Chapter 7 – KNOX
7
KNOX
T he sharp sting of the nurse removing my stitches barely registers. I've had worse. Hell, a few weeks ago I had my skull cracked open by some psycho alpha hopped up on rut gas. This is nothing.
But I can't help flinching every time the omega nurse's fingers brush against my skin.
It's not the pain, it's the memory.
The phantom sensation of Asher's blood on my hands as I tried to shield him from the surge of crazed alphas. The sickening crunch as a fist connected with my face. The absolute certainty that I was about to fail the one person I've sworn to protect.
I glance over at Asher, who's sprawled in the chair next to the exam table. He's focused intently on his phone, thumbs flying across the screen. Probably updating the rest of the pack on my visit. Or maybe chatting with our mysterious new hacker friend.
"You know," I drawl, unable to keep the edge out of my voice, "a good omega would be holding my hand right now. Comforting his poor, wounded alpha."
Asher looks up, one perfect eyebrow arched. Those violet eyes dance with amusement. "Oh? And here I thought you were a big, tough alpha who didn't need coddling."
I open my mouth to retort, but he cuts me off with a wicked grin. "Tell you what, handsome. You be a good boy for the nice nurse, and I'll give you a blowjob in the car on the way home. How's that for comfort?"
Heat floods my face, and not just from embarrassment. Fuck . Even after all this time, he still knows exactly which buttons to push.
The nurse makes a strangled sound, face flaming as he hastily finishes removing the last stitch. I almost feel bad for the him. It can't be easy, having your crush show up in your exam room and start talking about giving a guy car head.
But mostly, I'm just annoyed. Not at Asher—never at Asher. But at this whole fucking situation. At the fact that we can't go anywhere without causing a scene. At the knowledge that our fame has painted a target on our backs. At my own inability to do a damn thing about it.
"All done," the nurse squeaks, practically fleeing the room.
I sigh, running a hand through my hair. "Think we traumatized him?"
Asher shrugs, unrepentant. "Probably. But hey, at least he's got a good story for his group chat now."
I snort, but there's no real humor in it. "Yeah. 'You'll never believe who came in today—that omega singer and his asshole alpha bassist-slash-bodyguard. The one who couldn't even protect him when it mattered.'"
The words are out before I can stop them, bitter and raw. Asher's eyes widen, and in an instant he's there, straddling my lap on the exam table.
"Hey," he says softly, cupping my face in his hands. "None of that. You hear me? What happened wasn't your fault."
I try to look away, but he won't let me.
His eyes bore into mine, fierce and relentless. "Knox. Listen to me. You and the others saved my life that night. If you hadn't been there..."
He trails off, and I see a flicker of fear in his eyes. It's gone in an instant, replaced by that trademark Asher Wilde sparkle. "Besides," he purrs, leaning in close. "I happen to think your new scar is pretty hot. My big, strong alpha, all marked up from defending my honor."
His lips brush against mine, teasing, playful. Despite everything, I feel myself responding. My hands settle on his hips, pulling him closer.
"That so?" I growl, nipping at his lower lip. "Guess I'll have to get into more fights, then. Keep you interested."
Asher laughs, the sound sending a shiver down my spine. "Oh, trust me, alpha. You don't need to do anything to keep me interested."
He grinds down against me, and I have to bite back a groan. Fuck. We really shouldn't be doing this here. But when have I ever been able to say no to Asher?
Just as things are starting to heat up, there's a sharp knock at the door. We spring apart like guilty teenagers, Asher hastily straightening his clothes as the doctor walks in.
To her credit, she barely bats an eye at finding a world-famous omega perched in her patient's lap. Must not be the strangest thing she's walked in on.
"Mr. Hartley," she says, all professional calm. "How are you feeling?"
I clear my throat, willing my body to calm the fuck down. "Fine. Ready to get back to work."
She nods, flipping through my chart. "Well, everything looks good. The incision is healing nicely, and there's no sign of infection. I think we can clear you for touring, as long as you promise to take it easy for the first week or so."
Asher beams, throwing his arms around my neck. "Did you hear that, baby? You're all better!"
I can't help but smile at his enthusiasm. It's infectious, like everything about him. "Yeah, yeah. Don't get too excited. I'm still gonna milk this for all it's worth. Breakfast in bed, foot rubs, the works."
The doctor chuckles, clearly charmed despite herself. It's the Asher effect. No one's immune.
"Just remember," she says, a hint of sternness creeping into her voice. "No strenuous activity for at least another week. That means no moshing, no stage diving, and definitely no fist fights."
I salute, only half-joking. "Yes ma'am. I'll be on my best behavior."
