Chapter Twenty-five
Remington
W e make it to Wilde in time for dinner. Luckily, Bree and Tessa thought ahead and booked my favorite restaurant for us.
Milly’s is an old-fashioned pre-Event diner, and the food is amazing. My family has been taking me and Emilia here for as long as I can remember. They have the best burgers, fries, and milkshakes. I’m sure everything else is amazing, too, but that’s all I ever get when I come here.
What can I say? I’m a creature of habit.
“As soon as you finish eating, we’ll be heading to the cabin. While not as big as the house on the compound, it’s big enough for all of you,” Tessa says from where she’s standing next to the counter.
There are a few tables in Milly’s, but it’s mostly booths, meaning we had to split up. I’m sitting with my new pack mates with Brooke, Camila, and the twins in the booth behind us. On the other side of us are Rhys, Gracie, and Pack Woods. The other suitors are spread out, eating with the staff who came with us to Wilde.
“But most of you will be sharing rooms,” Tessa continues. “Remington will be in the master suite on the second floor, with Pack Hawthorne in the adjoining room. The rest of you will be able to choose your rooms. There are an additional four rooms on the second floor and three on the first. Pack Woods, you’ll share a room, obviously. That leaves another six rooms for the remaining eleven suitors to choose from. Yes, that means one of you will get a room of your own.”
Bree smiles from the stool she’s sitting on. “Staff will stay in cabins near yours. Because we need to make sure you can reach us, you’ll each be given a walkie-talkie that’s set to the secure line we’re using. Cameras have already been set up in the cabin, so don’t think you’re getting out of that. As per usual, there are no cameras in the bathrooms or in Remy’s nest. Now, for the itinerary. Tomorrow, you’ll be spending the day with Remy’s family. On Tuesday, the first group will head out for their date. Wednesday and Thursday will be for the second and third groups. Then, on Friday, you’ll be attending the award ceremony for his sister, Emilia. This isn’t a black-tie affair, but Evangeline is sending over some appropriate outfits for all of you to choose from.”
“Remy?” Tessa calls, waving me over. “If you have any questions, you’ll be free to ask them once Remy is done going over the plans he has for this week’s dates.”
“I’m really excited to be home. While it’s pretty close to Los Angeles, I don’t get down here as often as I’d like. As for the dates, I’ve decided that one of my mates will attend each of the dates with me. Remember, this is the time for you to get to know me and them better. On Tuesday, Eric will join me and my family for a beach day. Coming with us will be Nolan, Alexei, Nikolai, Brooke, and Ian.
“On Wednesday, Victoria will join me and my family on a trip to the marine park here in Wilde. Coming with us will be Rhys, Gracie, Riley, and Carter. For the last date, joining me, Milo, and my family to the San Diego zoo will be Lee, Quinn, Audrey, and Camila. I’m not sure who all will join us from my family each day, but you can count on my big sister and my nephews to join us. These are activities that Emilia and I loved growing up, and I know she wants to share that with her sons.”
I head back to my seat as Tessa and Bree handle questions from the suitors. I lean into Eric as I sit down, loving the bond humming between me and the three of them. It’s such an amazing feeling.
I didn’t know what I was missing out on by not finding a pack sooner, and while part of me wishes I’d done this sooner, I know I never would’ve met any of my suitors if that were the case. Things happen for a reason, and I was meant to meet these particular people when I did.
I can’t wait to figure out who else will be a part of my pack, and this week is bringing me that much closer to it.
Looking around my parents’ backyard, I grin. I can’t remember the last time it was filled with this many people. Probably during the summer when Emilia and I were teens. My parents know everyone in their neighborhood and they always threw a party at least once a month during the summers growing up. They’re getting older now, so I’m not sure if they still do them as often or not.
We’ve been here for about an hour, and it’s already five. My dads are grilling dinner which should be done soon. Then once the sun goes down, we’ll light up the bonfires to not only stay warm, but so we can make s’mores. Because they live so far from the bigger cities, we’ll be able to see the night sky without all the sky pollution, and I can’t wait.
The sky is almost as clear back at the compound, but this is the sky I grew up staring at.
“What are you doing over here by yourself like a loser?”
