Knot My Band, Part One (Knot My Band #1)

Oli

OMEGA BUZZ GOSSIP COLUMN

ALL THREE NIGHTS IN DENVER WERE A HUGE SUCCESS FOR OLI HART

April 26th

I sprawl across the couch, twirling a strand of my rose gold hair around my finger as I sip my morning coffee. We will be in Denver for another night without a show before we leave for Salt Lake.

“?” Jack gets my attention from his spot on the other couch, where he’s strumming lazily on his guitar.

It’s early, but he doesn’t seem worried about waking up the rest of his pack.

“What’s up, Jack?”

He sets his guitar aside and saunters over that playful smirk plastered across his face. “I was wondering if you wanted to spend time with me in Denver today?”

“With who?” I ask carefully.

Jack leans closer, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper, “What about just the two of us?”

I can feel a blush spreading under my skin.

“Like a date?” I whisper softly .

“If you’re willing, I would love to take you on a date,” he says, the excitement in his voice contagious.

“Okay,” I agree, a thrill zipping through me.

I think this falls under taking things slow and leaving Dax out of it.

I love how his eyes light up, and I know I’ve made the right choice.

“We have to go incognito,” he tells me, and I agree. “Let’s leave as soon as we’re ready.”

I hop up and go into the back to get dressed.

Slipping into a pair of faded jeans that hug my curves just right, I can’t help but grin at the reflection in the mirror. I tuck my waves under a black wig that I have on hand if I ever want to explore the city I’m in.

My hair is too recognizable, and I learned the hard way how crazy fans in the wild can be.

I leave the bathroom and see Jack standing there waiting for me.

“Ready to go incognito?” Jack’s white-blond hair is hidden under a baseball cap, muscles less conspicuous under a loose hoodie.

He hands me a pair of sunglasses before putting a pair on himself.

“I barely recognize you, but I prefer your pink hair to this black,” Jack quips.

“It’s rose!”

He laughs and winks. “Rose got it, baby girl.”

I blush at the nickname.

He smiles and pulls me out to the central part of the bus, where the other three are sitting around. I guess they woke up at some point .

“Where are you going?” Chase asks, eyeing my wig.

“We are exploring Denver!” I say excited.

Chase opens his mouth, but Jack quickly cuts him off. “I’m taking ve on a date.”

Aiden smiles, and Dax ignores us.

“That’s not fair!” Chase pouts.

“Maybe you should have asked her first,” Aiden points out to Chase, making me smile.

Jack grabs my hand and pulls me behind him, “Let’s go, .”

“Have fun!” Aiden shouts.

“Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do,” Chase adds.

My stomach flutters at their attention.

“That doesn’t leave much,” Dax mutters.

Stepping out into the brisk air, I take a deep breath of the April Denver air. It’s crisp and clear, and I can see the mountains from my spot.

“It’s gorgeous,” I breathe. “Every time I see the Rocky Mountains, I’m reminded of how small I am compared to the world.”

“Is that a good thing?” Jack asks.

I nod. “It makes me feel connected to the earth. I love Colorado, and that’s why this day off is scheduled here. It’s the perfect way to start the tour.”

Jack smiles and looks at the mountains himself. “I like that.” He turns to look at me. “Did you have something you wanted to do today, then? I had come up with an idea, but I’m happy to pivot if you have plans already.”

My smile stretches. “I would love to do your plan.”

“Then, let’s go,” Jack pulls me behind him by my hand, sending sparks skittering across my skin.

We duck into a bustling coffee shop. The scent of roasted beans hits me, and I breathe deeply. It’s not as good as Jack’s scent, but it’s close.

“I know you want a fancier coffee than you got,” Jack says simply as we approach the counter. “Which you could have asked Riley for, but you treat her more like a friend than an assistant.”

I can’t help staring at him. “You’ve picked all that up in three days?”

“We rehearsed for two weeks before getting on that bus, but we both know that being on a tour bus together means we get to know each other much faster than normal. Plus, I pay attention to you.”

Now I’m blushing.

“I’ll take a caramel frappuccino with no whipped cream and extra caramel drizzle,” I tell the barista.

She’s staring at Jack so hard I’m afraid she recognizes him but then she blushes and I realize she just thinks he’s hot. “And you?”

Jack barely spares her a glance from the coffee board. “I’ll try the same.”

She turns around, disappointed by his lack of attention, but my omega preens.

“Chase will like knowing you’re a caramel fan,” Jack whispers, making me blush.

When she delivers our coffees, she tries one more time. “Do I know you from somewhere?”

Jack doesn’t even crack a smile. “No.”

He grabs my hand, and we leave the coffee shop.

“She was hitting on you,” I point out.

Jack tugs me into his side before wrapping an arm around me. “Doesn’t matter. ”

I want to play it cool so badly, but the words come out vulnerable instead. “It doesn’t?”

“Of course not. Even if my alpha side wasn’t already obsessed with you, I have no interest in anyone else.”

