Page 23 of Claimed By the Band

He's cut off by a chorus of buzzing phones. We all reach for them instinctively, exchanging confused glances.

Before we can check the alerts, our manager comes barreling into the green room, face ashen. "We need to evacuate," he says without preamble. "Now."

Asher's smile vanishes. "What the hell? Again?"

Sam cuts a hand through her usually neat and orderly brown hair, clearly agitated. "There's been another attack. An omegaperformer at a venue across town. The police have ordered us to evacuate as a precaution."

The news hits us all like a punch to the gut. This is bigger than we realized. Bigger than just us.

"Who?" Dante chokes out.

"Rita Dawson," Sam answers, swallowing hard.

That sucks the air out of the room. None of us are particularly close to Rita, but we've performed with her at various charity concerts over the years. She's an omega R&B singer, known for her chart-topping ballads and refusal to kowtow to society's expectations of what an omega should be. She's a lot like Asher in that regard.

"Was she hurt?" Asher demands.

Sam shakes his head. "No, it was just a threat against the venue, but police aren't taking any chances. Not after what happened before."

Not after the attack on Asher.

Asher's the first to recover, springing into action with the efficiency of someone used to crisis management. "Alright," he says, voice steady despite the tension I can see in the set of his shoulders. "We need to make sure all the fans get out safely. Including the ones here for the meet and greet backstage."

Our security team tries to argue, insisting that we need to evacuate immediately. But Asher stands his ground, refusing to leave until he's sure everyone else is safe.

The rest of us know better than to insist otherwise, even if it drives us utterly fucking insane.

I watch him, a mix of pride and fear churning in my gut. This is the Asher I fell in love with. Brave, selfless, always putting others first. But right now, I want nothing more than to throw him over my shoulder and carry him to safety, fans be damned.

Finally, after what feels like an eternity, we get the all-clear. The venue's been emptied, and it's time for us to go.

Asher's reluctance is clear as we're ushered toward the exit. I know how much this is killing him. His fans mean everything to him, and the thought of putting them in danger... it's his worst nightmare come to life.

We pile into the tour bus, the mood somber and tense. I do a quick sweep with security, checking every nook and cranny before giving the all-clear. Only then do I let the others board.

Asher's the last one on, his face a mask of worry and frustration. I catch his arm as he passes, pulling him close.

"Hey," I murmur, low enough that only he can hear. "You okay?"

He lets out a shaky breath, some of the tension leaving his body as he leans into me. "I don't know," he admits. "I just... I can't help feeling like this is my fault. Like I'm putting them all in danger just by existing. It was one thing when it was just about standing up to bullies, but if these assholes are targeting other people because of me…"

My arms tighten around him protectively. "None of this is your fault," I say firmly. "You hear me? None of it. The only ones to blame are the fuckers doing this."

Asher nods, but I can tell he's not convinced. I press a kiss to his temple, wishing I could take away all his doubts and fears.

As I hold him, I feel a familiar rage building in my chest. Rage at the people doing this, at the world that makes it necessary. But mostly, I'm furious with myself. With all of us alphas who've let things get this bad.

We're supposed to be protectors. Guardians. Instead, we're the very thing omegas need protectionfrom.

It's a bitter pill to swallow, but as I look down at Asher, I know I'll do whatever it takes to make this right.

Whatever it takes to keep him safe.

The bus rumbles to life beneath us, carrying us away from the abandoned venue. I guide Asher to one of the plush seats, settling in beside him. The others gather around, a protective circle of worried alphas who, once again, can't do anything to protect our omega from this faceless, nameless threat.

"So what now?" Knox asks, breaking the tense silence. "We can't just keep running every time someone gets spooked."

Silas nods in agreement. "We need a plan. A real one, not just beefed-up security and hope for the best."

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