Page 27 of Hidden Fates

Arms grip my shoulders, and the warmth of Onyx’s smoky charcoal and pencil shaving scent falls over me like a weighted blanket. “She’s okay,” he rumbles, pushing me forward until I’m pressed against Caleb’s chest, who stands frozen, barely blinking, let alone breathing.

“She’s just realizing what you did at the hotel in Portland.”

“You didn’t tell her?” Caleb questions, looking away from me to meet Onyx’s eyes.

“She deserved to find out for herself. When you finally pulled your head out of your ass.” Displeasure laces Onyx’s voice.

Caleb’s eyes drop, the acidic notes of shame entering his basil and black suede scent.

I can’t stop my tears, small sobs ripping from my chest at the overwhelming flood of emotions. Caleb is my Fate-matched mate. A dream we thought was impossible.

He’s mine.

Or he’s supposed to be mine, because he’s known I was his for weeks and he…

He left me.

Again.

Calloused fingers brush my cheeks, wiping the moisture away. “I’m so sorry, bunny. Please don’t cry.” His old nickname for me slips off his tongue with ease, and I cry harder.

We lost so many years.

Why didn’t we just wait a little longer?

Standing there, wrapped in his arms, I let myself mourn the time we lost. Then I dry my eyes and press my chin to his chest. There’s no use clinging to what could have been when we still have a lifetime left together.

Onyx studies me when I spin around, nodding at whatever he sees in my eyes. “Let Sly know when you’re ready to eat.” He leaves us alone in the foyer, heading back into the fray of people.

Peeking at Caleb over my shoulder, I offer him my hand. He stares before taking it. That tiny touch is like a live wire bouncing through my body and lighting up every nerve ending. So good it hurts.

Time passes in delirious waves as we celebrate. Eating the wings and fries Sly prepared for us. Our guests eye Caleb curiously, but no one pulls me aside to ask who he is or why he’s glued to my side.

Deep down, they probably already know. It’s not like the rest of my mates would let a stranger hover this close to me for so long.

My friend and fellow musician, Dante, is talking to me, his mate leaning against his side. Apparently, he’s been offered a spot as the host of the popular television show First Glance Pack. The Beta who held the job through the current season had to retire early because of health issues.

“That’s a big score,” Caleb comments. “I know the show has a massive fan base. My manager and her best friend are obsessed with it.”

Dante agrees, talking about what the job would entail, but my eyes slip to the kitchen. Despite all the delicious food I had earlier, I’m still hungry.

“What are you thinking about?” Caleb’s breath is hot against my ear. His arm shifts to wrap around my hip as he leans close to whisper to me, and I have to bite back a groan. “It’s the cake, isn’t it? It’s calling to you.”

Pursing my lips, I narrow my eyes at him. His breath hitches, our faces so close he can feel the flutter of my eyelashes as I blink. “And if it is?”

His lips feather across my cheek, the barest hint of a touch that leaves me craving more. “Then I say we find Sterling and let him know you’re ready for something sweet.”

“I’m ready for something,” I grumble as he pulls away. Heat fills his blue-gray eyes, but he forcefully clears his throat and turns away. It’s not like anyone would notice if we snuck away to reunite after eight years apart.

Okay, they totally would, but it would be worth it.

Sterling and Onyx are in the living room with Quentin and his sister.

“Cake time?”

“Sure thing, precious.” Sly pushes to his feet, towering over me by a solid foot. He grins and pats my ass as he heads into the kitchen.

As I stand in our dining room, surrounded by my family, my friends, my mates, and my first love, I close my eyes and blow out my candles.