Page 45 of Omega Rock

“I’m pretty sure being around them is going to send me right into another flare.” I sigh a little and relinquish control to the universe. “But I am tired of being a slave to these heats. I’ll call them. Go get ready.”

Sable grins wide. “Perfect.” She dances off to her own apartment to change and get ready while I text the group chat:

Sable and I are going out to our favorite bar for dinner. You’re welcome to join if you want to make the drive. Abstract Note, 123 Apple Boulevard.

Sable’s back at my apartment and we’re ready to go when the first replies come, all indicating they’ll meet us there. Sable’s response? “Better get there and find a good corner table booth in case, you know—“ She wiggles her eyebrows.

“Wow.” I laugh and pull her along to her car. “Let’s get going.”

* * *

I still feel good by the time we arrive at Abstract Note. It’s this little bar with good food, great music, a lively dance floor for the space provided, and a dotting of easels, paints, and canvases around for patrons to paint on. Dark-mauve walls, black wooden floors, and more house plants than I can count—all very real, too—adorn the place.

Sable does indeed spot and claim a corner booth. We duck into it and order drinks and an appetizer. I wanted to wait until the guys were closer for that, but she insists. “You need to stay fed and watered,” as if I’m a pet and not a human omega.

She’s—as usual—not wrong. My stomach growls as a plate of chips and salsa are placed at our table along with a pitcher of sparkling water.

Everything is simple and chill as we wait for the band until Sable and I both notice the bar getting a littletoocrowded, almost to capacity. Which at 4 p.m. is very strange for Abstract Note. At one point, the owner, a petite brunette woman Sable and I have known for a few years now since we started haunting this place comes over to the corner table and slides in next to me.

“Hi,” Rosie says with a quick look over her shoulder at the crowd. “I don’t think they’ve quite noticed you’re over here yet, but I think you two should go.”

My brow creases. “Why? I love seeing how busy it is for you.”

A smile curls her dark red painted lips. “I appreciate that, but it’s because of you. The girls in back saw viral posts during their break. Someone leaked that you’re here, and I think they said it’s tied to how well you did at Sound House?”

It’s cute that Rosie doesn’t totally understand I’m in a band or performed music before this, but her wait staff apparently does.

Sable glances at the crowd. “This is all for Mia?”

“And your band,” Rosie says with a slight shrug. “You can leave out the back if you want.”

I meet Sable’s gaze. I’ve been recognized around town before, especially right after my viral videos, but it’s been nothing like this. Like only now that Rosie points out the crowd is here for me that I can clearly hear their conversations rather than blocking them out as background noise.

I said she’s here.

If Mia’s here, the rest of Exit Fate should be too.

Ooooh where is Leo Altis?

Aiden too.

That cutie drummer.

Mia.

Mia. Mia. Mia.

I swallow hard as my stomach sinks. The fact it’sfearand not a desire to join who I hope are my fans surprises even me. But I know why. Even though I’m not flaring right now, I’m still in heat, and this crowd’s voices aren’t the only thing coming into my mind more clearly now that Rosie’s pointed it all out.

It’s the number of alphas present, too. The crowd is a mix of people, and even though they’re not MY alphas, my heat-fevered body still hums with excitement to be so near to so many alphas.

Warmth blooms across every inch of my body and I shoot a pleading look at Sable, who understands in an instant what’s happening.

Sable stands from the table and thanks Rosie. “We’ll go out the back if you can help us get there.”

We’ll need it. Abstract Note is quickly becoming full to the point where movement in any direction is nearly impossible.

Rosie stands too. “Sure thing.”

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