Page 48 of A Knotty Road Trip

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

BECKETT

As we reach the studio the paparazzi are even crazier than normal. “This is fucking insane,” Angel mutters, staring out the tinted window. Fans scream and cry for us, holding signs and swag.

Usually we would get out of the car, and stand at the rope while the guys would sign things and take photos, but no one is in the mood right now. “Do you want me to stop?” the driver asks, but I shake my head.

No, I don’t want to waste an hour of time, when we can get this bullshit stop over with, and then go get Belle. I have a bad feeling in the pit of my stomach, and it will not leave. Karl parks as close to the side door as he can, and we climb out.

Tate is still grumpy, but I don’t have the mental capacity to calm him. My head is a mess. I am trying so hard not to break down, or have a panic attack right now. Angel opens the door, and we enter the studio, freezing as an annoying brunette stands and walks toward us.

“I thought you forgot about me,” she purrs, and I groan.

Kella Talline, the bane of our existence, and the president of The Knotty Trip’s fanclub. She has been running our social media accounts for the last year when the beta we hired left unexpectedly.

“We don’t have time for interviews today, Kella, we will need to reschedule. I’m sorry something has come up,” I say, politely, even though the sound of her voice makes me cringe.

I have never trusted her. She has shady eyes.

“Oh, well that’s too bad. If you want I can just come with you, and do the interview in the car?” she suggests, and I shake my head.

“Afraid that won’t be possible, but call me tomorrow, and I will let you know when we are free.”

Pouting, she looks at Angel, and he crosses his arms. “Ang, baby, do you really want me to go,” she coos, batting her eyelashes, and Tate steps forward.

“Leave now, Kella. We have shit to do, and you can’t come with us,” he growls, and her eyes widen. I can smell how turned on she is, and it’s nasty.

Grabbing her purse from the empty reception desk, she huffs and storms out the door. Once the door slams behind her, I turn toward Merry, our receptionist, and she walks up to Angel, giving him a hug.

“I’m sorry guys, she was just so damn persistent. I don’t even know how she knew you were coming in today. We didn’t expect your return for two more days,” she says and moves to give Tate a hug.

I’m not one for people touching me, so she just gives me a smile.

“It’s fine, but I think we need to revoke her privileges. She’s taking advances lately. And don’t think I didn’t notice sheattacked that fan for being too close to Tate a few weeks ago,” I say, and she nods.

“I agree, honey. She seems to think that she owns you. Very possessive. I will take care of it, but you all look exhausted. Go home and get some rest. You have that interview with Good Morning LA in a few days. Tate, you will need to explain what happened, and why you reported Beckett and a mysterious omega kidnapped.”

Tate groans, and nods. “Yeah, I knew that was coming. I’ll handle it. Thanks Merry. Angel hurry up. We will wait in the car.”

He takes my hand and tries to turn us, but I freeze. “Merry, may I use your tablet?” I ask her and she walks to her desk before bringing it back to me. I take it greedily, then move to one of the chairs in the lobby.

Tate drags his feet, but follows. “Beck, baby, are you sure about this? We still don’t know if this was all a huge scheme. Belle might not have even been aware of it, but she was a part of it.”

“Tate, I say this with so much love, if you don’t shut the fuck up, I am going to knot punch your ass and toss you in the trunk,” I growl, giving him a glare, and he sits quietly next to me, groaning.

“Fuck, I am so turned on right now,” he mutters, and my nostrils flare as his scent hits me.

“Not the time or place, Tate,” I grumble, adjusting my cock, and focusing on the code in front of me.

“How did you even get a tracker on Belle? Do I even want to know?”

“Beckett,” Merry gasps, overhearing Tate. “Who did you track? That is beyond the realm of consent, son,” she scolds me, and I sigh.

“After she snuck out of the hotel, I stuck a tiny tracking device in her boot. Under the insole, hardly noticeable. I didn’t trust her not to sneak off again,” I mutter, and Merry shakes her head.

“And who did you do this to?”

“My mate, Belle, the omega who was kidnapped,” I whisper, my cheeks turning ten shades darker.

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