Page 10 of Omega Rock

And that’s what this felt like: falling into a joy I wasn’t sure existed within music any more.

But… there’s more to it than that. And it’s not until Mia’s blush returns that I realize what that something is.

A wistful hope. A suddenneed.

Mia is an omega. An omega in a band of alphas.

“That’s it, then,” Aiden says, “I’m thinking we’ve got a band here. Welcome to Exit Fate.”

Wes raises an approving eyebrow. “Perfect name.”

It is. I’m wondering if Aiden and Leo have sensed Mia, too. I wonder if Aiden realizes that by calling us Exit Fate, he’s welcoming this fate in.

Is it crazy to wonder if we might not become just a band, but a pack, too?

“Let’s come back tomorrow with our best song ideas,” Aiden says. “I want to keep this magic alive.”

“Why not go out tonight and get to know each other more?” Leo asks.

Mia’s almost too eager when she says, “I’m free.”

Aiden shoots the question to me. I nod. “Sure, let’s do it.” I guess I’m eager too. I want to follow this joy, this need, and see where it goes. It’s all I can focus on right now.

Wes shoots another hard look at Mia but doesn’t otherwise interrupt or say anything. Mia rolls her eyes.

Aiden disrupts the moment with genuinely excited energy. I just know that must be a relief after what’s happened to him. “Al’s Wings, tonight. They’ve got good food and drinks, and it’s usually not packed. See you all there later.”

We say our goodbyes for now, but I can’t help feeling that we didn’t quiteexitfate so much as barrel right into it today.

Having a promise of a meaningful direction, even one this new, is refreshing beyond words.

ChapterFive

MIA

Aiden Paltierand Leo Altis said I was talented.

Aiden Paltier andLeo Altis.

I don’t have anywhere to go before we’re supposed to meet with Noah to continue getting to know each other. But that’s okay, because as soon as I leave Carnation Studio and retreat to my car, all I can do is stare out of the windshield in utter shock.

Freaking Wesson Thornside. Put me in a room. With the former lead singer of my favorite band, the drummer of a band I also loved, and a talented bassist and said: here, don’t miss your shot.

And Ididn’t.

My head still throbs and I’m pretty sure my cheeks haven’t stopped being on fire from the moment I laid eyes on all three of them.

Holy. Shit.

I relax back against the driver’s seat with a wide grin splitting my face. I laugh and run my hand through my hair.

Exit Fate. It’s not a bad name, and it’s an insane opportunity, one that makes me want to eat every word I said earlier today about not wanting a band like this, about wanting to stay a solo act.

Am I starstruck? A bit, yes. But I’m not stupid enough to see the way this opportunity could pay off. And the way we all immediately clicked?

No one’s exiting fate. We just walked straight into it.

Just like I’d walked into a room with three alphas asking me to come play music with them. Did they sense me as an omega the way I immediately knew they were alphas? Was it obvious?

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