I grin as Emilia nudges me with her elbow. I throw my arm over her shoulders and hug her close. She’s half a foot shorter than me at five foot five and tiny as hell. She takes after our beta mom, Olivia, who is her biological mom. My biological mom, Hannah, is our alpha mom, and we both share the same bio dad, Elijah, who’s our omega dad.
Her long blonde hair and blue eyes give us away as not being full-blooded siblings. I have my mom’s brown hair and my dad’s gray eyes, whereas she takes fully after Mama.
“It’s just nice being back. I haven’t been coming back enough.” I sigh, running a hand through my hair as I glance toward our parents. Dad and Pops, our two alpha dads, and Papa, our beta dad, are at the grill, finishing up dinner. Mom and Mama are sitting with Baba, our omega dad, talking with Camila and Brooke at the table next to the grill.
“Neither have I. I haven’t been back since…” She trails off with a sigh, but I can fill it in myself. She hasn’t been back since she lost her pack.
“You’ve been busy.”
She shakes her head. “I’ve been avoiding it. This is where I ran after they died, and I haven’t wanted to face it since. I thought it would bring the pain and loss back. Instead, I just remember all the good times we had here.”
I kiss the top of her head as I blink away tears. Emilia had been with her pack for a long time—almost since she revealed. They were family just as much as she is. I know we all miss them, even if it’s not as deep as my sister does.
“Jasper doesn’t even remember them,” Emilia says softly. “I heard Hawk telling him about how awesome their dads were the other night. I’m failing my kids by not telling them about their dads. For the longest time, I couldn’t think about them without crying, and by the time I could, I just…didn’t. They’d be so disappointed in me.”
I pull her in for a hug, laying my head on top of hers as I fight tears once more. She clings to me as she sniffles, and I know she’s crying.
“You’re not failing them. You lost your pack and had to heal from that. Not all omegas could survive that, but you did because you’re one of the strongest women I know. You can start sharing stories about their dads when you’re ready.” I sniff, losing the battle with my tears as they spill over. “As far as them being disappointed in you, they would never. Wherever they are now, I know they’re watching you continue their legacy through their company and by raising their sons on your own. They’re all thinking just what I am—that you’re strong and doing everything you can to survive something tragic.”
“You think so?”
I nod. “I know so. They loved you so much, Em.”
“And I loved them.” She sighs, finally pulling back and brushing away her tears. “Fuck. I was doing so good about not crying.”
I shrug, running a hand over my face to do the same. “You know we always make each other more emotional. Now, enough sadness. It looks like Jasper and Hawk are tormenting my new pack mates. We should go save them.”
She glances to where my nephews are climbing all over Eric and Milo in between being chased around by Victoria.
“I like them,” she tells me. “They’re good for you, and the boys clearly love them. I’m happy for you, Remy.”
I snort when my eight-year-old foster sister, Lily, runs over and launches herself at Victoria. Her seventeen-year-old sister, Rose, is right behind her. My parents took the two of them in about six months ago so they could stay together. Rose turns eighteen in just a few months, so no one wanted to take her in, and because Lily refused to leave her, they were stuck in a group home for a month before my parents found out about them.
“Okay, we might actually want to go save them now,” Emilia says with a laugh. “Adding Lily into the mix is just asking for trouble.”
Heading toward them, all I can do is grin. Watching my pack mates getting along so well with my family makes my heart sing. We haven’t talked about kids yet—probably a mistake but one I can easily remedy—but I hope they want them. I hope we can have them. I want to have as many as we can.
Thinking about the future only has my smile growing as we join them. I launch myself at my nephews, bringing them both to the ground as I tickle them.
I’m so fucking glad Tessa and Bree could make this trip work because this is just what I needed.
After a late night at my parents’ house, we’re all dragging a bit Tuesday morning.
“I need coffee,” I grumble as I make my way down the stairs with my pack. It’s already after ten, and we’re meeting my family at the beach at eleven.
Milo wraps his arm around me as we reach the first floor. “Me, too, Remy. It’s way too early.”
It’s really not all that early, but we didn’t make it back to the cabin until almost one. Then I hadn’t been able to keep my hands off my pack, so we’d been up for another two hours fucking. After getting so much sleep since coming onto Heated , my body is not a fan of only six hours.
