Page 81 of Hidden Fates

Yeah, woah indeed. The first space is full of dozens of fir, spruce, and pine trees, each decorated with a different theme. Several include matching statues sculpted out of flowers. Along the ceiling, giant glowing bulbs light the space in a wintry blue. It’s beautiful.

“This way first.” Tugging on my hand, I let my Omega lead me through both the indoor and outdoor exhibits, listening as she reads out facts about each of the seasonal blooms we come across. The expansive grounds include an outdoor labyrinth of low rock walls that have been filled with an assortment of Christmas trees made of lights.

The electric bill for these two weeks has to be insane with the number of lights they have up.

Skye’s favorite room is what they call the Mermaid’s Cove, where they house the plants that require less light and more water. A pond fills the center, home to some of their aquatic breeds, and floating above it is an intricate design of giant, twinkling snowflakes that cast the room in the same pale blue as the main entrance.

“Oh, Onyx, it’s gorgeous.”

Instead of answering, I wrap my arms around her waist and hold her tight, pushing my awe and love down our bond.

Why use words when my soul can speak to hers?

We almost get through the trip without being recognized, but as we make our way back through the lobby to the exit, a trio of teenagers let out animated squeals. “Oh my Fates, is that Skye Pierce?.”

My mate stiffens, her relaxed smile shifting to something practiced. A rumble starts in my chest, but Skye silences it with a hand on my arm and a faint shake of her head.

Stepping closer to her back, I try not to seem imposing as the teens approach us. A quick glance around and no one else has spotted us. Hopefully, we can keep this quick and get out before we gather a crowd.

“H-h-hi. Hello. You’re…” the first girl stammers, staring at my Omega with hearts in her eyes. With her being so young and not having a scent yet, it’s easier to control my instincts to her reaction.

Yes, Skye is amazing. I’m glad everyone can appreciate her talent and her beauty. From afar.

“We know you have a show in New York next weekend, but we never imagined we would run into you here.” Another of the trio chimes in, clutching the strap of her bubblegum pink bag tight against her chest.

Smiling up at me, Skye explains that she’s here for date night with one of her Alphas. The third girl looks at me then, her eyes widening. “You’re the drummer for Shattered Horizons. Oh Fates. Could I… get your autograph?” She opens her purse and starts digging through it.

“Dexter is going to shit his pants when I give it to him for Christmas,” she whispers.

I bite back a laugh, but her friends don’t.

“That’s her crush,” the girl with the pink bag explains.

“How about we take a picture together? All five of us.” Skye motions between us and the decorated trees behind us.

Squeezing all five of us into one picture means we will be done with this sooner, and I can take my Omega to get something to eat, so I don’t complain.

“Yes, please.” The girls rush to pull one of their phones, already discussing where we should stand.

“Uhm, excuse me,” the short brunette squeaks as she holds out her hand. “This is silly, but… would you sign this?”

She wants me to sign a rock? It is large and pretty flat. An odd choice, though.

“If you’re sure that’s what you want.”

“Dexter wants to be a geologist.”

Oh, yeah, that’s a good pick then. Accepting both the rock and the sharpie she pulled out of her bag, I scrawl my name across the front. If she’s lucky, it won’t wipe away before she’s able to give it to him.

“Good luck. Make sure he takes you somewhere nice if he shares your feelings.”

Skye has already signed the other girls’ things, so she slips her arm in mine and spins us so that we can take the picture. I begrudgingly take their phone, being the one with the longest arms.

This isn’t how I wanted my evening out with my Omega to go, and reminding myself to be patient with the fans is a lot harder tonight than it ever has been.

“Thank you so much.” All three girls gush, stepping away from us. “This is the coolest night ever. We’ll go now, sorry for interrupting your date.”

Walking further into the garden area, they talk animatedly, already making plans to share the photos on their social media.