Page 80 of Knot My Band: Part Two
“Who knew ‘I love you’ would translate to ‘harass us daily’ in paparazzi speak?” I quip, trying to keep the mood light despite the weight of the situation. I rake a hand through my rose gold waves, feeling the tension winding up inside me.
“That and the fact that May and Trevor’s arrest warrants are public knowledge,” Jack adds.
My pack circles around me, their presence a living barrier between the chaos outside and my faltering calm. Chase’s laughter echoes in the room, bright and untroubled, as he winks at me. “Those vultures out there don’t stand a chance against us, little rose,” he says with that roguish tilt to his lips that could make anyone smile.
“Besides,” Dax adds, his voice the rumble of distant thunder, “I’ve dealt with worse. A few overzealous reporters? Piece of cake.” His hazel eyes meet mine, fierce and protective, and I can’t help but believe him.
Aiden’s hand lands gently on my shoulder, grounding me. “We won’t let anything happen to any of us,” he murmurs, his eyes locking with mine, echoing promises of safety.
Their confidence is infectious, and I draw a deep breath, letting it bolster my flagging spirits. Just then, my phone buzzes—a call from Riley lights up the screen, pulling a relieved sigh from me. I texted her this morning that my heat was over. I wanted yesterday for just me and the pack but now life needs to go on again.
“Hey, Ri. Tell me you’ve got a plan to get me out of this press mess,” I half-joke into the phone as I stride away from the window, craving her organized take on this circus.
“Always do,” Riley’s voice crackles through, a lifeline amidst the storm. “First, no going outside without one of the guys, okay? Full lockdown mode.”
“Got it. Like my alphas would even let me,” I reply, casting a grateful glance toward my alphas, who nod in agreement, ready to close ranks around me at any moment.
“Next, we need to control what gets out there. Maybe an exclusive interview with one trusted reporter? Give them nothing spicy, just enough to satisfy their curiosity but keep them at bay,” Riley suggests, her mind a strategic map I’m ever thankful for.
“Smart,” I say, pacing the length of the room.
“Not Alex Moore,” Dax says gruffly, and I repeat it to Riley.
“Exactly. And remember, you own your narrative, Oli. Don’t let them write it for you,” she insists, the steel in her voice reminding me of the strength I have within.
“Thanks, Ri. You’re a genius,” I tell her, my heart swelling with appreciation for this woman who’s more a best friend than an assistant.
“Part of the job,” she replies with a hint of a smile in her tone. “Now go enjoy your alphas. Your team will handle the rest.”
“Are you on the phone again?” A male voice, that I’m assuming is Brad, complains from the background.
Riley lets out a huge sigh that sounds tired and defeated. “I have to go. Brad needs me for something, but we will talk soon.”
I debated asking about Brad, but it doesn’t sound like she wants to talk about it.
“Thank you. I’ll tell the guys about the interview,” I say, ending the call with a renewed sense of purpose.
I turn back to my pack, my gaze lingering on Chase, whose excitement now seems a notch above his usual cool demeanor. The press might be relentless, but with my alphas by my side and Riley at the helm, I feel ready to face them.
“So you heard what Riley thinks we should do? Do you agree?” I ask them.
Dax rolls his eyes. “I say we don’t give them anything.”
Chase laughs. “You won’t say anything. You suck at talking to the press.”
That makes me laugh, too, and Aiden’s eyes twinkle.
“I think it’s a good idea,” Jack declares decisively, making the others nod along, trusting his judgment. “We give them the information we want and then enjoy the Europe leg of the tour with fewer rumors circulating.”
Aiden adds, “There’s nothing to do until Riley schedules it, so let’s ignore them until then.”
“Great. Then let’s make plans for the rest of our week,” I urge, ready for whatever distraction they can conjure up. I crave the normalcy of just being us.
I glance around the room, each of my alphas radiating their own brand of energy. Chase catches my eye, and there’s a fluttering excitement near my heart that has nothing to do with the chaos outside. He steps forward, the light catching the sandy waves of his hair, and I’m hit with the full force of those smoldering green eyes.
“Oli,” he begins, and I can hear the tremble in his voice that he’s trying to hide, “there’s something I’ve been wanting to ask you.”
I lean in, intrigued. The air between us crackles with anticipation, and the world falls away for a moment. It’s just him and me, and the unspoken words hang heavy in our shared space.
