Page 51 of Knot My Band: Part Two

“Ah, the infamous ex-bandmates,” Dax murmurs, his gaze sharp as it follows mine, protective instincts rising off him like steam from hot pavement.

“Want us to hang back?” Aiden’s soft voice is full of concern, but I shake my head.

“Yeah, right,” Chase scoffs.

“No, stay close.” I need their presence, their unspoken vow to stand by me no matter what happens next.

“Let’s go say hi then,” Jack chimes in, always leading the charge. “Show ‘em what they’re missing out on.”

With a deep breath, I inch forward, propelled by the solid wall of my alphas at my back. I steel myself for their rejection. They left my tour without ever talking to me after all.

I saunter closer, my heart drumming a wild rhythm against my ribs. A splash of courage paints a tentative smile on my lips as I call out to them, “Hey, Liam, Henry, Lucas, and Leo!”

“Olive! We saw your name on the lineup but thought this festival might be too small for you!” Liam’s voice rolls over me like a warm tide, and they all turn, faces lighting up in a way that confuses me.

“You look great shining like the star you are,” Henry teases, his grin infectious, and it chips away at the wall I’ve built around the memory of their sudden exit.

“Missed your energy, Oli,” Lucas adds, his eyes crinkling with the honesty of his words.

“Feels like forever, doesn’t it?” Leo’s soft-spoken remark tugs at a laugh from me—a sound that feels like releasing a breath I didn’t know I was holding.

They’re acting so nice and normal.

My fingers fidget with the edge of my shirt, the sharp sting of their abandonment still lurking beneath the surface even as my soul soaks in this unexpected warmth.

“Can’t believe it’s really you,” Liam says, stepping forward to close the distance.

“It’s great to see you all,” I confess, and it’s like exhaling a secret I didn’t know I needed to tell. “This is-”

I start to introduce my alphas, forgetting they’re famous in their own right, but Leo cuts me off. “The Edge! We know!”

Henry steps forward and sticks out a hand. “Nice to meet you.”

Their postures are casual, a study in nonchalance, but their focus is locked onto me, fierce and unyielding as they shake their hands.

I giggle, but that doesn’t quite mask the flutter in my stomach. There’s something about seeing them there, so ready to step in if needed, that sends a warmth to my heart.

Dax catches my eye, his hazel gaze intense enough to start a fire, and he smirks as if he knows exactly what effect he has on me. Jack offers me a cheeky wink that promises mischief while Aiden gives a small, reassuring smile.

Chase leans against a lamppost, his drumming fingers tapping out a silent rhythm, the green of his eyes mirroring mine—a clear signal he’s here for me and only me.

With their support, I dare to ask them what happened. “So, I have to ask, why did you leave the tour so suddenly?”

“Wait,” Liam says, drawing my attention back to him, “you must’ve heard about the headlining act Trevor snagged for us, right?”

I blink, surprised, feeling like I’ve missed a beat. “Actually, no. That’s news to me.”

“Seriously?” Leo pipes up, confusion etched on his face. “We thought you were on board with it. Gave us your blessing.”

“First I’ve heard of it, but I absolutely would have,” I admit, trying to keep my voice even despite the questions swirling in mymind. It seems Trevor’s been playing more than just manager—puppet master might be the better term.

“Damn, we really didn’t want to step on any toes,” Lucas adds, genuine concern creasing his brow. “Especially yours. You were so good to us, Oli. I hope you don’t hate us.”

Henry’s brows knit together, a look of concern replacing the easy camaraderie. “Oli, I…we didn’t know you were out of the loop,” he says, his voice tinged with an apologetic undercurrent that vibrates through the din of the festival. “Seriously, if there was a mix-up, we’re sorry. We honestly thought it was what you wanted.”

I can tell they’re genuinely distressed over the misunderstanding

“Water under the bridge, guys.” I force a smile, determined not to let the past muddy the present. Letting out a soft laugh, I add, “Besides, it looks like everything worked out how it was supposed to, right?”