Page 42 of Threads of Fate

Rowan’s face is red with embarrassment. He doesn’t like everyone knowing. “It’s okay, baby,” Gideon placates, with only a bit of teasing.

“The reason I ask is that enigmas would certainly be more sensitive to the omega pheromones.” Her fingers itch to reach for her tablet to start taking notes, but she resists at Gideon’spointed look. “That would explain the rebound rut and the uh…loss of control.”

She looks apologetically at Rowan when he bursts out, “Stop calling it that!”

“But Jay’s an enigma, and he was completely unaffected. Even Gideon and I felt—”

Finn’s voice fades away as Jay rubs the back of his neck, cheeks flushed, a sure sign Jay is keeping something to himself that one or more of his mates won’t like.

“Well, I wouldn’t say I’m unaffected, exactly.” He’s not looking at Dr. Spencer at all, and when he catches Gideon’s eye, he looks away, unable to hold his gaze. Jay is ashamed; for what, Gideon has no idea.

“What did you do?” Luca asks eyes narrowed in suspicion.

Sighing, Jay pulls out a little blister packet of pills, and Finn speaks up first, “Suppressants, Jay? Since when? And, why? We didn’t even know Nix is anomega!” The last is whispered.

“Let’s talk about it after we let Dr. Spencer finish up, okay?” The good doctor clearly wishes she was anywhere else but also like she wishes she could be a fly on the wall.

“Alright. But this conversation isn’t over.” Leo’s massive arms are crossed, testing the seams of a black t-shirt, and his face bears that look of disappointment that they all fear.

“I think I’ve covered everything I can for now. I’m keeping the files confidential, but I expect Dr. Kennedy will be interested in why. He won’t get that information from me unless you say so. But if you don’t mind me saying so, I think he has your best interests at heart and is highly invested in Nix’s outcome. When he contacted me, he called you his friends, said you were important to him, and would consider it a personal favor if I would consult. That’s no small thing in our community, no?”

“You’re right, doctor. Thank you for all your time and hard work on our behalf. If there is anything we can do for you, willyou let us know? We also prefer our debts to be paid.” Jay shakes her hand.

The doctor smiles and tiredly makes her way to the door but stops with her hand on the handle, “There is one thing, but it’s a bit embarrassing.” Her blush makes Gideon curious.

“Anything, and what could possibly be embarrassing after all this? You’ve seen our little family at its best and its worst.”

(Rowan is muttering something about it being“not that bad, Jay, seriously.”)

The doctor suddenly appears younger than Gideon had originally thought as she puts her hair behind her ear, looking right at Leo. “I was wondering if Leo would please sign my copy ofRolling Stone?” The magazine had compiled a Sexiest Musicians Alive list, and Leo was number three. It sold out in record time and became very popular among their fans, The Roadies. Gideon considered himself a Leo fan, too. He had his own signed copy of one photo carefully pinned to his office memo board at Quest. It might be the black tank top and the arms, Gideon thinks, seeing his blushing mate flex slightly—yup, definitely the arms.

No one is more surprised than Leo when she pulls out a well-loved copy of the magazine and a Sharpie. “Please make it out to Trudy.”

Chapter Nineteen: Leo

Leo

Leo has never been comfortable in the spotlight. Strange, perhaps, for a celebrity—a respected, award-winning performer, songwriter, and producer. But despite his success, he’s never quite felt worthy of the extra attention. On stage, he’s acutely aware of his place alongside the tattooed bad boy, Jay Rhodes; the twinky sweetheart, Luca Wilde; and the “rizz” king, Rowan Foster. His mates are stunning—beautiful, even.

So, the doctor’s admiration doesn’t sit quite right, but he smiles and signs the photo layout as requested. She squeals and skips out the door, clutching it like treasure. His fan. It never ceases to amaze him that the music they make reaches so many people—especially someone like Dr. Trudy Spencer, who helped save his mate’s life.

So, yeah, life can be weird.

Being a celebrity has its perks for Were packs, with the music industry practically built for their way of life. Still, living in the public eye requires careful navigation. Fortunately, thanks to trailblazing “groups” before them, human fans chalk it up to band idiosyncrasies.

Leo’s especially proud that Long Road Home openly flies under the LGBTQIA+ flag, a reflection of their shared philosophy: no matter their success, having each other mattersmost. He’d eat mac and cheese for the rest of his life if it meant keeping his mates—so yeah, fuck the homophobes.

It surprises Leo that fans never question seven men living together, but Long Road Home keeps their private life—especially their civilian mates—out of the spotlight. Jay maintains he’s ready to come out as poly anytime, but Leo believes the world isn’t entitled to that part of their lives.

It’s just one more thing they’ll have to explain to Nix when he wakes up.

When Dr. Spencer leaves, his mates are quick to remind him who his real fans are.

“Leo Costas is so cool,” Rowan coos, giving his biceps a playful squeeze.

“He’s my favorite!” Gideon adds, punctuating it with a smack to Leo’s ass.

Never one to miss a group hug, Luca squeezes in close and kisses his cheek. “Mine, too. He’s so dreamy.”

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