Epilogue
One Year Later
OMEGA BUZZ GOSSIP COLUMN
THE HART’S EDGE’S ALBUM, ‘UNCOVERED,’ GOES TRIPLE PLATINUM
July 11th
The thrum of the bass vibrates through the soles of my boots as I lean against the cool metal of the stage, my gaze fixed on Tommy and Britney. They’re in their own world, lost in the melody, their voices weaving together in this raw, electric harmony that makes my hair stand on end. Tommy’s fingers dance over the keys like he was born for this, while Britney strums her guitar with a passion that could set the whole room ablaze.
The two of them hit it off immediately after they met and bonded over their shared passion for music.
“You look like you’re about to jump up there and join them,” Jack’s voice teases in my ear, his breath warm against my neck. He’s all smiles and sparkly blue eyes, his arm sneaking around my waist to pull me closer. The energy of his presence is contagious, making it impossible not to grin back.
“Maybe I am.” I playfully nudge him with my shoulder. “Think they’d mind?”
“Mind? They’d be begging for it,” Dax chimes in, his gruff tone softened by the hint of a smile tugging at his lips. He’s leaning casually against the wall, arms crossed, but his hazel eyes are alive with the kind of warmth he usually keeps hidden under layers of brooding intensity.
“Wouldn’t want to steal their spotlight,” I tease back, though part of me is itching to belt out a tune alongside them.
“Oli, you are the spotlight,” Aiden remarks quietly from beside Dax. His gentle brown eyes meet mine with such sincerity that it makes my heart do a little flip. He’s always been the quiet one, but when he speaks, it’s straight to the soul.
“Flatterer,” I accuse, though the butterflies in my stomach betray my playful scoff.
Chase’s laughter ripples through the air, easy and carefree. “He’s not wrong,” he says, stepping closer to twirl a lock of my hair around his finger.
“Tommy’s killing it on the keyboard,” Jack says, nodding toward the stage, his voice laced with genuine admiration.
“Britney’s vocals are strong,” I reply, my eyes flicking back to the pair pouring their hearts into the music. They hit a high note together, their voices blending in harmony so perfectly it raises goosebumps on my arms. Their excitement is contagious; it sparks through the room like electricity, igniting something fierce and proud within me.
“All this talent was hidden by society, but they make a great pair,” Aiden adds.
“Damn straight,” I say, louder now, to be heard over the crescendo of their performance. “I knew they had it in them.”
The song they’re practicing, one that I’ve helped mold from a rough melody into this polished gem, suddenly feels like a reflection of everything we’ve been working towards. It’s more than just notes and lyrics; it’s a testament to determination, to the grit it takes to make dreams a reality.
And these omegas have put in the work.
“Look at them go,” I murmur, my heart swelling with pride. In this moment, as Tommy and Britney’s voices soar, I’m reminded of why I love this—why I pour my soul into every chord and verse. It’s not just about the bright lights or the roaring crowds; it’s about these moments of pure, unadulterated passion for the art.
Watching Tommy and Britney smile, something akin to a maternal warmth spreads through me – except way cooler because I’m young and a rockstar. At least, that’s what I tell myself.
“Look at them,” I whisper under my breath, though no one can hear me over the echoes of applause. “My little protégés are all grown up.” There’s this glow inside me, kindled by the knowledge that I’ve had a hand in shaping their music, their confidence.
“And our latest album went triple platinum, baby girl,” Jack’s voice breaks into my reverie, his words a smooth caress against the backdrop of my thoughts. He’s grinning, that infectious, trademark smirk that could light up even the darkest backstage. His blue eyes are alight with pride and excitement, reflecting the glimmer of the records we’ll soon be hanging on the walls of our pack house.
“Triple freaking platinum,” I echo, the words rolling off my tongue like the lyrics to the hit song that’s gotten us here.
Dax’s nod is slow but sure, a grudging acceptance that comes from deep within his chest, the rumble of his approval vibrating through the air like bass on a speaker. “Not bad for a bunch of foster kids and their omega,” he mutters, and I catch the faintest twitch of a smile curving at the edge of his lips—a not-so-rare sight anymore, at least when it’s aimed at me.
“Way to go, team,” Aiden chimes in, his soft brown eyes lighting up as he offers a thumbs-up. His reserved nature doesn’t dampen the electric charge of our shared triumph; if anything, it makes this moment feel even more intimate. “And it was just announced that Alex Moore was fired. She won’t be hounding us or anyone else anymore.”
“That’s amazing!” I say.
“I got a call from Miranda right before this,” Jack’s voice cuts through the hum of excitement, the words sparking curiosity in me. “The label’s throwing us a massive party to celebrate. Apparently, Anders is going all out.”
The air vibrates with the electricity of anticipation, and I can’t stop the wide smile that’s taken over my face. My heart is a drum solo, pounding out a rhythm of pure joy at the thought of a celebration in our honor. With each beat, it’s like my soul is dancing, twirling on the high notes of success we’ve hit together as The Hart’s Edge.
