Page 60 of Hidden Fates

The sharp head bob he greets me with is frosty, but I’ve realized since meeting him that this is just part of his personality. He only ever truly expresses open emotions with Skye.

Something I can’t fault him for because she makes everything easier, even breathing.

“Hey, can I borrow a few moments of your time?” When he gestures to the chair across from him, I take it, leaning forward onto my knees. “Thanks. Uh, so I plan on taking Skye on a date tomorrow.”

“And you’re nervous about her safety?”

“Kind of? I haven’t decided on where to go for our actual date, but the guys from Orbital Somatic reached out and asked if we could meet up at Fairytale. It’s the esteemed Omega-safe club in the area. They have a VIP area and are earnest about guarding their patrons’ privacy. My old manager, Bea, and her best friend go there a lot, and they have never had a bad experience.”

Quentin hums thoughtfully, pulling one leg up to rest his ankle on his opposite knee. “I have heard of it. There are many bands at the label who suggested it when I announced we were making our visit here permanent. Seeing as several of them are just as big or bigger than Skye or Shattered Horizons, I believe we can trust in the venue’s staff to protect Skye’s space. Especially since they also have a strict policy about who from the press is allowed inside.”

I hadn’t known the last part, but it makes sense. They wouldn’t want someone with ties to anti-designation or anti-pack magazines to drag their customers for living their best lives.

“Okay, so a night out at the club, and I can take Skye to dinner beforehand. Is that a good date? I feel like I should do more.”

His lips quirk, his expression patient as he watches me doubt myself. “Our Omega just wants to spend time with you. She will not care that you’re meeting up with your other friends, as they are part of your life too.”

Sighing, I lean back, the relief of having everything figured out palpable. “Thanks, man.”

“We’re pack.” He shrugs, returning to his book as if his easy acceptance of my position as one of his mate’s Alphas was inevitable.

Sure, our Fated connection makes it seem that way, but packs can still fall apart, even when the Fates themselves are pushing them together.

Brushing off the weird feeling in my chest, I head downstairs, phone pressed to my ear and a call already dialing to Fairytale. After a quick conversation with their manager where I ensure Skye and I will have access to their VIP section, I text the guys back and let them know we will be there.

Excitement bubbles in my stomach as I switch to my rarely used message thread with Nebula Graves, the bassist from the masked rock band Primordial Covenant.

Recommendations for a restaurant in town that can deal with high-profile visitors?

It takes a few minutes, but he sends me back a list of options.

Finally moving on from your first love?

A few months ago, I ran into Nebula at the gym. He was a wreck, something I later learned had to do with his Omega being related to the Montgomery family. It was clear before then that Omen was meant to be with his pack, so I shared my regrets over leaving Skye and the lack of a Fated connection between us, hoping to push him to take the risk I couldn’t.

So, it turns out we share a Fated connection. Shared emotions.

Damn. That’s good news, isn’t it?

Kinda. Leaving her all those years ago made her sick. I feel like a piece of shit and am struggling to deal with the fact that I’ve hurt her.

Shit, that’s rough.

But you can come back from that.

After Omen left the tour and had to go into hiding, she had a chemical version of Rejected Omega Syndrome. Her brain convinced her body we rejected her without us ever saying the words. She almost died because of it.

If she could forgive us for that, your mate can forgive you for not seeing the connection you share. Especially one as hard to uncover as shared emotions.

Fuck, that sounds like hell. Honestly, I’m shocked you won Omen back after that. She seems like the hold-a-grudge-for-life type.

My girl swears it’s all in the past. It’s my guilt that is making things difficult.

Feel guilty. Grovel like hell. But don’t push her away if she says she’s ready to move on. You might make things worse for both of you.

Thank you. I’m going to do my best.

Slipping my phone into my pocket, I grab a quick shower and get dressed in a pair of dark jeans and a black dress shirt, leaving the top three buttons undone.