you’ll be split up.” He moves to stand next to the table, holding the vase of roses. Unlike the first ceremony, there are various colored roses mixed together in a single vase. I’m assuming it’s so it’ll be harder to guess which color Remington is choosing for each suitor.
“First up, Remington would like to welcome to the stage the following suitors: Brooke, Lee, Quinn, and Camila. If the four of you will join us.”
I squeeze Camila’s shoulder, offering her a warm smile as she glances back at me. Brooke grabs her hand and the two of them cling to one another as they make their way onto the stage.
“Even though I didn’t invite any of you on a date last week, I need you to know my thoughts were still with you.” Remington smiles, looking more relaxed as he faces the four of them. “I also know we managed to find some time this week to talk. I’m hoping to continue that this week. Brooke and Camila, I’d love for each of you to join me on a solo date this week. Quinn and Lee? I’d like you to join me on one of the group dates.”
As I watch Brooke and Camila each take a peach rose, I find myself smiling once more. I’m very happy for the woman who’s become like a sister to me. I believe she and Remington will be a great fit if he’s able to see her outside of the crowd of other suitors. She’s an amazing, hardworking woman, and I don’t think it’ll take him long to see what I do.
“Congratulations,” I whisper when the two of them rejoin us, nodding toward Lee and Quinn, where they stand at the far side of the suitors. They each return the nod before our attention returns to the stage.
“Next, we’d like to invite Aubrey, Nolan, and Ian to the stage.”
Remington passes out a lavender rose to each of the men before they make their way back to us.
Santiago and Daniel are called next as the two who received the peach roses. I don’t like how Remy’s smile dims as they approach.
“One of the reasons I asked each of you on a solo date with me is because I wanted to get to know you better as individuals. Daniel, you were unlucky enough to arrive on the same day as Pack Hawthorne, who I feel like overpowered your presence. I was hoping that by spending time with just you, I’d be able to learn the kind of man you are. And I did—even if you weren’t the man I thought you’d be.” Remington extends his hand to Daniel, holding a black rose out to him. “I’m sorry to say, I don’t believe you will be a good match for the pack I’m building, but thank you for joining us.”
It looks like Daniel wants to argue as he stares at Remington’s hand, but he ends up snapping his mouth shut as he snatches the rose from him and stomps off the stage. Glancing at my brother, we share a look. The alpha might be throwing a fit, but if he tries to do anything more, we will put ourselves between him and the others.
Remington clears his throat. “Santiago, there were some issues with the group that arrived with you that first night. I didn’t feel fully comfortable bringing it up with all of you that morning, but I did. I feel like everyone handled it well, and I knew I wouldn’t have to hold that incident against any of you. I asked you on a solo date because I felt like a lot of that confrontation still colored our group date, and I wanted to see how you would act when it was just the two of us.
“The date you chose was creative, and I really enjoyed it—until I didn’t. You brought me on a date where you didn’t expect me to speak to you. Where you made your annoyance clear to me about me having food delivered during the movie. Yes, I wanted to share something with you that you loved, but how were we meant to get to know one another?”
Santiago frowns. “That’s not…I just…I didn’t realize,” he finally says, and Remy nods.
“You’re right. You didn’t. You didn’t even realize I was upset when I said I was ready to return to the compound. Even when I blew you off once we made it back, I don’t think you realized I was upset. Yes, I could’ve communicated what I was feeling better, but you should’ve been able to tell something was bothering me. I needed you to see it.” When Remington pulls his other arm from behind his back, he’s holding another black rose. “I’m sorry, Santiago. While I believe you are a good man, you’re not the man I need for my pack.”
The alpha nods slowly, a sad smile on his face. “You’re right, omega, I should’ve noticed. I’m sorry I didn’t. I might not have been on the show for very long, but it—and you—have shown me there are some things I need to work on about myself. I thank you for the opportunity, and I wish you all the happiness when you decide on which of these lucky suitors will be a part of your pack.”
He takes the rose gently, leaning over to press a kiss to Remington’s cheek before leaving the stage. Remy stares after him before his eyes fall shut. He straightens his shoulders and when his eyes fall open, he nods to Reginald.
Reginald clears his throat, his smile having dimmed slightly. “So that just leaves those of you who were given a lavender rose last week. Will Pack Hawthorne please join Remington on stage?”
My eyes find Victoria, Milo, and Eric, watching as they make their way to the stage. I like the three of them well enough. It’s hard not to like Milo. He’s in a league of his own. He’s a blatant flirt who’s the life of the party. He’s the kind of guy that gets along with everyone until you give him a reason not to. I don’t think I’d like to see Milo lose his temper.
Victoria and Eric are more reserved than their beta, but I’m used to my stoic brother. I know how to wait out people and how to get them to talk to you. Our conversations might not have been soul-deep, but I feel confident that they’re good people.
Which is probably a good thing since I know Remington is head over heels for them already. I’ve seen him watching them with hearts in his eyes on more than one occasion. It’s cute. It even made Nikolai smile.
