Page 35 of This Fate That Guides Us
I’m extremely grateful our tour bus has a top-of-the-line scent-canceling system. Without it, I would have gone insane from the over-saturation of Bea’s perfume. She’s an omega puddle as she not-so-discreetly watches Ridley where he is doing pull-ups in the doorway to the sleeping areas.
Her bodyguard is eating up her attention. Flexing the muscles on his bare back and arms even when he isn’t actually straining them. I’m positive his scent would be flooding the area too if he wasn’t required to wear scent blockers for his job.
Bea’s phone pings, drawing her attention away from the half-naked alpha. I huff a small sigh of relief and try to refocus on the images I’ve been sorting through from the festival here in Chicago. With both of the bands playing yesterday, today is a free day and I’m grateful for the reprieve.
A normal venue is stressful enough on my paranoid instincts, two days at a festival with hundreds of thousands of people would be absolute hell. I don’t think I could handle leaving our little safe haven even if I wanted to.
Well, technically that isn’t true. Bea and I decided to go on a food-venture this evening. One we invited Pack Graves to join us on. I’m also going to their hotel afterward to hang out, but a secure hotel room is much different than a packed festival venue.
The closer we get to leaving, the more my anxiety builds. I can barely focus on the images on my laptop screen with how my knees are trembling. Maybe agreeing to spend time with the guys was a mistake. The pull I feel towards them is already too dangerous. Getting to know the four men who haunt my dreams will only make falling for them easier.
Something I shouldn’t be doing. My presence as their tour photographer is enough of a threat, growing the connection between us paints a bigger target on their backs.
Closing the lid of my laptop, I decide to focus my energy on getting ready to go out for the evening. Perhaps the monotony of doing my hair and makeup will help calm my anxiety.
Music plays from the small speaker on the ledge above my bed. The emotional beats and gripping lyrics are a balm to my apprehensive thoughts. It’s probably unhealthy how often I’m drawn to listen to Primordial Covenant’s songs.
Would they think it’s weird how obsessed I am with their music? I’d rather not find out.
Throwing on a pair of high-waisted black shorts and a burgundy crop top decorated with tiny moths, I sit cross-legged before my portable mirror and start priming my face. I startle when my phone rings through the speaker. The noise jarring in comparison to the soothing sounds of the rock music playing.
My teeth dig into my bottom lip to try to bite back a smile when I see Nexus’ name flashing on the screen. Swiping to accept the call, I switch the sound to speaker before answering.
“Hello, gorgeous!” His voice fills my mini nest, sending shivers up my spine. “We’re out exploring right now. Grabbing snacks for tonight. Titan found this super cool candy store a few blocks up from where we are staying. They have so many options it's ridiculous!”
I apply a light smoky eye while he speaks. His words are rushed, tinged with a hint of nervousness that only endears me to this sweet alpha further. “Would you believe they have an entire wall of gummies made to look like other foods? Pickles, pizza, carrots, sushi, shrimp, mushrooms. They even have a very realistic collection of gummy bugs. I’m kinda afraid to try those. What if they also taste realistic?”
Shuffling sounds muffle his voice, but I can hear my name. “Hello, darlin’.” Titan’s voice fills the line. I’m surprised the usually quiet alpha has taken over the call. I don’t know any of their pack very well, but I know Titan the least of all of them. He seems to stick to himself when I am around.
I honestly thought he wasn’t a fan of me, but maybe I was too quick to make assumptions.
“You gonna open this sour candy mystery box with me later?”
“S-sour?” I manage to squeak. My cheeks burn at the high-pitched sound of my own voice.
“Not a sour fan? Cal found a candy charcuterie board we could make instead.”
“Um, I don’t do sweets often…” I trail off awkwardly.
“Ah, a savory snack kind of girl then?” He easily accepts my dislike of most candies which makes my heart swoon. As if an alpha choosing not to comment on my food preferences is some ultra-romantic notion. Silly omega heart of mine.
“Or spicy,” I admit. It’s pretty out of the ordinary for an omega to prefer a lineup of ultra-spicy snacks to a bag full of candy, but I am who I am.
“Spicy it is,” Titan says.
I can tell by his voice he is grinning and I suddenly fear for whatever this alpha is going to bring back for me. I still agree, because why not? A lot of foods claim to be the “hottest” or “most sour” thing in the world, but they usually aren’t nearly as bad as you are led to believe.
“You still there, sweet girl?” Nexus asks after more shuffling sounds.
“Yeah,” I sigh. “I should probably be concerned, right?”
Nexus’ laugh is music to my ears. The happy sound lightens the darkness always encompassing my soul. “Maybe. I didn’t see where he went, but he looked very determined. I guess you’ll find out tonight.”
“I guess I will.”
“Ah sweet girl, two phone calls and getting to hang out with you later? You’ve already made my day!” Warmth creeps over my cheeks and fills my heart at his sweet proclamation. Very few people in my life have ever been so genuinely thrilled to be around me. I adore his enthusiasm.
We talk a little longer as he wanders around the store asking about my favorite snacks and drinks, before he ends the call to join his mates in the check-out line.