“You could’ve kept sleeping,” I remind him, but he shakes his head.
“Nope. Vic said we had to get up to see you and Eric off. Plus, I wanted to.” He snickers as we step into the kitchen. “That doesn’t mean I’m not going to take a nap while you enjoy the beach.”
I wrinkle my nose. “Lucky ass.”
I’m definitely not pouting when Nikolai steps in front of me, offering me a cup. I grab it eagerly and take a long sip.
“Thank you, Nikolai. You’re a lifesaver.”
“It is my pleasure, Remington.” He doesn’t smile as his twin would as he steps out of the way to reveal the others sitting at the table. “Breakfast is ready.”
Alexei is standing at the head of the table as he waves me over. As soon as I sit, he pushes it forward. Eric sets a plate in front of me before taking a seat at the other end of the table with Victoria. Brooke and Ian sit on either side of me with Nolan beside Ian. The twins sit beside Brooke with Camila on their other side. Lee, Riley, and Carter have also joined us. I’m guessing everyone else is still sleeping.
I drink three cups of coffee while eating, and by the time we climb into the massive SUV that fits me, Eric, Nolan, Brooke, Ian, and the twins, along with Lucas and Mike. Eric sits in the front row with Lucas and Mike. Brooke and Ian join me in the third row while the twins and Nolan take the second row. It’s a little tight, but it’s the only vehicle that can fit this many of us at once.
When we pull into the parking lot for the private beach we rented for the day, I see Mama, Pops, and Baba standing with Lily and Rose while Emilia is trying to wrangle Hawk and Jasper out of her car.
“Unca Remy!” Four-year-old Jasper yells as soon as I step out of the SUV before running across the parking lot and throwing himself at me—as if he hadn’t just seen me yesterday. I really need to make more of an effort to see my sister and nephews more frequently.
I scoop him into my arms with a shake of my head. “I’m happy to see you too, Jasper, but are you supposed to run across the parking lot?”
His face falls as he shakes his head. “No. I s’posed to wait ’til I is holding Mommy’s hand. I is gonna be in trouble.”
“Possibly,” I tell him as I carry him back to Emilia.
“I sowwy, Mommy. I gots excited.” Jasper says, his bottom lip trembling.
Emilia ruffles his hair as she leans over and kisses his cheek. “You’re lucky there was no one else in the parking lot. Next time, you wait for me and Hawk, okay?”
“Yes, Mommy.” He holds his arms out to her, and I transfer him into her arms as I turn to my other nephew.
“Hey, Hawk.” I ruffle his hair as he hugs me. He’s only six—almost seven—but he acts older than that. I think losing his dads made him grow up faster than any of us wanted him to.
His smile is muted when he steps back from our hug. “Hello, Uncle Remy. Thanks for inviting us on your date. We’ve missed you.”
“I’ve missed you too, kid. I know you’re practically grown now, but how do you feel about building sandcastles? I haven’t made one in years, and I think I need help to make a good one.”
His smile grows as he glances at his mom. “I love building them. I’d love to help you.”
“Yes!” I pump my arm in the air. “Do you hear that, everyone? Hawk is going to help me build the best sandcastle.”
Hawk shakes his head. “You’re so weird.”
I mock gasp as I drop to his level. “Are you saying being weird is bad? I love being different from everyone else.”
“It’s not bad, but you’re still weird,” he tells me with a roll of his eyes. “Can we go to the beach now?”
“Of course we can. I can’t believe I was holding us up.” Standing up, I offer him my hand, which he takes without hesitation.
My parents, Lily, and Rose are already on the beach, setting things up as I lead the rest of us down to join them. It’s a little hectic as we get tents and chairs set up. Lily takes the kids into the shallows so they’re not underfoot, making it a million times easier to get everything done.
“You’re good with them,” Eric says as he hammers the last spike into the sand, the last of the four tents now put up. “Your nephews, I mean. And your foster sisters.”
I smile, my eyes finding them splashing in the water. Jasper has on bright green arm floaties since he’s still learning how to swim, but Hawk and Lily don’t need them anymore.
“I love them.” I glance back at Eric, deciding to test the waters. “I love kids in general.”
