Page 10 of Wolf's Midlife Baby

“Good drinks and good music, all for people like you and me.”

They jogged across the street and up to a plain brick building. ‘Selene’s’ had been painted in curling white letters directly on the façade. A marquee board over a solid black door advertised the lineup of bands for the night. Directly in front of that black door stood a large man with his arms folded across his chest. Instantly, Holly began to question herself for going out with a stranger. She belonged at a library or café, not a rock club with heavy music pumping through the thick walls and a bouncer staring them down.

But Pierce walked straight up to him without any hesitation. “Hey, Max. Anything good happening tonight?”

The sour look on the bouncer’s face instantly turned to a friendly one. “Oh, yeah. Rex and Lori are both working tonight. They’ve got good bands and a good special, so the place is hopping. I think you’ll find a lot of familiar faces, although I see you’ve brought a new one with you.”

“Max, this is Holly. She’s visiting from Massachusetts, so I thought I’d show off the best place in Eugene.”

The dark-haired man smiled kindly at her as he grabbed the doorknob behind him. “Very nice to meet you. Watch your step on the way in, and don’t get too close to the stage tonight unless you like a rougher crowd. The restrooms are in the back corner behind the bar, and make sure you don’t tip the bartender. He’s an ass.”

“He’s his brother,” Pierce explained.

Max ignored him, continuing to address Holly. “If this guy gives you any trouble, just let me know.” He opened the door for her with a flourish, letting pounding rock music escape onto the sidewalk.

Charmed, excited, and a little nervous, Holly stepped into the dark interior.

5

It was a short hallway that bent around to the left and soon opened up to reveal the main floor of the club. A small but professional stage stood on the right, and the crowd around it throbbed in time to the music. Chairs and tables began to take over the floor as it neared a large, carved oak bar. The walls were painted black, but band posters and other memorabilia blotted the darkness. Just as Max had promised, the patrons were having a great time whether they were dancing, drinking, or laughing with each other over the din.

Pierce guided her over to the bar, where a woman with butterscotch brown hair was expertly mixing drinks as she continued taking orders. She smiled when she saw Pierce walking up. “Hey there, hot stuff. Haven’t seen you in here for a while.”

“I’ve been busy,” Pierce replied. “Lori, this is Holly. She’s in from out of town.”

“Oooh, a newcomer! Then let me get you started with a Barrelman. It’s my trademark drink, and the first one is on the house. Just don’t tell Rex.” She snagged two lowball glasses and scooped some ice into a shaker.

“Don’t tell Rex what?” The man working at the other end of the bar instantly lifted his head, hearing the comment despite the chaos in the club.

Given the mischievous look on Lori’s face, she’d meant for him to. “That I’m giving all the drinks away for free tonight.”

“I knew I never should’ve hired you.” Rex, a burly man with wide shoulders, came just close enough to snap a towel at her ass.

“Do that again, and I’ll get my revenge when we get home,” Lori promised with a sly grin.

“You can’t take these two anywhere, not even to their own club,” Pierce told Holly. He picked up the drinks Lori had swiftly served them and led her over to a small table in the back corner. “Do you remember Dawn, the nurse you met at the hospital?”

“Of course.”

“Rex and Max are her brothers. Rex is our Alpha, and Lori is his mate. I guess you could say we’re all pretty tightly knit. Actually, there’s their other brother right now.” He lifted his hand to greet a blond man who’d just stepped away from the bar. When he came over, Pierce made the introductions.

“You’re definitely a long way from home,” Brody said as he shook Holly’s hand. “There are a lot of great souvenir shops around here, but the best one is mine. If you like tattoos, I’ll give you a good deal on one before you leave.”

“I’ll think about that,” Holly promised, realizing as she said it that she genuinely meant it. The night had been a simple one so far, but it was making her fall in love with this town and the people in it. Maybe Dahlia was right and she really did just need to let her hair down a bit more. Her friend would die of shock if she came back to the cottage with a tattoo to commemorate the trip.

“I know it’s a little loud, but this really is one of the best places to come for music. Have you heard of the band Wildwood?”

“Of course. Hasn’t everyone?” Holly wouldn’t consider herself to be a huge music buff, but it was hard to turn on the radio without catching one of their hits. She paused as she realized just what Pierce was trying to tell her. “Don’t tell me they play here…”

“This is their home base these days, now that Declan moved back home,” Pierce explained.

She smiled at him. “I guess you’re going to tell me he’s part of your pack, too.” It was easy enough to say it out loud since the music was blaring.

“Maybe.” He took a sip of his drink, his eyes sparkling over the rim of his glass.

“Are you trying to impress me?” she dared to ask.

“Maybe.” Pierce put his drink down and leaned toward her across the table. “Is it working?”

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