Page 43 of Knot My Band: Part One
The next is an alpha, and I’m worried about how Jack is going to handle it, but he lets us take a picture.
We are going to have to talk about this going forward.
“Hey, maybe after this we can—” The alpha’s suggestion is cut off as Chase steps in, his body language screaming ‘back off’ even though his smile could light up the dingy backstage area.
“Time’s up, buddy,” he says, all charm, but I hear the steel underneath. “Oli’s got a whole line of fans waiting.”
“Sure, sure, just thought I’d ask,” the alpha responds, but there’s a defiant tilt to his chin as he walks away. I let out a breath I didn’t know I was holding. This is new territory for me, navigating between my fans’ affections and my bandmates’ protective instincts. It’s like walking a tightrope.
We are almost to the end of the line when Aiden joins us.
Now, Chase, Aiden, and Jack are standing around me while I do my meet-and-greets, combining our lines so the person just moves down slightly.
I’m shocked when Dax joins us.
I stare at him with wide eyes, and he shrugs.
“Can’t help it,” Dax confesses. “It’s instinctive.”
With each passing moment, the alphas’ presence becomes less like a looming storm and more like a steady pulse—reassuring, constant. They flank me, their body language relaxing incrementally, the sharp edges of jealousy dulled as they stand next to me.
I relax, knowing they won’t make me stop; they just want to be closer.
It’s easier for me, too, and I know my omega is happier.
Dax
PACK ‘EM UP GOSSIP COLUMN
IS THE EDGE GETTING PROTECTIVE AND POSSESSIVE OF OLI HART? SHOULD WE BE WORRIED?
April 17th
The afternoon sun glares down on the concrete as I shove my hands into the pockets of my jeans, following Aiden, Jack, and Chase off the bus.
I’m thinking through the performance tonight when Oli’s voice cuts through my thoughts.
“Hey, Dax, can you hang back for a second?”
I pause and eye her warily. The rest of my pack is nervous through the bond. They’re probably worried I’ll ruin their progress with her. It’s like a persistent hum in my blood. They’re worried about this little one-on-one, their unease prickling at me until it’s all I can do not to roll my eyes.
She’s all spunky charm and relentless optimism, and it grates just as much as it sucks me in.
“Sure,” I grunt, curiosity piquing despite my weariness.“I’m not going to make her cry,” I mutter under my breath, hoping they’ll pick up on it and back off.
My focus snaps back to Oli as the door to the bus closes.She stands there, green eyes bright with something I can’t quite pin down. Anticipation? Concern? Either way, she’s got my attention now. We’re alone, the others out of earshot, and I’m bracing myself for whatever comes next.
Oli sits down on the couch and gestures for me to do the same. Her eyes are soft yet determined.
“Look, Dax,” she starts, her voice firm but kind, “this is awkward, but I have to say it. I know you don’t want a bond or an omega. I hear you loud and clear, so if you want to be happier and not prickly all the time, I promise not to read into it. I won’t suddenly think you want an omega just because you’re happier.”
I blink, taken aback. This isn’t what I expected. I am shocked silent.
“Life is too short to be unhappy all the time. I don’t want to ruin being on a tour and time with your pack mates. So, I’m just letting you know that it would be okay with me if you were happier.”
“You want me to be happy?” My voice comes out rougher than intended.
She pauses, tilting her head. “I want you to enjoy life more without worrying about me thinking it means you like me.”
