Ruthless (Wolf Ranch 6)

He set a hand on my back, gently stroked up and down my spine then winked. “Told them you’re a natural fiddler.”

“I haven’t done it all that much, but I’ll try my best,” I shared. I’d never fiddled for an audience before and definitely not in a band.

Kurt patted me on the arm. “You’re going to be great. I know it.”

How, I had no idea.

“Since you heard us the other night, you know how we roll. It’s time to set up and get started,” he added, and everyone went down the path to the reception.

I leaned up and kissed Rand. “Thank you,” I said.

He smiled. “Darlin’, I won’t ever turn down one of your kisses, but what was the thank you for?”

“For believing in me.”

His eyes went all soft. “Always. Now get up there and show everyone how amazing my woman is.”

I stuck my case under my arm, so I could hold his hand. As we went to join the others, I realized he hadn’t said my mate. No, he’d said my woman. He was trying to do human stuff, to not let his wolf out so much.

I loved him. I did. And this just proved it.

Ten minutes later, the Barn Cats started their first song. I had my violin up under my chin and listened for a few seconds, then tapped my toe to the beat. Kurt looked to me, and I started in, adding a layer to the melody. I played simply and in the background for another minute. Then Joe gave me a grin, and I picked it up, getting into the song. Letting it all out. I got into the groove, let the music flow over me. I watched each of the guys, and we found our rhythm. The bride and groom began to dance, others soon joined. Rand pulled Marina—who must’ve been invited to stay since she made the cake—into his arms and did a few expert spins and turns.

Everyone was clapping and stomping, having a great time. I was having a great time, too. Kurt signaled the song to end. A round of applause kicked up. “Having fun?” Kurt asked me.

I couldn’t help but grin. “So much fun.”

“You got a way with that thing,” Joe said. “Might have to make a spot for you in the band.”

I shook my head. “I’m sure Tom will be feeling better soon.”

“He will, but you’re joining us. Welcome to the band.”

It felt good to be wanted like this. No resume. No interview. Nothing fancy. Just acceptance. Kind of like Rand. He’d just known. So had these guys.

“I’m not sure—”

“Time to get back to it,” Kurt said, cutting me off. I looked out at the guests who were eager for more.

I looked to Rand, whose gaze was on me. Only me. He winked as the guys started a new tune.

This. This right here. I added my violin to the music and let everything go. Didn’t worry about a thing but having fun.

21

RAND

Natalie carried out a plate of brownies when I stopped by her place to bring her to the barbeque at Rob’s. Her hair was piled on top of her head in a thick bun, and it nearly made me carry her inside to ravish her before we left. Not that I would’ve said buns did anything for me in the past, but anything Natalie wore or did seemed to turn me on, and every change in her dress or appearance just further enthralled me. And the long slope of her neck made my dick get hard and my mouth water with the urge to mark her.

My wolf was antsy about bringing her around other wolves when she hadn’t been claimed—even though nearly every wolf who’d be there was mated. And it wasn’t like Nash or Johnny were going to move in on my territory. Nash knew the score, and Johnny was too fucking young.

Still, logic had nothing to do with the crazy possessive thing I had going at all times for my mate.

My mate who hadn’t yet accepted she was mine.

We were getting closer, though, or at least it felt like it. I didn’t know how long it would take her to decide, but I could tell she had feelings for me. She wasn’t snapping at me any longer. She wasn’t eyeing me with doubt. I was learning what made her eyes shine or her expression go soft. She liked that I noticed things about her, when I paid attention. She liked when I was supportive. She liked my help around the house although too much of it made her uncomfortable. She was starting to enjoy my constant presence at closing time at Cody’s. I could see her face light up when I came in, and there was a lightness about her as she flitted behind the bar, stopping often to talk to me or just share a smile.