Now, my smile is so bright I expect to see a ray of light coming from it.

We turn the corner, and I see some rides sticking up into the air. There’s a drop tower, high swings, and roller coasters. Is there an amusement park right in downtown Denver?

I expect us to turn to walk around it, but Jack leads me right up to the front entrance.

“An amusement park?

Jack nods with a hesitant smile. “If that sounds fun to you, I’ve loved them since I was a kid. I wanted to share that with you.”

“I love amusement parks.”

I race ahead of him and then turn to see his shocked smile.

“Are you coming?” I shout.

He races to catch up to me. Jack buys our tickets, and we go inside.

“We have to start with the biggest ride,” I declare, looking around for which one that is.

“And why is that?”

“Then there’s nothing to be scared of.”

“Will your wig come off?” Jack asks.

I shake my head. “No, it’s pinned down.”

We make our way to a tall coaster that has two large drops and get in line. It doesn’t take long before we are at the front and getting on.

“Scared?” Jack teases, his grin wild and infectious, as the safety bar comes down .

“How could I be when you’re here?” I meant for it to be teasing, but I realize it’s the truth. My omega trusts Jack, which means something that might freak me out feels smaller with him here.

The ride takes off, and I don’t get to hear his answer.

The world blurs into a kaleidoscope of color and sound as the roller coaster hurtles us through the air. My stomach drops, but it’s less from the plunge and more from Jack’s hand gripping mine, solid and thrilling.

The coaster ratchets to a stop, and we stagger off with wobbly legs.

We go on a few more rides before my stomach grumbles. Jack hears and immediately changes directions toward the food stands.

“Let’s feed you.”

I nod, liking being taken care of. “I want something sugary and greasy.”

“Fine, but then you must have something with substance too.” I can hear the alpha behind his words, wanting to take care of an omega.

“And what healthy food do you think you’ll find here?” I ask.

The scent of fried food and sugar hangs heavy in the air.

“Okay, a treat now, but then we will get food after, and I don’t want to hear any sass about it.” Jack lightly taps my ass before going up to the stand for fried dough covered in sugar.

He orders one while I’m still standing behind him shocked and very turned on.

He hands me the treat, and I dig in immediately. I stuff my face so I can avoid the slick in my panties and hope he can’t smell it .

We are taking things slowly.

That reminder makes Dax pop into my head. There’s no future with this pack if Dax isn’t on board, which means I can’t get attached.

I’m too weak to stay away from them altogether.

After my next bite, I can feel sugar crystals stuck to my face.

His thumb is gentle against my skin as he wipes it away, making butterflies go crazy in my stomach.

I avoid this moment, too, by shoving the greasy dough into his face for his own bite. He startles but takes it in stride, opening his mouth and biting down.

“We should go get some food that’s not dessert. Denver has food trucks everywhere. I was thinking we could try one?” Jack asks.

I pout. “Can we play one game before we go?”

Jack looks like he wants to argue, but when his eyes drop to my bottom lip sticking out, he sighs. “Fine, one game, then food, but you have to have some water.”

He holds the bottle out to me, and I take a drink like the good omega I am before realizing I’ve done it.

His smirk tells me he noticed and likes it.

“There’s a ring toss,” I say, pointing past him.

We make our way to the booth, which has prizes hanging from every surface. There are stuffed animals, plastic bats, and stuff with the logos of all of Denver’s sports teams.

I try to pay this time, but Jack looks at me sternly before handing over the money to play.

The man behind the counter hands us our stacks of rings before stepping to the side closest to me.

“Are you ready to see some real skill?” Jack teases, picking up a ring .

“Skill, huh?” I quip, watching him take careful aim. The ring sails through the air and lands perfectly around a bottle. “Okay, show-off.”

“Your turn,” he prompts, stepping aside with a flourish.

My first attempt is a miss, but the second ring hooks onto a bottle with a satisfying clink. “Looks like we’re both naturals,” I say, unable to keep the pride from my voice.

“Guess we make quite the team,” Jack agrees, his smile warm and genuine. It’s a look I could get used to.

Jack makes the next two rings while I miss another. His smile is huge.

“I guess you’re better,” I mumble.

“What was that? I didn’t hear you.” Jack cuffs his ear playfully.

“You can pick your prize from this row,” the worker tells Jack while pointing at a row in the middle. He turns to me and leans forward so we are face to face. “I could be inclined to let you pick a prize as well.”

An arm wraps around my middle before tugging me into a rigid body.

Jack growls while staring at the man, who is clearly a beta. He backs off and raises his hands.

I turn around and press my hands on his chest, making him look down at me. “What prize are you going to pick?”

Jack narrows his eyes before turning around and leading me to another booth with a hand on my lower back.

“I’m winning you a prize from a different booth, so our memory of it isn’t tainted by someone hitting on you.”

I hide my laugh behind a cough.

He squints down at me. “Are you laughing at me?”

I shake my head no but can’t contain it. A giggle slips out .

