Page 97 of Knot My Band: Part One
“Of course we can,” I say.
“I want to be excited about Chase. The bond is something beautiful. But part of me thinks I should be angry,” she confesses.
“Shouldbe angry? Why?” My question hangs in the air between us while she thinks.
“That’s what I’m supposed to feel,” she confesses with a sigh, tracing a pattern on the back of my hand absentmindedly.
“Oli,” I start, turning to face her more fully, “what if you just did what feels right for you? Screw expectations. If this bond with Chase feels right, why fight it?”
She chews on her bottom lip.
“Does it make me weak?” she asks softly.
A low growl escapes. “Of course it doesn’t. No one who has ever met you could say you’re weak! Following your heart makes you strong!”
A small smile peaks through. “You sound so sure.”
“I am.” I nod passionately.
“Then I trust you, Aiden.”
And those are the second-best words I’ve ever heard after her telling me she loves me.
Oli
OMEGA BUZZ GOSSIP COLUMN
OLI HART MAKES IT TO HER NEXT SHOW, SHUTTING DOWN HEAT SPECULATION
May 26th
I’m buzzing, pure and electric, as the final chord of our performance vibrates through the packed auditorium. The crowd roars, and I’m so grateful I made it here for this show.
These fans deserve my best and not to be canceled on.
I grin, tossing my rose gold waves back with a flick of my head, and they shimmer under the stage lights. My shirt covers my bite mark from Chase so I didn’t have to make a decision about revealing that tonight or not.
I need to talk to Chase. Performing tonight has given me time to clear the rest of the heat from my mind, and I know what I want.
“Good night!”
With that, the stage lowers me until I’m no longer in sight.
“Oli! That was epic!” a stagehand shouts, slapping a high-five into my waiting palm. The slap echoes.
“Thanks, Tommy!” I shoot back.
My steps quicken, though I keep my strut casual, riding the wave of lingering excitement as I weave through the organized chaos until I make it back to my pack.
Mypack.
It’s official now.
“Oli, over here!” calls a familiar voice, tinged with laughter and perhaps a trace of impatience. I whirl around, and there is Chase.
Aiden, Jack, and Dax are there with him, waiting for me, but right now, my focus is on my drummer.
“Chase!” His name on my lips feels like an electric charge, setting every nerve alight. I stride over, dodging a guitar case that nearly trips me, but I’m unstoppable.
