Page 26 of Craved By the Werewolf
Then I heard a laugh at the bar — low, deep, familiar — and the sound curled down my spine like it had a claim on me. I turned automatically... but it wasn't him.
I hated how disappointed I felt.
We slipped out of The Cauldron just as a half-troll comedian was warming up the crowd. The night air cooler than I expected, carrying the faint aroma of street food from the corner vendor and the thrum of bass from the tavern behind us.
Mika fell into step beside me, juggling her bag, a notepad, and a to-go cup of something that was probably ninety percent caffeine.
"Not bad for a work night," she said. "You actually looked like you were having fun in there."
"I was," I admitted, pulling my jacket tighter. "Don't make it weird."
"Too late. I'm putting it in your performance review."
I snorted. "I don't have a performance review."
"You do now." She angled her head toward the glow of the Ridge FM sign in the distance. "Come on, Ms. Nightingale. Time to spin some songs and shatter some egos."
I didn't answer. I just let her chatter fill the walk. "Tomorrow night you'll be on stage with the big guy and who knows what'll happen." Her voice echoed through the street. "I can't wait."
By the time the radio station came into view, I'd almost convinced myself it was just work.
Almost.
10
THORNE
The crowd's roar rolled over us like thunder the second we stepped into the light. Vala's hand was in mine—her idea, not mine—and if the cheers got louder, I couldn't tell if it was for House Party or the fact that Mystic Ridge's favorite gossip target had just walked out holding hands with the Alpha.
I didn't care. Not right now.
Her skin was warm against mine, and she smiled slightly at the crowd's reaction. The lights were hot on my shoulders, the bass from the speakers thrumming through my chest.
She looked perfect—radiant in a flowing, black dress that hugged her curves before spilling into sheer, layered skirts that swirled with every step. Silver charms winked from the belt slung low on her hips, catching the light like tiny spells. Her blonde hair tumbled in loose waves, alive with glints of blue and violet under the shifting spotlights. My wolf liked the look far too much.
She slid her hand from mine, stepping forward to the mic like she owned the stage.
"Good evening, Mystic Ridge!" Her voice rang out clear and smooth over the speakers, earning an instant wave of cheers. "I'm Vala Nightingale — and this is your favorite Alpha, Thorne Kaine."
The crowd erupted, stomping and clapping. Some joker in the back howled, and half the wolves in the audience answered back.
Vala grinned, leaning into the moment. "We're going to raise the roof tonight, and more importantly, raise funds for Haven House — so let's start this party right."
She shot me a quick glance over her shoulder before turning back to the crowd. "Give it up for our first act — Vail Breakers!"
The band surged onstage, the first pounding chord cutting through the night. We stepped back into the wings together, the sound of the crowd still ringing in my ears.
Between acts, we retreated to the VIP tent—a canvas pavilion strung with soft amber lights, filled with people who thought "Very Important" was a personality trait.
Mika was the first to pounce. She swooped in with a grin and a glass of champagne, eyes darting to our still-linked hands. "Wow. Holding hands in public? Should I alert Ridge FM or just let the gossip column handle it?"
Vala smirked. "Don't act like you're not already posting."
"Please," Mika said, already thumbing her phone. "By the time you finish that water, the whole town will have opinions."
"An excellent start." Liam's voice cut in—crisp, measured, carrying that polished council cadence. He stepped forward from a small group near the back. "The crowd was engaged from the first word. Well done, both of you."
"Appreciate it," I said, giving him a short nod.
