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.
* * *