He smiles. “That’s good to know. Do you want some of your own?”
“I would, assuming the pack agrees,” I say softly as he wraps his arms around me.
“We’ve been trying to get Victoria pregnant,” he admits. “She really wants to be a mom.”
That makes me smile. “Good. We’ll have to wait until the birth control shot wears off, but I’m willing to add my contributions to the effort.”
I can’t see his face, but I feel his body shake as he laughs. “Yeah, I’ll just bet you are. It’ll make her happy to hear that.”
“Until then, we can just practice. Run trains on her every night.” I snicker.
“Who are we running trains on?” Baba asks, and I wince. I hadn’t heard him walk up.
Oh, well.
“On my alpha,” I tell him as I step out of Eric’s arms, ignoring my heated face, which I’m sure is bright red. “She wants a baby.”
Baba squeals. “Another grandbaby? Fates, I can’t wait.”
“Don’t get ahead of yourself, Baba. We’re all on birth control for the show. It’ll be a few months before we can try.”
He nods, but his smile doesn’t dim. “That’s okay. You’ll get there. We’re so happy for you, Remy. You know that, right?”
I hug him, letting his omega scent calm me as it has since I was a kid. “I know, Baba, and I’m so happy. Just a few more weeks and I’ll have a full pack.”
“Uncle Remy! We’re ready to start building sandcastles,” Hawk says, running up to tug on my shorts. “Come on!”
“Alright, kid, I’m coming. Go get started, and I’ll be there in a minute.” I hug Baba once more before kissing Eric and heading down the beach to join my nephews.
We spend almost two hours building the best sandcastle ever, and I’m surprised that Hawk isn’t distracted by everything else going on around us. The only reason we stop when we do is because it’s time for lunch. Otherwise, I think he would’ve kept going.
The twins sit on either side of me as I eat. Baba and Mama made ground bologna sandwiches for us—something I haven’t had since I left home. There are a few other sandwiches for those who don’t like bologna. There is also potato salad, macaroni salad, and cut-up fruit. It’s the perfect beach lunch.
“I like your family, Remy,” Alexei tells me with a grin. “We have not been around children for long while. It is nice.”
Nikolai grunts. “Very nice. You have good family.”
“Thanks. I think I’ll keep them.” Shooting them a wink, I glance down the table to where Eric and Brooke are sitting. She’s talking animatedly to him as he nods. He’s probably the best one for her to talk to because I know she can keep carrying the conversation when he has nothing to add.
Next, my eyes find Nolan and Ian. I haven’t spent nearly enough time with the two of them. It’s easy for Nolan to fade into the background with how quiet he is. As for Ian, I’m not sure why we haven’t spent as much time together. After lunch, I’m going to spend some time with the two of them.
Which is exactly what I do, bringing them to the tent farthest from the others.
“I want to apologize to the two of you. I feel like I haven’t spent enough time with you. It’s hard to balance so many suitors vying for my attention—especially when some of you seem content to sit in the background.” I glance between them. “Has that been on purpose?”
Nolan shakes his head. “Not really. I’m never someone who’s going to stand out or even speak up. It’s easier for me to let the other suitors take the limelight.”
“Oh, mine was on purpose,” Ian says with a laugh. “There are certain people you already have better connections with, and I want to see how all of you are together so I can figure out where I fit.”
I consider that for a moment before nodding. “Okay, I can see that. Have you figured it out yet?”
He shakes his head. “Not fully, but I can see that you need me to step up, so I will. I’m an analyzer. I can’t help it, but I promise I’ll put in more effort now.”
“Thank you. What about you, Nolan?”
He grimaces. “I’m not very good at things like this. I’m not sure coming on the show was the right choice. I’m enjoying myself, don’t get me wrong. I just don’t know how to assert myself with the others. It makes me uncomfortable.”
That’s something I completely understand, but it’s also not normal for an alpha. Not that there’s anything wrong with that. I’m well aware that while each designation has characteristics that most people have, it’s not true for everyone who has that designation. In fact, it endears him more to me.
“I understand, but I can’t be the only one seeking you out. You understand that, right? I need to know you’re interested in spending more time with me. That you’re interested in me.”
“Yes.” He nods slowly before looking away. “I don’t think I’m the right alpha for you, Remy.”
