Page 52 of Claimed By the Band

Sure, he finally responded to Asher's texts this morning. Gave some bullshit excuse about "personal matters" that had Asher practically melting with relief. But I haven't forgotten how wrecked our omega was during those five days of silence. How he pushed himself to the point of exhaustion trying to track down someone who clearly didn't want to be found.

We even had to cancel a show. Asher never cancels shows. Not even that time he had strep throat so bad he could barely speak. But he was so worked up about Echo possibly being in danger he couldn't even focus during soundcheck.

The bar clangs as I rack it with more force than necessary, drawing concerned looks from both Asher and the bodyguard. I wave them off, grabbing my water bottle and taking a long drink.

"You okay over there, big guy?" Asher calls out, not even slightly out of breath despite the punishing pace he's keeping. Sometimes I forget he's got just as much stamina as any alpha, maybe more. It does take the four of us to keep up with him during a heat.

"Fine," I grunt, but I can tell by his raised eyebrow that he's not buying it. "Just thinking."

"Careful with that," he teases, finally slowing the treadmill to a walk. "Wouldn't want you to strain something."

I flip him off halfheartedly. It's good to see him joking again, even if it's partly an act. He's still hurting, still confused about Echo's radio silence, but at least now there's some of that old spark back in his eyes.

I set my water bottle down with more force than necessary, sending droplets scattering across the rubber floor mat. "It's nothing," I mutter, but I can already see Asher's not buying it.

He steps off the treadmill, grabbing his towel as he makes his way over to me. His scent is tinged with concern, making my chest tight. "Come on, Knox. I know that face. What's eating you?"

I try to brush him off, but the words burst out before I can stop them. "You really want to know? Fine. I've had to watch my omega get emotionally dragged around for five fucking days by some flake who can't even be bothered to send a text."

"That's not fair," Asher protests, but I cut him off with a growl. "You know he?—"

"Don't. Don't make excuses for him." I run a hand through my sweat-dampened hair, frustration building in my chest. "He's a flake, Ash. And what worries me is how emotionally invested you're getting in someone we don't even really know."

Asher's eyes flash, that stubborn set to his jaw that usually makes me want to kiss him senseless. Right now, it just makes me want to shake some sense into him. "Echo doesn't owe usanything," he says firmly. "He's helping us out of the goodness of his heart."

"That's exactly my point!" I cry, loud enough that the bodyguard by the door jumps. Lowering my voice, I continue, "You're getting in way too deep with this guy. We don't know anything about him. Not his real name, not where he lives, not even why he does what he does.

Something flickers in Asher's eyes at that last part, but he pushes past it. "Are you jealous?" he asks, tilting his head. "Is that what this is about?"

I let out a bitter laugh. "No, baby. I'm used to being jealous. This is worse. I'mworried."

That catches him off guard. His eyes widen as he processes my words. "Wait, what do you mean you're used to being jealous? When have you ever been jealous?"

Fuck. I didn't mean to let that slip. But now that it's out there... "Every time," I admit, unable to meet his gaze. "Every time you're with another omega. For a long time, even with the pack. It's just... part of who I am, I guess."

"Knox..." Asher's voice is soft, hurt. "Why didn't you ever say anything?"

I shrug, trying to ignore the way my heart is pounding. "It's my problem, not yours. You've never hidden who you are or what you need. And I'd never want you to."

"But—"

"No," I cut him off gently. "I mean it. Being jealous? That's on me. I deal with it because I love you, and I want you to be happy. But this thing with Echo?" I finally meet his gaze, lettinghim see how serious I am. "This isn't just about sex or physical attraction. You're getting emotionally attached to someone who won't even tell us his real name. Someone who can disappear for days without a word and leave you worried sick."

"He had his reasons," Asher protests, but it's weaker now.

"Maybe," I concede. "But that doesn't change the fact that he could do it again. And next time, it might be for good. I just… I don't want you to get hurt if that happens."

Asher's quiet for a long moment, absently playing with the towel in his hands. When he finally speaks, his voice is barely above a whisper. "I know. I know it's crazy to feel this way about someone I barely know. But there's just something about him."

My chest aches at the vulnerability in his voice. This is exactly what I was afraid of. Our omega, our beautiful, passionate Asher, is falling for someone who might not even be real. Someone who clearly doesn't give a damn about him.

"I just don't want to see you get hurt."

He steps closer, rubbing his cheek against mine. I wrap my arms around him automatically, breathing in his familiar scent. "I know," he murmurs. "But sometimes... sometimes the risk is worth it." He pauses, chewing on his bottom lip. "But there are a lot of ifs in this whole thing. And I'm not going to pursueanythingif you're not all on board."

I stand there staring at him, part of me tempted to ask him not to. Not because I'm jealous, not even because Iknowthere's something about Echo that isn't what he's portraying, but because I'm afraid. Afraid Asher is going to get hurt in a way none of us can protect him from.

"If you want him, I'm not going to stand in the way," I say with a sigh. "But I am going to ask you to be careful. Please."

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