Page 28 of Omega Rock

Aiden shrugs. “We could, or at my place again. Sorry I don’t have more actual beds.”

Leo waves him off. “Couch is fine.”

Noah lights up. “We could practice, or we could go blow off some steam and jitters at some parties.”

My chests squeezes tight.Don’t.I hear Sable’s voice. And Wes’. “I’ll have to pass, sorry.”

Noah levels me with a look. “I promise it’ll be worth it. They’re more jam parties than anything else. A lot of musicians will be there from all over. Elias’s place is huge, too. Plenty of outdoor space for these gorgeous nights.”

Aiden and Leo exchange a look, and then Leo shrugs. “I’m down for a few hours, but we really should meet up early tomorrow and get back to work.”

“And we will,” Noah says. “Aiden?”

Aiden hesitates, and I can take a guess as to why. Going out to a random bar or restaurant, he may take a risk of running into a few fans. But other musicians in the industry? I wonder if that’s harder to face after being kicked out of his old band.

Finally, Aiden nods. “A few hours. And my place is available to crash at after.”

Noah beams. “Perfect. Mia?”

I shouldn’t. For the probable drinking, for the way it impacts my suppressants, and for professionalism’s sake. But then alsobecausethe rest of the band is going, I should, too.

It also means crashing at Aiden’s place again after. Then driving home and back in the morning to shower and change. It’s not that difficult for the others who live in the city.

My gut is conflicted, but my heart is clear. I need—andwant—to spend more time with my band, these alphas, in any capacity. To deepen our professional relationships. And yeah, maybe other types, too. “A few hours.”

* * *

Within thirty minutes we’ve collected our instruments and piled into Noah’s car. He drives us to the wealthier part of the city. Maybe it’s the closeness of all three of these alphas or the wind whipping my hair as we drive with windows down between tall buildings and along busy streets, but everything feels so surreal and wild.

For the most part, the starstruck Mia that walked into Carnation Studio a few days ago is gone. Noah and Leo, even Aiden, just feel like real, normal people. But then moments like this happen and I have to pinch myself because not only am I in a car with these industry kings, I’m in abandwith them now.

This is exactly what Wes wanted for us, I realize. Out with a crowd, building a fanbase as soon as possible. Not as ex-band members, a Juilliard reject, and a viral sensation. But as Exit Fate together.

Wes is a good manager. I’ve known this from the start.

A very large, very out-of-place state appears, with a towering three-floor manor at the center surrounded by a coveted patch of greenery in an otherwise concrete jungle.

Cars line the driveway which arcs in front of the entrance and then back down to the street. The gates are open at the moment to allow everyone inside.

It’s enough cars that I have to wonder if the city’s entire musical scene is here.

Noah parks and we grab our instruments from the back, including one of Noah’s extra guitars for Leo, who I’ve seen play rhythm guitar before in acoustic sets with Lost Time. He picks up that extra guitar case and nervously watches the manor.

“Let’s head up the path to the back,” Noah says. It winds past the front entrance where musicians have congregated and strum guitars and play violins. In the distance, I hear a few cellos recreating the Game of Thrones theme song.

“Thanks,” Leo replies, visibly relaxing.

Noah claps him on the shoulder. “Sure thing.”

Noah and Aiden walk on ahead of us. Maybe I shouldn’t pry, but curiosity is getting the better of me. And out of the three of them, Leo’s already gotten pretty personal anyway.

“Everything okay?” I ask Leo we all walk up the garden path. Early summer flowers in shades of yellows, blues, and purples flank us on either side.

Leo sheds a small smile—enough to show he’s still nervous. “Uh, yeah. I just have to be careful in crowds is all after an infusion a while back. Keeping away from sicknesses and all. We’re outside, should be fine. We can talk about it another time.”

The half-answer sits heavy. Leo doesn’t owe me anything, and I can tell he’s uncomfortable, but knowing there’s more to it makes me want to dig deeper.

I return his smile. “Okay. If you want to chat about it or need anything, though, let me know.”

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