“Pack Hawthorne. We’ve already talked some about how we felt an instant connection, and I still believe that to be true.” Remy clears his throat, looking slightly uncomfortable as he shifts from foot to foot. “I never thought I’d be announcing this on television for the masses, but here we are. There’s one important piece of chemistry that hasn’t been tested with us, and that’s something I’d like to explore with you. This is an important part of choosing my pack because while relationships are about so much more than sex, that’s still important—especially for an omega. This is why I’m offering the three of you a white rose and asking you to join me in my suite tonight.”
“No take-backs,” Milo says, snatching the rose from Remington, rubbing it along his cheek as he grins at the omega.
“Seriously, Milo?” Victoria hisses with a shake of her head before she focuses back on Remington. “If this is what you want, then I would be honored to join you.”
Eric nods. “Me as well. And you already know what you’re getting into with Milo, so I won’t apologize for him.”
Milo looks affronted. “As if anyone needs to apologize for me! I’m amazing.”
“Yes, you are.” Remington laughs, reaching out to snag Milo’s tux jacket and tugging him in for a kiss. “Now, stop causing a scene and go with your alphas so I can finish this and we can continue with our night.”
Milo opens his mouth to respond, but Eric slaps a hand over his mouth and leads him off stage with Victoria at his heels.
I’m surprised they haven’t already slept together, if I’m being honest. With how easy they are with one another, I figured they’d already joined the omega in his suite—at least one of them.
Remington looks happy, and that’s all that matters to me. It’s still too early to tell if my brother and I will be a good match for him. There’s definitely an attraction there, but we didn’t spark like he did with Pack Hawthorne.
I don’t think anyone sparked with him the way they did. I won’t be surprised if he chooses them for his pack sooner rather than later—assuming tonight goes well. Remy was right about that. Not everyone is sexually compatible, and it’s smart of him to try out the cow before he buys it.
That is how the saying goes, right?
No, I don’t think it is, but it’s close enough.
Rhys, Gracie, Nikolai, and I are called to the stage next. Remington seemed to enjoy the date we allowed Gracie to plan, and I don’t think he’ll send any of us home because of it. But I also don’t think he really got to know any of us any better.
But saying no to Gracie wasn’t something any of us were prepared to do. The worst part is the little minx doesn’t realize how much power she holds in that smile of hers.
“I enjoyed the date we had this past week, although something tells me it was Gracie who planned it.” Remington grins at the petite blonde before continuing. “Rhys, when the two of you came to me on Sunday to explain the situation between the two of you, I was surprised something had happened between you so quickly. Until I remembered how I reacted to Pack Hawthorne. So much of our lives are ruled by these instincts we don’t truly understand.
“What I do know is I’m so glad the two of you have found that together, and I’m glad you’re both still willing to take this journey with me. This week, I’d like to ask you both to join one of the group dates, but I think I’m going to split you up this one time. Sometimes, we need to see how people behave when their loved ones aren’t around.” He offers them each a lavender rose that they take with smiles. Then he’s pulling two yellow roses and offering them to me and my brother. “As for the two of you, there won’t be any dates, but I definitely want to continue to get to know you.”
I take the rose, offering him a small nod before the four of us make our way off the stage.
The last group to be called up are Riley, Carter, and Taylor. Taylor received a peach rose, while Riley and Carter end up with yellow roses to match ours.
“And that concludes the second rose ceremony. Remington has made some tough decisions about who will be moving forward with us and who won’t. Make sure to check in with us next week to see what happens next.”
As soon as we’re given the all clear, the room erupts as everyone begins to speak at once. Well, everyone but Pack Hawthorne, who are hurrying over to the stage to meet Remington before the four of them disappear out the door.
“What are you smiling for?” Camila asks, digging her elbow into my side.
I just lift my eyebrows as I stare down at her. “Is that meant to hurt?”
“Asshole.”
“ Da,” my brother agrees. “He is asshole.”
“I am smiling because Remy looks happy,” I tell her, ignoring my brother.
She nods, glancing toward the door, even though they’re no longer visible. “It is nice that he’s happy, but why smile when you’re not the one making him happy?”
“Ahhhh, sestra , that is not point of show. It matters not if I make Remington happy—just that he is happy. Is that not what it means to be in a pack? To wish for others’ happiness even if you are not the direct cause of it.“ I shrug, glancing at my brother, who nods his agreement. “It is how we see pack. It is how we wish to have pack.”
“Okay, yeah. That makes sense. This really is about Remington’s happiness, isn’t it? Our happiness is dependent on his.” Camila grins. “I like the way the two of you think. At least about this.”
Nikolai scoffs. “We think well about many things. You should always like the way we think.”
“Nah, then you’ll just get bigger heads.” She turns when Brooke calls her name, signaling to give her a minute. “Brooke and I are going to go for a swim. Are my bodyguards joining me?”
I look around, watching as Daniel and Santiago are led from the room before shaking my head. “No. I believe you are safe with these people.”
“ Da . We can trust them now.”
Camila’s eyes widen in surprise. “Alrighty then. Well, I’ll see the two of you later, then.”
“Hey, brother.” I switch from English to Russian now that it’s just the two of us. We usually stick to English because we speak it as well as we ever will, but sometimes it’s nice to speak our first language. “How does a drink sound?”
“Perfect,” he responds, slapping my back as he grins.
Remington might have chosen another pack to bring to his bedroom tonight, but that doesn’t mean the two of us are no longer in the race.