Page 12 of Knot My Band: Part One
“Never,” I promise, and we settle into a comfortable silence, the kind only true friends can share. It’s moments like these that remind me no matter how fast my world spins, I’ve got someone to keep me grounded. And that’s worth more than any adoration the spotlight could ever offer.
Aiden
PACK ‘EM UP GOSSIP COLUMN
WILL THE EDGE TARNISH OLI HART’S PERFECT REPUTATION BY JOINING HER ON TOUR?
March 29th
It’s been a week and a half of rehearsals, and Dax has been rude to Oli during all of them. We are all gathered around our kitchen table, finishing up breakfast at our pack house.
“We leave in an hour and a half for rehearsal. We don’t want to be late for Oli,” Jack says.
“Right, don’t want the princess to have to wait,” Dax complains. “Did you all see the message Trevor sent? That the tour is drug and alcohol-free?”
“Dax, you need to lighten up with Oli. We will be on tour together, and it can be fun instead of miserable. We try to stay away from that stuff anyway, so that’s perfect. After May, I think it’s a great idea,” I say.
“I’m not being outright mean, but I have no interest in getting close to this girl. We are supposed to be on tour, not joining some pop princess omega who is obsessed with her ex-boyfriend.”
I scoff, but Jack beats me to defend Olive.
“It’s not her fault, so no need to insult her or her music. She’s an excellent singer, and we are lucky as fuck that she is being so welcoming. Hell, she stood up to her manager for us. Oli is an ally, but you’re going to turn her into an enemy.”
I nod right along with Jack, but there’s something else that needs to be said.
“We know you have a problem with omegas, but don’t take it out on Oli,” I add.
Dax glares at me. “You’re all panting after her, and I don’t want an omega near my pack.”
Chase points at Dax. “We don’t have a choice. What don’t you get about that? Oli is the only one with a choice, and you’re-”
I cut him off with a revelation. “You want her to say no and kick us off the tour.”
Jack’s eyes widen. “What the fuck? Dax, we lose any tour at all if she dumps us. Why would that be better?”
“Because Dax is attracted to her, and that’s scarier than losing our tour to him.” Sometimes, people think Chase is just a pretty face, but in moments like this, he proves how well he can read people.
We all stare at Dax, but he doesn’t respond. He stares at the ground, and the muscle in his jaw ticks.
I feel bad for Dax, but I feel worse for Oli. I’m protective of her even though I barely know her. Everything about her makes me want to shield her from the world. Probably since she’s an omega and I’m an alpha, but it’s also her bright demeanor. She’s like sunshine personified.
“That sucks, I get that but don’t take it out on her. Keep your distance, don’t get to know her, just don’t be an asshole,” Jackcommands.
Dax nods, then turns and stomps up the stairs.
I need time to process all of this, and the only way I can is with my keyboard. Instead of going to the one I have here, I leave the others behind and go to the studio where we will be practicing today.
I push open the door to the rehearsal space, a wave of anticipation hitting me as I step inside. It’s empty now. My fingers trail across the cool surface of my keyboard as I set up, feeling that weird mix of excitement for what’s to come and frustration at how it might go.
The way Dax treats her gets under my skin.
“Damn,” I mutter to myself, shaking my head to clear it. We’re all obsessed with her, circling around Oli like she’s the sun. Jack has maintained an easygoing facade so far, but he’s our lead alpha for a reason. If he gets more attached to Oli, she will see a different side of him.
I sit behind my keyboard and play around with different notes. Nothing is really coming together, but the action calms me.
The door to the room swings open, catching my eye and making me jump. There are still thirty minutes until rehearsal. I thought I had more time alone.
My heart kicks up as Oli bounces into the room. Her light pink hair catches in the light as her bangs brush her eyes. They’re soft and whispy, making me want to fuck them up while I’m kissing her. She seems startled to see me but takes it in stride.
