Page 53 of Claimed By the Band

Relief softens his gaze and he leans in to kiss me. "I will," he murmurs against my lips, his honeyed scent tickling my nostrils. "I promise, Knox."

I close my eyes, holding him tighter. A part of me still wants to argue, want to make him see reason. But I know Asher. Once he sets his heart on something, or someone, there's no talking him out of it.

All I can do is be there to catch him if he falls.

20

JORDAN

Istare at my laptop screen, reading Maria's results for the fifth time. The samples from PheroMaster are frustratingly inconclusive. Similar chemical compounds to what was used at the concert, but not quite identical. Close enough to be suspicious, but not enough for concrete proof.

My fingers hover over my phone. I should just send Asher a text with the basic findings, keep things professional. That's what I've always done. But this... this feels different. Personal. And after disappearing for five days, I owe him more than a clinical report.

Before I can talk myself out of it, I text him.

Got the results. Need to discuss in person. Too complicated for text/phone.

He’s already typing.

Name the time and place! We can work around your schedule.

My heart does a stupid little flip at his enthusiasm.

First, where are you guys?

Silvercrest! Playing the amphitheater tomorrow night.

I pull up a map. Silvercrest is clear across the country. Even if I left now, it would take me most of a day to get there by conventional means.

Might take me a while to get there.

Not if we send the jet! You could be here in time for dinner

I blink at the screen.

Their private jet?

The thought makes my palms sweat. But the alternative is sitting on this information, letting it eat away at me while I try to figure out how to explain it over text.

You don't have to do that.

Already texting our pilot! He says he can be at whatever airport is closest to you asap. Just say the word!

I close my eyes, taking a deep breath. This is crazy. Reckless. Everything I've spent nine years avoiding. But if I'm right about this group that's targeting famous omegas…

I type before I can change my mind.

Okay.

Pine Valley Regional Airport.

Asher sends back a string of excited emojis that makes me smile in spite of myself.

Perfect! Pack an overnight bag. We've got plenty of room at the hotel and I'm not letting you leave until we've properly made up for you ghosting us for five days!

My stomach does a nervous flip.

Just dinner.

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