“Maybe the memory would have been you being possessive of me and warning someone off,” I point out.

Jack thinks about it for a second before shaking his head. “Nope. I’m good at basketball, too.”

He leads us to one of the games, where it looks like a normal shot, but you know it’s a trick hoop. I don’t tell him that, hoping it humbles him.

“You’re cocky,” I point out.

He grins. “And you like it.”

At my raised eyebrow, he explains, “Your scent got sweeter.”

I look away, embarrassed.

“Don’t shy away from me. I love your scent. I’m glad you didn’t cover it up today.”

“It’s more of a professional courtesy, but it didn’t even occur to me for today.” I’m shocked. I’ve never been this free with my scent.

“I’m glad. You should stop using scent blockers on the bus, too. Just use them for the actual shows.” He pauses for a second. “Or around the crew.”

I think about it briefly before asking, “Your pack mates wouldn’t mind?”

Jack laughs. “Trust me, it’ll be the best kind of torture.”

That decides it for me, and I agree. “Fine, but only if you do the same.”

I don’t say anything about his pack mates. That’s up to them.

“Deal.” Jack pulls me into his chest, bringing his neck close to my nose so I can smell him.

Coffee and fresh dough flood my senses, and any tension I have in my body releases until I’m putty in his hands.

“Did you want to play?” An older man breaks the moment by asking .

We both turn to the basketball game, and Jack steps forward.

Of course, he sinks four out of five shots. I stare at him in shock while he has a cocky grin on his face.

“What do you want, baby girl?”

I don’t comment on the nickname, but I peruse my options. One of the stuffed animals reminds me of the jersey Jack was wearing last night. I smile at him before pointing. “The purple dinosaur.”

The guy laughs before handing it over. It’s as big as my upper body, and I snuggle it close to me. It’s soft against my skin, and I already know it’s going in my nest.

We make our way out of the amusement park, and it’s not a long walk before we enter a lush green park.

There are trees everywhere and dogs all over the place.

As we walk through it, I see a line of food trucks parked on the other side.

“Do any of them look good to you?” Jack asks.

I notice one with tacos on the side, and when we get closer, I see they have multiple options.

“This one,” I point out.

We get to the front and order three tacos each. They are handed out quickly, and we find a nearby bench to sit on.

The first bite is heaven. It’s the best taco I’ve ever tasted. The shredded chicken is covered in a savory sauce that makes me moan.

Jack freezes next to me.

I swallow my bite. “Sorry, it’s just so good.”

He clears his throat. “No need to be sorry for that.”

Jack takes a big bite and smiles around it with a nod, so I know he likes his, too.

Once I finish the first taco, I break the silence. “How did the four of you form a pack?”

Jack only tenses slightly before relaxing back into the seat. “We were all in the same foster home.”

I try to keep the shock off my face. I’ve never heard that about The Edge.

He must read my face because he explains, “It’s not public. We don’t advertise it.”

“It’s not something to be ashamed of.” I grab his hand and squeeze.

Jack gives me a small smile. “I know.”

I believe him, which means it’s not him that wants it to be a secret.

Without pushing for more, I take another bite and let him decide what he wants to share.

“Dax was there first, then me. We, uh, didn’t click at first. It actually took Chase getting there a year later for us to get along. He was just this goofy kid who bothered both of us until we spent time with him. That’s when I felt the pack bond starting to form. It felt like something was missing until a year later, Aiden got there. He was small and shy, which made all of us want to take him under our wings. We were shocked when he ended up bigger than all three of us.”

I smile at that, picturing a young Aiden being bombarded by these three, especially an exuberant Chase.

“I’m glad the four of you found each other.”

He nods. “Me too.”

The air gets cooler as the sun keeps moving lower in the sky. I know we need to get back to the bus, but I want to savor this moment with Jack and our budding affection.

We lock eyes, and it’s like we are the only two people in this park.

“Hey, ?” he asks, his voice barely above a whisper.

“Yeah?” I reply, leaning in closer.

He leans down, his lips hovering just above mine. “Can I kiss you?”

I answer him by pressing my lips against his. It’s a slow, soft kiss that feels like getting to know each other, so different from our first kiss, which was full of passion and possession. His tongue pokes out and tastes my lips in a sweet exploration before he pulls back too fast. My lips chase his, and he chuckles softly.

“Today was incredible,” I confess, leaning my head against his shoulder.

“Agreed,” he says, his arm finding its way around me, pulling me closer. “I’ve decided I want joint custody of the dinosaur. To help me remember it.”

I tug it tighter against me in protest but hold my tongue. If he spends time with it, too, that means it will have his scent, and that’s worth sharing it for.

“Fine.”

I feel the vibration of his laughter through the connection of our bodies.

“We better get back. The bus is driving through the night to get to Salt Lake,” Jack reminds me.

We stand and, hand in hand, make our way back to the bus.

The rest of the guys are gathered around the table. I say a quick hello before bringing my stuffed animal into my nest and snuggling it while thinking about that kiss.