Page 31 of Claimed By the Band

Echo's expression shifts. "Leave that part to me."

I can't help myself. I lean forward, propping my chin on my hand. "You're a man of many skills, aren't you?"

To my absolute delight, a blush creeps up Echo's neck, staining his cheeks pink. He ducks his head, suddenly finding the scratched surface of the table fascinating. "I... um... I guess," he stammers, all his previous confidence evaporating in an instant.

It's honestly the most adorable thing I've ever seen.

My alphas exchange looks and I can practically hear their thoughts. They're used to me flirting with other omegas. From time to time, I even bed one. It's a need I've had since long before we became a pack, and they've always been accepting.

And then some.

There are a few ground rules, though. They're not allowed to get involved, but if they're on particularly good behavior, I let them watch—and there have never been any complaints. Alphas outside the pack are strictly off limits. I've never been witha beta, though, so that's murkier territory and not something we've ever had the chance to discuss.

But that might have to change.

There's undeniably something about Echo that draws me in. Maybe it's the way he seems so confident one moment and flustered the next, or maybe it's just the mystery of him.

Echo clears his throat, breaking the charged moment. "I should get going," he says, already half-rising from his seat. "I've got work to do."

My heart sinks. I'm not ready for this meeting to end, not when we've only just scratched the surface. There's so much more I want to know, so many questions left unanswered. But before I can voice any of this, Dante speaks up.

"Wait," he says, an edge of urgency in his voice. "Now that we've met in person, and you came all this way... wouldn't it make sense to stick together? At least for a little while?"

I could kiss him for that suggestion. Well, I mean, I could always kiss Dante—and frequently do—but right now, I'm especially grateful for his quick thinking.

Echo hesitates, his dark eyes flickering between us. I can see the internal debate playing out on his face, caution warring with... something else. Curiosity, maybe? Or is that just wishful thinking on my part?

"I appreciate the offer," he says slowly, "but I'm used to working alone. It's safer that way." He pauses, his gaze lingering on me for a moment before sweeping across the others. "Besides, until you get an appointment with PheroMaster, there's not muchto be done. No point in all of us sitting around twiddling our thumbs."

I can't help the pout that forms on my lips. It's a habit I've never quite been able to break, one that my alphas find alternately adorable and infuriating. Right now, I'm hoping this beta leans more toward the former.

"Then I guess we'll just have to get that appointment as quickly as possible," I declare. I'll call in every favor, pull every string, do whatever it takes to make this happen. Anything to keep Echo close, to unravel the mystery that surrounds him.

I mean, anything to track down the attackers.

God, when did I become so obsessed? It's been less than an hour since I first laid eyes on him, and already I'm acting like a lovesick teenager.

Get it together, Wilde.

"You'll be around though, right?" I ask, trying—and probably failing—to keep the eagerness out of my voice. "In case we need you?"

Echo nods, a faint smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "I'll be in the area for a few days. Just text me when you have something."

And with that, he's gone.

I find myself staring after him long after the door swings shut, my mind a whirlwind of conflicting thoughts and emotions. There's something about him, something I can't quite put my finger on. It's like he's a puzzle I'm desperate to solve, a melody I can't get out of my head.

It makes me want to write something.

"I know that look."

Damon's rumbling voice breaks through my reverie. I tear my gaze away from the door, blinking in confusion. "What look?" I ask innocently.

The others exchange knowing glances, and I feel heat creeping up my neck. Am I really that transparent?

Knox mutters something under his breath, just loud enough for me to catch. "Never thought I'd be jealous of a beta."

I roll my eyes, even as my heart rate kicks up a notch. "You're imagining things," I say, aiming for nonchalance and probably missing by a mile. "It's strictly professional. The last thing we need is to scare Echo off when he's our best chance at figuring this shit out."

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