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“After having my life flash before my very eyes, I realize it’s too precious to waste. When I return home, I’ll be resigning from my position on the show. I don’t think Heat Paradise should continue on the way it has been and I can use my seat on the council to implement some changes. Our belief that society knows best is obviously flawed. And it only took one reluctant omega to make me see it.” There’s a sad grin on her lips when she finishes.
“Thank you,” I breathe out, still not trusting it entirely. Surely, there’s a catch?
“Don’t thank me yet,” she mutters. Ah, there it is. “News of the council coming mid season has already spread. We won’t be able to hide the details from society forever. In fact, I’d like to head off the rumors immediately—come clean about what exactly happened. And I need your help to do so. Would you mind if we televise one last episode?”
Unsure I want to be on camera again, I hesitantly ask her, “What did you have in mind?”
Her eyes soften. “We’d love to show your Knotting Ceremony.”
“You mean we still get to have the Knotting Ceremony?” I ask, wanting clarification. That’s the one part of Heat Paradise I’ve always been in love with.
“Of course. It wouldn’t be official without it, now would it?”
Rosey stands over me, curling my hair into soft ringlets. She sniffles and puts the wand down to wipe her tears, smearing red glitter under her eyes.
See? Can’t escape that shit.
“Are you okay?” I murmur.
“Yeah, sorry, girlie. I realized this is the last time I’ll get to do your hair. Or probably the last time ever, ever. My career is over after this. Who wants the designer from the show where five people were murdered?”
I stand, wrapping her in a hug, which she returns. “It’s okay, Rosey. There will be plenty of new opportunities out there, I promise.”
“Thank you, Verity. You’ve really opened my eyes. I consider you a friend and I hope we stay in contact after this.”
I pat her back before pulling away. “Me too and I’d like that.”
For my Knotting Ceremony dress, Rosey went simple but absolutely fucking elegant. The tea-length dress is a stunning shade of lavender with adorable branches and flower appliqués that flutter with my movement. Talk about bringing everything full circle.
As I wait in the wings for the final time I’ll ever have to deal with these cameras, I can’t help but feel a little sad. Despite the bad memories here, this is where I fell in love. This is where I found my pack. Where love conquered the fucking rules of society and won.
Mark marches up to Karen and the first thing I notice is the lack of a camera. I think it’s the only time I’ve ever seen him without it. Uncaring of the clipboard in her hands, he scoops her around the waist and brings her in for a kiss. My eyes widen as they attack each other’s mouths. Okay, so that first fight I saw was definitely a lover’s quarrel.
“I’ve been such an asshole, baby. Will you ever forgive me?”
She giggles, her cheeks flushing bright red as she sees everyone staring. “Yes, of course. Love you, bunny bunches.” I don’t even want to think about where the bunny part of that statement likely comes from.
Mark breathes a sigh of relief and backs away to get his camera equipment ready. While I don’t like him whatsoever, Karen seems happy, and I’m in no position to judge.
Ryland, clearing his throat, pulls me from my thoughts. My breath catches when I turn and find him decked out in a black suit, complete with a pocket square that matches my dress. Tears spring to my eyes as I throw myself at him, glad to no longer have to hide our relationship for fear of his safety.
He doesn’t have to say a word. His face says it all as he cups my cheek with his hand.
“Where are the others?” I ask.
He shrugs, but there’s a mischievous glint in his eye that tells me he knows and isn’t sharing. “Said they had to do something and would be here soon.”
Uh-huh. Sure.
I don’t have time to question it as Mark’s voice rings out across the room, breaking us apart. “And we’re live in...” he shouts, beginning his usual countdown.
Mrs. Violet wears a simple turquoise dress today, and it highlights the sad expression in her eyes as the red light blinks on, signaling the show is live. “Good evening, Heat Fiends. Tonight, I come to you with distressing news, and my sincerest apologies about the parts I have played in what I must confess to you.”
As she recounts everything that’s happened, I realize how lucky I am to be standing here and how grateful I am that my men came out unscathed. It could’ve easily been any of us that psycho butler took out.
”—and as such, I believe Verity should be allowed to choose the men in her pack for the bravery they displayed in the face of such a monster. If that doesn’t show their commitment and their true love, I don’t know what would.”
The room is silent except for the thudding of my pulse in my ears as I wait with bated breath.
