Page 100 of Knot My Band: Part Two
That’s when I spot him—Tommy. He’s like a shadow trying to detach itself from the wall, his body held tight and movements tentative. His sheepishness stands out amongst the exuberant crew milling around as if he fears being caught in our orbit.He keeps his head low, casting furtive glances our way before quickly averting his gaze.
“Hey, isn’t that—” I start, but the words get lost in the shuffle.
He darts a look at Oli, then skitters back like a startled deer, trying to blend into the backdrop of leather jackets and band tees. I can almost smell the nervous energy rolling off him.
“Who, Aiden?” Oli asks, her voice a melody even in speech.
“Tommy,” I say, nodding toward the retreating figure. “He looks like he’s about to bolt.”
“Should we—”
“Tommy!” Dax’s voice slices through the cacophony of chatter and laughter, as assertive as his bass lines. He strides toward the skittish figure with a determined gait, an alpha on a mission.
I watch Tommy freeze like he’s caught in a spotlight. His eyes, wide and reflecting the neon glow from a nearby sign, flicker to each possible escape route before settling on the approaching Dax. The tension in his body is palpable, even from several feet away.
He’s afraid, but based on what I feel through the pack bond, he doesn’t need to be. Dax is determined but not mad.
“Thanks for what you did when Oli was attacked,” Dax says, closing the distance with a few more steps. “You didn’t have to jump in during that mess, but you did.”
Tommy’s response is a choked-up kind of hesitation, his Adam’s apple bobbing as if he’s swallowing down the urge to run. But as Dax stands there, offering nothing but genuine gratitude without any hint of the gruff exterior we’re used to, something shifts in Tommy.
“Uh, yeah, no problem,” he mumbles, almost inaudibly, his gaze darting down to his scuffed boots, then back up to meet Dax’s hazel eyes. The small smile that starts to form on Tommy’s lips is hesitant.
“Really, man,” Dax continues, the edges of his usually stern mouth curving into a soft smile. “We owe you one.”
Tommy shrugs, trying to appear nonchalant, but the flush of pride creeping up his neck can’t be mistaken. “It was nothing, really. Just… glad I could help.”
Now that I’m looking at Tommy with an objective outlook, I don’t think he’s in love with Oli. He actually seems more shy in front of Dax than her.
“We’ve been looking for you to say thank you, but you’ve avoided us,” Dax points out. “We aren’t mad. You don’t need to hide.”
Tommy’s standing there, caught in the spotlight of Dax’s unexpected gratitude, the tension washing off him like rain on pavement.
“But just because we are grateful doesn’t mean we will let you date Oli. She’s bonded and ours, got it?” Dax ruins the moment by adding.
Oli smacks him and hisses, “What is wrong with you?”
However, my alpha settles at our claim being laid.
Tommy’s eyes widen, and his jaw drops. “You think I like Oli?”
“Uh, yeah, you’re always hanging around and watching her,” Chase points out.
Tommy blushes and glances at me. “Uh, she’s not really my type. Actually, Aiden is more my style.”
Me? Now, I’m the one blushing and feeling uncomfortable.
Oli growls softly before grabbing my hand in a firm grip. I move closer and wrap my arms around her from behind, purring softly while I run my finger over my bond mark on her hand.
“I’m not trying to hit on him, just saying I’ve never wanted Oli that way,” Tommy says, and Oli relaxes further into my arms.
“What way do you want her?” I ask gently.
“Look,” he starts, his voice a notch above a whisper, “I need to come clean.” Tommy’s eyes, wide and earnest, lock onto Oli’s. “I’m not just some fan or intern crew member. I’m—”
“What is it, Tommy?” Oli interjects, her protective stance softening as she senses the gravity of Tommy’s confession.
“I’m an omega, hiding it, trying to make it in music without… all that comes with being outed.” His words tumble out, rushed and raw. The vulnerability crackles in the air, sharp as a snare drum hit.