Asher snorts. "Don't worry, doc. I'll keep him in line."
We wrap up the appointment, Asher peppering the doctor with questions about aftercare and warning signs to watch out for. It's sweet, really. For all his bravado and carefree demeanor, I know he worries.
As we head out to the car, Asher's phone chimes. He practically dives for it, thumbs flying across the screen.
"Echo?" I ask, trying to keep the edge out of my voice.
He shakes his head. "Nah, just Silas. Wants to know how the appointment went."
"And here I thought he'd be relieved to get rid of me."
Asher gives me a look. "You know that's not true. Come on, let's go home. I believe I promised you a reward for good behavior."
Not gonna argue with that.
The drive home is a blur of teasing touches and heated glances. By the time we pull into the garage, I'm half out of my mind with want.
Asher barely has time to put the car in park before I'm on him, crushing our mouths together in a desperate kiss. He responds eagerly, climbing into my lap with a grace that shouldn't be possible in such a confined space.
"Fuck," I growl, trailing kisses down his neck. "Do you have any idea what you do to me?"
He laughs, breathy and wild. "I think I have some idea. Why don't you show me?"
I don't need to be told twice. My hands slide under his shirt, reveling in the feel of smooth, warm skin. Asher arches into my touch with a moan that always drives me absolutely batshit crazy.
Asher pulls back suddenly, returning to his seat. "No strenuous activities, remember?"
I groan. "I was hoping you'd forgotten that part."
"Doesn't mean we can't have any fun," he says, his eyes flashing with mischief as he leans back in to kiss my throat. My head falls back against the headrest as he runs his tongue up along the side of my neck to that spot he knows I can't resist.
The windows of the car fog up as Asher trails kisses down my chest, unbuttoning my shirt with practiced ease.
"Been wanting to do this all day," he purrs, nipping at my collarbone.
I groan, tangling my fingers in his golden hair as he works his way lower, unfastening my jeans and freeing my cock from my boxers The heat of his mouth sets my blood on fire, making me forget everything but this moment. The pain of my injuries, the fear of failing him again, it all melts away under his touch.
"Fuck, Ash," I gasp as he swirls his tongue in that way that drives me insane. "You're incredible."
He hums in agreement, the vibration sending sparks through my entire body. My grip in his hair tightens, drawing a moan from him that nearly makes me lose my mind.
The scent of wild honey fills the car, mingling with my own woodsmoke and the combination drives my arousal even higher. Stars explode behind my eyes as he takes me deeper. My free hand grips the leather seat hard enough to leave marks as each wave of tension builds on the last.
"Ash," I warn, voice rough. "I'm close."
He just looks up at me under those long golden lashes, and I'm lost. White-hot ecstasy courses through me as I come with a roar, Asher's name on my lips like a prayer.
He seals those full lips around the head of my cock and drinks it all down, not a drop to spill. I watch, mesmerized, as he pulls off my crown with a pop and starts licking the oversensitive member clean.
When I finally catch my breath, Asher's pulled back, looking entirely too pleased with himself. I pull him close, pressing soft kisses to his face. As good as that felt, though, I'm not going to be satisfied until I've made him feel just as good. I trail my hands down his lean body, cupping his cock through his tight leather pants. He's big, especially for an omega, and he feel of him already so hard, straining against those leathers, makes my mouth water.
Just as things are really starting to heat up, there's a sharp rap on the window and we break apart.
"For fuck's sake," I mutter, glaring at the tall figure peering in at us. "Of course it's Silas."
Asher sighs, running a hand through his tousled hair. "To be continued?" he asks, a hint of apology in his voice.
I nod, trying to get my breathing under control. "Yeah. To be continued."
We climb out of the car, greeted by Silas's knowing smirk. "Sorry to interrupt," he drawls, not sounding sorry at all. "Damon is about to order pizza again , so speak now or forever hold your peace."
"Yeah, that was not worth the interruption," I say, not bothering to hide my bitterness as I slam the car door shut.
Silas just smirks. "It's that place that always burns the garlic bread."
"Now that's worth it," Asher quips, making a beeline for the door.
Still not sure I agree.
"You're a dick, you know that?" I mutter as I follow Silas back to the house.
"Now, that's not very pack-like of you, Knox," he says in a fake scandalized tone. "We're practically brothers."
I roll my eyes. It's far from the most insensitive thing he's ever done, and I'd be lying if I said I was a saint where Silas is concerned myself. Hell, if we didn't share an omega, I'm pretty sure one or both of us would have quit the band a long damn time ago due to our "creative differences."
But if there's one thing we can agree on, it's Asher. Keeping him safe. Keeping him happy.
I just wish the two goals weren't so damn contradictory.