Page 21 of Knot My Band: Part Two

Jack saunters over, a steaming cup of tea in his hand. “Green tea with honey,” he says, handing it to Oli while he scans her from head to toe.

“Thanks, Jack,” she says, her voice a whisper of gratitude. Her slender fingers wrap around the cup, and I watch as the warmth seems to seep into her skin, soothing more than just her throat.

“Anything for our omega,” Jack says, his tone laced with truth. We all cluster around her. Our pack’s strength is tangible in how we lean into each other, a protective circle of alphas securing our omega, even Dax.

“I feel like a fraud,” Oli whispers, a tear slipping down her cheek.

All four of us protest at once, making her smile slightly.

Jack smacks Aiden, Dax, and I before taking over. “Oli, you’re not a fraud. All you’re doing is trying to provide a show for your fans even when you’re not healthy. That’s honorable, and they still loved it tonight. No one knew any different.”

“What if they did?” Oli whines.

Aiden steps up, phone in hand.

“Hey, look at this,” he murmurs, holding out his phone so Oli can see. The screen glows with headlines, each singing praise for tonight’s performance. “They’re just as positive and glowing as usual.”

I watch as she leans in, her green eyes scanning the words, the barest trace of disbelief on her face. She’s been doubting herself, but here’s the proof, in black and white and glowing pixels, that she’s doing the right thing.

“See? They loved you,” Aiden says, his voice barely louder than the hum under our feet, but there’s no mistaking the pride in his eyes.

The disbelief etched into her features starts to crumble, making way for the tentative smile that dances at the corners of her lips. A spark ignites in those green eyes — hope, maybe, or the start of something like self-belief.

“Thank you,” she says, her eyes flicking up to meet Aiden’s.

“And this is only temporary,” Dax adds.

Oli looks up and stares Dax in the eyes before voicing the other doubt I can feel festering inside her. “What if it’s not? What if my voice never recovers?”

“Oli-” I start, but Dax cuts me off with a booming voice.

“Then we give up performing and find something else we are good at. Or we will keep finding new doctors to help you get your voice back. Or we can perform with you on an instrument, and one of us can sing. We will do whatever you want, but we do it together.”

Oli’s mouth drops open. Oli nods slowly, her lips parting as if she’s about to speak, but no words come out. Instead, she steps forward, slipping her arms around Dax and squeezing him. He looks shocked but slowly wraps his arms around her, and they stand there hugging.

“Okay,” Oli says.

“Okay?” Aiden asks.

“Okay, I believe we are in this together, and we will figure it out, so I’m going to have faith and optimism and focus on healing right now.”

“Great. I’m proud of you, little rose. Now, it’s time to rest.” I grab her hand and pull her back towards the shower.

Oli showers first before going into her nest. I grab the following shower and see Jack get in after me.

Oli left the door to her nest open, so I knock lightly on the side before whispering, “Can I come in, Oli?”

“Of course, you’re all welcome in my nest at any time.”

I’m going to take advantage of that.

I jump into the bed and wrap myself around her before shoving my nose into her neck to inhale her perfect strawberry cheesecake scent. “I love you, little rose.”

“I love you too, Chase.” Oli flips around in my arms and presses her lips to mine. We kiss softly and lightly, just sending love to each other before Jack joins us.

“Did I hear we are allowed in here at any time?” Jack asks.

Oli chuckles. “Yes, my alphas are welcome in my nest.”