This whirlwind of life, where everything feels surreal, becomes tangible through these men, my alphas. They anchor me even as we rise to new heights together. Our connection sparks a wild and free spirit within me, and I realize that regardless of what lies ahead, we are prepared to confront it together, side by side.
“Let’s make sure Tommy and Brittney are there,” I declare, feeling the fierce determination that’s become our signature. “We can introduce each of them to their new security teams.”
“I’m still not sure about giving The Phoenix Pack to Brittney,” Jack chimes in for the millionth time.
“We are fine now that Trevor and May have been sentenced to jail time. Brittney is still running from her family. She needs the best.”
It’s an argument we’ve had a million times. My alphas want to protect me, but I just know this is the right move.
As Tommy’s fingers dance across the strings for the closing chord and Britney’s voice soars one final time, they both freeze, holding the note, the tension in the room snapping like a rubber band. Then silence crashes down, a stark, throbbing echo of the music that just filled the air.
“Damn,” I breathe out, pushing off the wall where my alphas and I have been spectating. My hands come together, the sound sharp and loud, sparking a chain reaction. Jack, Dax, Aiden, and Chase join in, their applause thunderous in the small space. “You two just set the bar sky-high.”
I can’t help but feel a rush of pride watching them shine, knowing they’ve poured their souls into every note.
Tommy and Britney turn towards us, grins splitting their faces as they take a bow, sweat glistening on their foreheads—a testament to the fire they’ve just unleashed. It’s raw talent mixed with relentless dedication, and it makes my heart hum with pride.
“Seriously, you guys killed it!” I say as I make my way over, my boots thumping against the floor. The air still quivers with the remnants of their energy, charged and buzzing. “That harmony at the bridge? Chills. Literal chills.”
“Thanks, Oli,” Britney says, her eyes sparkling like she’s grabbed a star from the night sky and tucked it away inside them.
Tommy just nods, his modesty as endearing as ever. “Wouldn’t have hit those notes without your drills.”
Miranda comes in next, smiling at all of us before turning to her newest clients. “Brittney, Tommy, we need to talk.”
We excuse ourselves, letting them talk business.
With a final glance at the now silent instruments, I turn on my heel, the click of my boots echoing through the charged air. The laughter and chatter from my pack fill the hallway as we make our way out, their energy feeding my own. I’m practically bouncing with each step, the joy of the moment lifting me higher than any stage ever could.
“It’s time to start working on our next tour,” Jack says, his voice a deep rumble that vibrates through my bones. His hand finds my waist, guiding me with a possessive yet gentle touch that sends a shiver up my spine.
“And we get to plan it together,” I reply, leaning into him, my body instinctively seeking the warmth of his skin. The corridor seems to shrink around us, our group a tight-knit cluster of excitement and anticipation.
“I want lots of breaks to recreate memories from our first one,” Dax chimes in, licking his lips with an exaggerated motion that has us all cracking up.
“Especially ones you missed out on,” Aiden teases, bumping shoulders with Dax, who lets out an indignant huff.
“And you were too shy to enjoy,” Dax shoots back, winking at him. I roll my eyes but can’t help the giggles that bubble up from my chest.
Chase wraps an arm around my shoulders, pulling me into his side. “As long as I’ve got this little firecracker by my side, the tour will be perfect no matter what.”
“Damn right,” I say, grinning up at him. Our gazes lock, and for a second, the world narrows down to just the two of us, the connection tangible, electrifying.
We spill out of the building into the cool evening air, the sky above us painted in shades of twilight. Being surrounded by my alphas, a protective circle of love and loyalty that I never knew I needed until I had it, gives me a sense of completeness.
“Guys, seriously,” I start, drawing their attention as we pause at the foot of the steps. “I love you all so much. Being on tour together, bonded, and in love will be perfect. Just like Europe was. Thank you for being my rock… stars.” I wink, unable to resist the pun.
“Anything for you, Oli,” Chase says, and the others nod, murmurs of agreement passing between them like a sacred vow before they all remind me that they love me too.
My heart swells, almost too big for my chest, as I reflect on the whirlwind that is my life. The gigs, the platinum records, and the glory are all part of this incredible journey. But these guys, this family we’ve built together, are the real treasure. And as we stride forward, laughter trailing behind, I know there’s nowhere else I’d rather be.
“Bring on the future,” I whisper to myself, a smile playing on my lips. “We’re ready for you.”
And I mean every word.
* * *
Thank you so much for reading the Knot My Band Duet! I hope you enjoyed it as much as I loved writing it. This story and these characters really spoke to me, and it is hard to let them go….
So I won’t. Brittney’s story is screaming out to me next. So, while Oli and her pack might have found their happily ever after, I’m sure you’ll see them again as Brittney gets hers in Pack Me Up!
Again, thank you so much for reading. Please, consider leaving a review, as they are so important to indie authors like me!