His words bring a slight sting of rejection with them but not much.
“I’m sorry,” he continues. “I’ve been thinking about it for a little while, and while you’re amazing, I don’t think we click. I probably should’ve said something sooner.”
I shake my head. “No. You’re fine. I’m glad you’re mentioning it now. Even if we’re not meant to be a part of the same pack, that doesn’t mean we can’t be friends, right? We have a week here, and while I’ll be busy for a good portion of it, I’d like to hang out with you some. Let’s get to know one another without all the pressure.”
“Really? You don’t want me to just go home?” Nolan seems surprised by my words, and that hurts more than his rejection did.
“Of course I don’t want you to go home. The main point of being on the show might be to find my pack, but that doesn’t mean I can’t use it to find friends. Trust me when I tell you, I need more friends in my life. Plus, I love my hometown, and I want all of you to enjoy your time here.”
Nolan grins. “Then yes, Remy, I would love to get to know you as friends.”
“Awesome. I think it’s time to go play in the water for a bit. Do the two of you want to join me? I’m pretty sure we have body-boards here. This isn’t a good beach for surfing, but the waves are good for bodyboarding.”
Ian’s eyes light up. “That sounds wonderful. I’m in.”
Nolan nods. “Me too.”
We grab the boards before heading into the water. I’m so glad I decided to pull them aside, and that Nolan admitted he wasn’t interested in a romantic relationship.
Am I a little disappointed? Sure, but that’s only because no one likes rejection. Even though that’s exactly what I’m doing to those I don’t choose for my pack. A little rejection won’t hurt me, and it really does take pressure off me.
It turns out, a day at the beach and a conversation is all I needed today.
“This is so cool,” Hawk says with wide eyes as I help him into the water.
It’s Wednesday, and we’re at the marine park. I’ve really enjoyed the day so far. I’ve always loved this place.
While it’s a park for people to visit, it’s also a sanctuary and rehab facility for marine animals. They release as many animals back into the wild as they can, but not all of them will survive in the wild. So they keep them here and train them.
There are a few shows, but not many. It’s mainly about getting to see various marine animals in a contained environment. The major draw is the animal experiences. Already today, we’ve already swam with belugas, fed killer whales as their trainers worked with them, trained seals and walruses, and played with penguins. Now, we’re going swimming with dolphins, which has always been my favorite.
“It really is. This was always my favorite part of the park,” I tell him as I help Emilia and then Jasper in. Riley climbs in next, helping Carter and Victoria in. Rhys and Gracie were supposed to meet us here, but we haven’t heard from them. Neither of them are answering the walkie-talkies. Bree and Tessa are here with their packs, including Bree’s kids. They said they’d figure out where the pair disappeared to.
We split up when they wanted to spend more time in the Arctic area. I was too cold, so the rest of us left them to it. The rest of my pack mates and suitors are also here, but they’re not allowed to come to whatever area we’re in since it wouldn’t be fair to the suitors I’m on a date with.
“Okay, we’re going to let the dolphins in now. Are you ready?” One trainer asks, and we scream out that we are.
The gate rises and in swim a whole pod of dolphins—ten of them, to be exact. One for each of us and one for the trainer. The two extra are meant to be for Rhys and Gracie, but two other trainers join us in the water.
The dolphins swim around us, nudging us with their heads both underwater and on the surface. It takes a moment for them to settle down, but once they do, the trainers walk us through some training exercises. Then we all get a chance to hang onto two dolphins as they race around the large pool. We’re all required to wear a life jacket which makes sense with how fast the dolphins zoom around. Eight to ten miles an hour might not seem like much on land, but in the water? It’s almost like flying.
None of us want to get out of the water, but we have reservations at the restaurant in the park soon, so we have to get washed off and changed back into our clothes.
Thirty minutes later, our entire group has washed off the day and changed into nicer clothes for dinner. The sun is just beginning to set as we walk toward the restaurant, passing a large grassy area with secluded areas that have benches, swings, and even a few beds. I can only imagine the things people get into there.
Even though this is a family park, there are days where it’s adults only. The trainers told us a few stories about how the late nights get when it’s adult only, and it makes me want to come back with my pack after I’ve completed it.
