Page 102 of Knot My Band: Part One
“That was too close,” Aiden says.
“They were swarming us,” Dax growls. “This has never happened to us before.”
I whine in distress, feeling like he’s blaming me.
Aiden rubs my back with soothing circles. “He’s not mad at you, sunshine. This isn’t your fault. We weren’t prepared, but we will be next time.”
Dax turns around and stares at me. “You brought us fame. That’s a good thing. I’m just not sure how to deal with it yet, but I don’t blame you.”
I settle back into my seat, and the rest of the drive is uneventful.
Thanks to Aiden purring next to me, I’m calm by the time we get back.
Dax
PACK ‘EM UP GOSSIP COLUMN
THE EDGE IS SEEN LEAVING A NESTING STORE WITH OLI HART
May 28th
Istand back, arms crossed over my chest, and watch Oli bounce down the steps with that energy she’s famous for. Chase is right on her tail, his drumsticks twirling expertly between his fingers. He shoots her a grin, all sandy hair, and easy charm, and she giggles, nudging him playfully with her shoulder. They’re off to the practice room, not wanting to be apart from each other.
“See you later, boys!” Oli calls out, her voice musical, even in casual conversation.
“Later,” I grunt, more to myself than to her retreating figure. I feel the sting in my gut—a mix of jealousy and self-loathing—as they vanish into the venue.
Watching them together is like observing two puzzle pieces click. It should be me out there, but instead, I’m here, brooding in the shadows, letting the weight of what I’ve done and haven’t done crush me.
Chase turned into a perfect alpha for Oli the moment theylocked eyes, even though he was a man whore before they met. Unlike me.
I just continue to fuck things up.
My rut disgusts me. Oli was vulnerable and in heat. I was doing the right thing and staying away from her but my body betrayed me. And ever since, I’ve been avoiding her, dodging those bright green eyes that seem to see right through me.
Oli deserves someone who doesn’t run away when things get real—someone like Chase, who’s always there, ready with a smile or a kiss.
Now that Oli is distracted, I can put my energy into protecting her.
I rub the back of my neck, feeling the prickle of unease that’s been gnawing at me since I found out about Oli’s nest being invaded. Jack lounges on a nearby couch, his guitar resting across his lap like it’s an extension of his own body. Aiden’s perched on a table edge, dark eyes scanning the lyrics sheet in front of him, but he’s not really seeing it—I know that distant look.
“Guys,” I start, and they both glance up, sensing the gravity in my voice. “Someone was in Oli’s nest. We need to deal with it. I’m not leaving this with Trevor and the label.”
Jack’s playful demeanor drops instantly, replaced by a hard edge. “I know. I’ve reached out and asked Trevor to send me the background checks they ran before hiring this crew, but it could have also been a fan.” His hands tighten on the neck of his guitar, the action belying his calm tone.
I pace a few steps, frustration building. “And the damn scent blocker means we can’t track them that way.”
“Shit,” Aiden curses softly, something he rarely does, pushing to his feet. “You think they meant harm to Oli?”
“Can’t be sure,” I say grimly. “But we can’t take any chances. We need to figure this out.”
“Damn right,” Jack says, setting his guitar aside with more care than I expect from him at that moment. He’s all alpha now, protective instincts flaring up like a beacon. “We need to hunt this person down. We split up, and all go around asking questions while Chase is with Oli.”
“Without a scent to go off, it’ll be like finding a needle in a haystack,” Aiden points out.
“Then we better start looking now,” Jack concludes.
I stride backstage, muscles tense.
