Page 69 of Knot My Band: Part One
Oli rolls her eyes, turning to Aiden. “You want to tube, right Aiden?”
He stares down at her with uncertainty before sighing. “For you? Yes, sunshine.”
Oli claps her hands, her bright green eyes glinting with mischief and challenge. “Great! Then Aiden, Chase, and I will tube, and Dax and Jack can stay on the boat!”
“Oli-” Jack tries again.
“I’m tougher than I look. Besides, what’s the worst that could happen with all you big, strong alphas around?”
“Alright, alright,” Jack relents, a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. “But if anything happens, I’m turning your ass red.”
“Deal,” she beams, linking her arm through his.
I grab a life jacket, tugging it over her head in one swift movement. My fingers fumble with the clasps as I make sure she’s secure.
Of course, Jack comes and checks my work, tightening it even more.
“You’ll be careful, right?” he asks her.
Oli nods, looking at me, and I puff up. “You’ll be just fine.”
Oli goes back on the tube, and I slowly drive us forward until the rope is tight.
“You better know what you’re doing, Chase,” Jack practically growls.
I roll my eyes. “Your lack of faith in me should hurt, but I know it’s really just your obsession with her safety.”
As the boat picks up speed, dragging the tube behind it. Oli lets out a whoop of delight that cuts through the wind.
She rides those waves like she was born for them, hair whipping around her face, laughter louder than the splash of water around her. We cheer her on, even Dax and Jack.
I turn the boat, sending her over to the side. She falls off the tube, tumbling into the water and making my heart stop.
Immediately, I spin the boat around to get her.
“What the fuck, Chase!” Dax yells at me.
I ignore him, focusing on ensuring Oli is okay so I canbreatheagain.
When we get close, Jack jumps off and heads right to a laughing Oli. Her smile is bright and full of joy, letting me get oxygen in my lungs again.
Sometimes, it’s hard to be an alpha and let your omega have freedom, but her joy makes it worth it.
“Jack, you didn’t need to help me! I can swim to the boat!” Oli complains.
“Just let him care for you, sunshine,” Aiden says sweetly.
I’m pretty sure he’s the reason she lets all of us fuss over her when she gets back on the boat, even Dax.
“You’re all being silly. I’m completely fine! This is how tubing works. Now, who is next?”
We back off, and Aiden goes next. With Oli safe on theboat, we all relax and enjoy our turns. Jack even drives so I can go, which is just as much fun as I thought it would be. She lets us feed her some snacks by hand and drinks the water we suggest, making us feel even better.
When we get back to the tour bus, we are all sun-kissed, exhausted, and smiling.
“Today was perfect, Chase. Thank you,” Oli grabs my hand and leans to my ear. “Want to join me in my nest as a thank you?”
Do I? Do I? Is she crazy? That’s everything I’ve ever wanted, and I would be insane if I said no.