Movement out of the corner of my eye catches my attention, my head snapping in that direction. It takes me a moment to realize what I’m seeing.
Clearing my throat, I hurry to my sister’s side. “I need you to keep heading toward the restaurant. There’s something happening that I need to take care of, but it’s not something the boys should see.”
“What do you mean?” she asks.
I shake my head. “I’ll tell you later, okay?”
“Of course. You’ll be right behind us?”
“Sure will.” Forcing a smile, I turn to Victoria, Riley, and Carter. “I believe I’ve found my wayward suitors. Riley and Carter, would you mind escorting my sister and nephews to the restaurant while Victoria comes with me?”
Riley frowns as he glances between me and my sister. “We’ll be happy to. Are you sure you don’t need either one of us with you?”
“No.” I shake my head. “Victoria is all I need. We’ll be right behind you. I promise.”
Riley still looks suspicious as he nods, linking his fingers with Carter before catching up to my sister.
“What’s going on, Remy?” Victoria asks once we’re alone.
Instead of answering her, I start up the grassy area toward an area near the back of it. There’s an area set back and almost private that’s surrounded by trees and rose bushes. It’s beautiful, and I never would’ve noticed if I didn’t look at the exact moment I had.
Victoria follows me, not prodding me for an answer—something I appreciate. Especially since it’ll be very clear what’s happening in just a minute.
Their moans reach us first, and I can feel my alpha stiffen beside me. As soon as they come into view, anger radiates off her.
“Are you fucking kidding me right now?” Victoria growls as she stomps into the area, eyes locked on the couple fucking on the bed. “Is this where you’ve been when you were meant to be spending time with Remy?”
Rhys and Gracie freeze. They’re both fully clothed, with Gracie on top of Rhys, her long skirt covering up exactly what they’re doing.
Gracie lifts, twisting to face me as Rhys fumbles to tuck his cock away. “I’m sorry, Remy. We didn’t mean to—“
“Do not tell me you’re going with the old ‘I didn’t mean to fall on his cock’ spiel.” Victoria’s eyes flash as she takes a step toward the beta.
Rhys growls, pushing Gracie back as he steps between them. “Don’t threaten her.”
Gracie runs a hand nervously over her neck, and my eyes narrow. “You bonded.”
“We were going to tell you today,” Gracie says. “It’s just that the bond was riding us hard, which is how we ended up here.”
“When did this happen?” I ask, not overly surprised that it did but more than a little annoyed that they hadn’t bothered to tell me.
Gracie winces, hiding her head in Rhys’s back as he turns to me. “Monday night.”
“You bonded two days ago and didn’t think you should tell the omega you’re meant to be courting? What the fuck is wrong with you?” Victoria is beyond pissed.
Sighing, I lay a hand on her arm and shake my head. “It’s fine. They’ve been making it pretty damn clear where I stood with them from the beginning. I was just ignoring it. I’m glad you found each other, but you should’ve been clear that you weren’t interested in me. It would’ve saved all of us time.”
I pull the walkie-talkie out of my pocket and press the button. “Bree or Tessa, this is Remy. We found Rhys and Gracie. They’ll meet you at the front of the park. They won’t be joining us for dinner, so if we can have someone send them back to the cabin, I’d appreciate it.”
“Of course,” Tessa responds. “Bree’s pack will meet them up front. Emmy and Everest are ready to go back, anyway.”
“Perfect,” I tell her before looking back at Rhys and Gracie. “I hope the two of you enjoy your time in Wilde. You’re welcome to join us for my sister’s award ceremony on Friday, but I’d prefer if you weren’t around when the rest of the suitors and I are hanging out in the cabin. In fact, I think it might be best if you request your own cabin for the rest of the stay.”
Not bothering to wait for their response, I twine my fingers with Victoria’s and start for the restaurant.
“Are you okay, Remy?” Victoria asks softly, squeezing my hand.
I snort. “As if you can’t feel what I’m feeling. Yes, it stings a little, and I’m a little mad, but overall, it’s better that I found out now instead of later.”
“That’s true. They’re the ones missing out,” she assures me, and I smile.
They are the ones missing out. Because I’m awesome and so are my pack mates.