Beloved by Brothers (Doms of Destiny, Colorado 6)

“If you aren’t here in five, I will bring the posse,” Ashley said firmly, making her feel a little better.

* * * *

Mitchell Wolfe simultaneously hit the snare and symbol, ending the song.

The crowd applauded.

He pulled the microphone toward him. “We are Wolfe Mayhem and we’ll be back in ten minutes. Thank you.”

The Halloween party was a success. He punched the play button of the prerecorded music and stood.

The band’s last set made him proud. With the new addition of Godric, the British bass player, to their crew, he could feel them edging closer to his dream. Hank on lead and Big Jim on rhythm were two more perfect fits. He’d been with Hank and Big Jim for eight years. Same with Nancy. Her vocals were amazing, but they didn’t quite fit into what he was seeking. Something was missing.

The sound.

God, he’d been hunting for it since the breakup with Phoebe. The search was what had gotten him through the worst of it. His heart was still broken, but he’d learned to put one foot in front of the other. Or in my case, one stick on the drum after the other.

“Great set.” Godric wore the wolf ears Mitchell had bought his band members for tonight’s party. The O’Learys’ rule about everyone coming in costume included the band. “Need a cigarette terribly.”

“I’ll join you.” Hank placed his guitar in the stand. “How about you, Big Jim?”

The giant man nodded and turned to Nancy. “I know you can’t come with us.”

She patted her stomach. “Nope. Not good for my baby.”

“What about you, Mitch?” Hank asked. “I know you don’t smoke, but we could talk about what we’re going to do to find a new lead singer for Denver.”

“I’m so sorry, fellows,” Nancy said. “I wish I could make it.”

“Breaking up the band,” Big Jim said with a wink. “The next time I see your husband, I’m going to wring his neck.”

“Stop it. I feel bad enough about this,” she said. “I wish he could’ve found something closer, but like it or not, he and I are moving to Texas. He’s excited about his new job and about being a new daddy.”

“Go smoke, guys. Leave the poor girl alone.” Mitchell smiled as Hank and Godric walked away. His mind was spinning about finding a replacement. There were plenty of singers to choose from, but he didn’t just want anyone. The band needed someone who would fit in nicely, and he wanted someone who had the talent that would reach what he’d been chasing all these years.

“They love music as much as you,” Nancy said.

“And you. I’m going to miss you.”

“Me, too. But you’ll get a new singer.” She put her hand on his shoulder. “Who knows? That might be all you need to get that sound you’ve been looking for.”

“You know me so well, Nancy.” He hugged her. “And you’re going to make a wonderful mother. What are we going to do without you?”

“You’ll get by. M

amas have to leave the nests.”

“I thought it was the mama birds who pushed their babies out of the nest, not the other way around.”

“Like I could get you, Hank, and Big Jim to leave any nest of mine,” she teased.

He was five years older than Nancy, but she’d always taken care of the band. “I will miss you.”

“You’re going to find your sound, Mitch. I know you will. I was holding you back.”

“Don’t say that. You’re a wonderful singer.”

“I think I’m pretty good, but it is true that my voice didn’t quite fit where you needed it to be. Hank and Big Jim are amazing. I saw you smile when Godric hit that riff on his bass tonight. You’re so close. I know you will find it soon.”