Page 86 of Hidden Fates

“We wouldn’t miss your show, dandelion. Watching you shake your ass on stage is the best part of any day.” Bellamy blows a raspberry on her cheek, making her laugh.

Emmett opens a mini-fridge in the corner and passes her a bottle of cold water that immediately gets pressed against her neck.

“Thanks. I know we’re still technically on vacation, but dance practice has to be back on the schedule. Zumba classes once a week won’t help me retain the choreography for these shows.”

Quentin purses his lips. “I can accept weekly practices for retention, so long as you aren’t working on new choreography until after the year ends.”

Since Orbital Somatic and Shattered Horizons are both metal bands, no one else in the pack has to deal with scripted stage performances like Skye does. We just sort of move where we want while trying to be conscious of where our bandmates are.

Someone knocks on the door and a short brunette woman pokes her head in. “Sup dudes. I’m here to steal your woman.”

“Lizzie. This is Caleb. He’s my Alpha,” Skye explains, wrapping her arms around my waist and squeezing me tight. “Lizzie is the lead makeup artist on my team. Oh, you should tag along so you can meet everyone.”

She doesn’t wait for an answer, grabbing my wrist and dragging me from the room. I go willingly. I’d follow her anywhere.

Leaning against the inside of the door, I listen as she introduces each of her dancers, rambling on about how she met them and how amazing they are. They give me small waves, careful not to move as the design team gets them ready for the show.

Witnessing Skye interact with her team, it’s easy to see how much they adore her. She’s so invested in their lives, bringing up things most artists would have forgotten after so many months apart.

I capture a picture of her with my phone, making sure my mate mark is visible in the shot, and send it to my sister.

The daughter Mom always wanted.

Daughter by mating, you jerk.

Mom has the ultimate daughter right here.

Cara follows her texts with a selfie, her tongue sticking out and her eyes crossed. I snicker, smile dimming when she asks if I’m bringing Skye home for Christmas.

My plan was to go home alone for a few days after, but I’m not sure how feasible the trip is right now. The five days Skye spent in Rhode Island helping Emmett’s grandmother were hell, but I could have driven there overnight if I needed to.

If I fly back home, there would be no easy way to get back to Skye if she needed me.

We’ll make plans to visit in the spring. After our bond has more time to settle.

I don’t want to drag her away from her other mates over the holidays.

You know Mom’s going to tell you to bring them, too.

I know.

You’re lucky I’m the best sister ever.

I’ll convince Mom to visit you instead.

I hear there’s a museum out there dedicated to pre-designation pop culture.

Skye looks at me when I groan, one sculpted brow raised in question. I mouth “Cora” and wiggle my phone. Warmth fills her eyes. Love blasts down our bond and I turn my head to hide the tears I brush away.

I’m overly emotional tonight, and I don’t know why.

*rolls eyes* greeeat.

We would love to see you all, though.

I do miss you.

Miss you too, big bro.