Page 46 of A Knotty Road Trip

“No, you are getting on a plane with us. The car can stay in Oklahoma. My father will get over it,” Tate mutters, and Ken nods.

I stare out the window as we drive, wishing Belle was still here in my arms. I enjoyed our cuddles, and I fucking miss her. Beck sighs and moves to sit next to me. Tate is coloring again, but it’s aggressive.

“My memory is still hazy, but I think right before I was hit, she scented me. We kissed, and when she pulled away, her gray eyes were wide and she was stammering. Do you think she freaked out and ran after learning I was hers?” he asks quietly, and I turn to look at him.

“Belle didn’t leave us, and I will die on this hill until I convince you. She wasn’t malicious, not like her… Fuck!” I shout, and the car swerves.

“Angel, don't do that!” Ken barks, and I wince.

“Sorry.”

Tate looks at me like I’m fucking crazy and maybe I am. “I think I know where Belle is, and she’s in danger.”

As we touchdown at LAX, I don’t bother with luggage, as Ken will grab it. Rushing through the airport, I ignore the people who recognize me and race out to the parking garage. Uncle Russel has a car there waiting for us.

“Are you sure about this?” Beck asks, and I nod.

“Yes, but first we need to run to the studio and get something.”

Tate jumps in and off we go into the LA traffic. This place is crazy and my knee won’t stop bouncing. I am anxious as hell. We are so damn close.

“So, what’s the plan?” Tate asks, chewing a piece of gum. He still think Belle tried to fuck with us, and I am over it. If he keeps this shit up I may leave his ass on the side of the highway.

“The plan is to go to the studio for five minutes tops, then storm Belle’s family home. I don’t care how powerful her father is. He’s going to meet the end of my 45.”

Beck freezes and looks at me. “You’re getting your gun!” he shouts, and I wince. “Have you lost your fucking mind? The media’s already having kittens about what happened in Tennessee. We can not risk any more headlines, Angel. You have a charity concert next week for the veterans. Are you really going to let them down?”

Crossing my arms, I grumble. I know he’s right, but I saw the fear in Belle’s eyes when she would talk about her dad and that creep in New York.

“These aren’t good people, Beck, we are going to need protection, and Rich is out of the question.”

“If I may speak up, Sir,” the driver says and we look his way. “Mr. Baron has arranged a full security detail that he’s personally vetted, and we have an undercover team watching Belle’s father’s estate.”

“Wait, so my father is actually trying to help us? I called him begging he let me marry Belle, and he said no again and again.”

“You did what?” Beck gasps, and Tate takes his hand.

“I saw how much the wedding was weighing on you. I called my dad in Tennessee and told him all about Belle and her being our possible scent match. He refused. Said our omega was already chosen.”

Tate runs his hand through his hair and sighs. “I don’t know what made him change his mind, or even if he did.”

We’re quiet the rest of the way to the studio. I’ve changed my mind on my gun, but I am grabbing my taser. Never know when a prick needs a shock.

BELLE

As I open my eyes I instantly know that I have been drugged. It doesn’t surprise me to see the twinkle lights and pale lavender canopy of my childhood bed. What does shock me is the man sitting at the end of my mattress staring at me.

He’s so familiar, yet he looks completely different. “Paul,” I croak, and he sighs, leaning closer to hand me a drink. I don’t accept it, and he laughs.

“You always were smart, Bella,” he says using the nickname he would call me when we dated.

“What happened? Why am I here?” I ask, and he shakes his head, offering me the glass again.

“It’s just water. You need fluids before tomorrow.” I hesitantly take it from him, and he gives me that grin I once loved.

His red hair flops over his hazel eyes, and he still has that boyish swagger. I always resented my father for keeping us apart. Paul was my friend before he became my lover. I didn't care about his social stature.

He was kind to me, but that doesn’t explain… “Why are you here, Paul?”

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