Chapter 8 - Sage

As River so embarrassingly pointed out, I’m an Immortal Eclipse fan. Tonight was the first show I’ve been able to attend. However, I’ve seen videos of their shows online. So, I kind of knew what to expect. Auðr always talks to the audience and gets them excited for the show before they roll into the first song. The first song always changes based on the gig. It was fitting that they went with Colors In the Dark for a Pride Festival show.

Watching videos of the shows is very different from being here live. I knew Auðr was likely to remove layers as the performance carried on. Eclipse didn’t like the idea of our mate stripping any layers of clothes for anyone but us. I felt Eclipse’s annoyance with how flirty Auðr sounded in his intro. That annoyance tempered when Auðr looked my way and winked at the end of his sentence.

That seemed to appease my wolf. There were moments during the song when it felt like only Auðr and I were in the room. His voice was hypnotic and even hotter live than on my Spotify or even listening to their records on mom’s old record player. Who’d have thought something once considered an outdated medium would make such a resurgence? No wonder everyone in the audience was so into the music—even the lesbians were all about my mate while he sang.

‘I don’t care what any of their sexualities are. Auðr is ours.’ Eclipse growled when one audience member attempted to get past security to touch Auðr.

Auðr either didn’t notice or stayed professional by not acknowledging it. He stepped back and let Rune and Zeke come forward to play an instrumental portion of the song. Excellent timing there. It was even more excellent because Auðr removed his jacket and threw it directly at me with a wink.

Oh fuck yeah.

Auðr can strip for me all he wants. But only for me. I’m not a fan of others getting to ogle what’s mine. Sure, it was just a jacket, but removing that top layer let his rainbow vest and black dress shirt showcase his slim but toned physique. I knew he was yummy from the posters I’d need to take off my wall before I let him see my bedroom. Though, it’s hard to know how much in real vs airbrushed when it comes to posters like that.

‘We’ll get to find out in due time.’ Eclipse liked his chops.

River snickered and elbowed me as I hugged Auðr’s jacket against my chest. I rolled my eyes, opting to ignore my twin. They don’t get to tease me now that I’ve found my mate. Sure, I teased them about Leo, but way back when they were dating and before we knew anything about being werewolves. I haven’t messed with them since they saved Leo from that awful pack and became mates. I have enough to deal with getting Auðr onboard with being my mate.

The rest of the show was, of course, great. Auðr has a great stage presence. I’ve already covered his hypnotic voice. His jacket wasn’t the only clothing he lost, and I caught. The vest and tie ended up in my possession before the show ended. Several people in the audience were not pleased that I was ‘hoarding’ Auðr’s clothes. They hadn’t said anything directly to me, but I saw and felt their glares when he intentionally threw the items at me.

As the final song, one of my favorites, Savage Beauty, wrapped up, I neatly folded my collection of Auðr clothes. I was ready to go backstage and meet up with Auðr. Preferably in private because we still have A LOT to talk about. However, as I went to move, a couple of guys blocked my way. I internalized a sigh but couldn’t stop my eye roll.

“You got a problem?” I asked.

I knew they did. I could easily guess what that problem was. They made it clear without words as they glared at me and looked at Auðr’s jacket, vest, and tie in my arms. They could pound sand. I’m not giving them anything. My mate gave them to me—end of story.

“Don’t think you’re special. You’re just the flavor of the night.” The one scoffed.

“We came to warn you. You look young. We wouldn’t want to see you get hurt thinking this…” He pointed at the clothes in my arms. “Means anything serious. He’s just looking for someone to fuck tonight.”

“Who the fuck do you think you are to roll up and talk to my twin like that?” River growled.

“Yeah. Who are you to talk like you know a damn thing about Auðr? Being a groupie doesn’t mean you know him.” Leo scoffed.

“We aren’t groupies.” The first one scoffed.

“We’ve just been there.” The second shrugged. “I was his hook-up at their last show in San Fransisco.”

It took everything I had to hold Eclipse back. They were ready to come forward, and bitch slap this dude harder than Rune. It’s crazy when I’m the logical one. Like ever. Eclipse wasn’t willing to think about it logically. He didn’t care that Auðr didn’t know us before today. He didn’t even want to consider that Auðr has slept with others, let alone look at someone who’s slept with him.

“Leo Darby?” A nervous-looking staff member squeezed past the two guys.

“Darby?” The guy who claimed to have fucked my mate blinked.

“That’s me.” Leo raised their hand.

It’s weird to hear them called a Darby. Biologically, it’s correct, and if Léonel sent this person to find Leo, he likely wouldn’t have wanted to use Theodore’s name. I totally agree with that thought process. Because that fucker and everything about him and his cunt mate shouldn’t be associated with someone as awesome as Leo. The look on Tweedle Dee and Dum’s faces was priceless. I could see the moment they started connecting the dots.

“Your father asked that I escort you and the Carlisle twins to the dressing room. He and Auðr are waiting.” The staff member explained.

Yep. That cleared any doubts. Leo smiled and shoved hard into Dum’s shoulder. River shoved Dee’s shoulder as they followed Leo. I grinned at the dumbstruck fuckwads.

“And that fuck faces is what you get for assuming you know shit about anyone.” I flipped them off and shoved them out of my way.

“You enjoyed that way too much.” River laughed as we walked through the door to the backstage area.

“I’m not the one that called a Darby and publicly claimed as a bandmembers kid.” I shrugged.

“That was pretty cool. Too bad Auðr didn’t send that guy asking for his boo.” Leo chuckled.

“Yeah, I doubt he’d have done that. Despite the armful of clothes, we still have much talking to do to get on the same page.” I sighed.

“It’ll be fine, Sage,” River assured me, putting an arm around my shoulder. “We’ve all got your back.”

“I don’t know if that is a comforting or terrifying sentiment.” I rolled my eyes as the club security opened a door for us.

I didn’t know what the band was talking about before we walked in, but they went silent when we walked in. Rhapsody looked at Leo like they had some disease she could catch. I seriously want to know what the fuck that’s about. If Rhapsody needs an attitude adjustment, I’m happy to help. I’d likely be kinder than if River did it. River and Lunar will likely take Rhapsody’s head off for looking at Leo wrong.

Zeke and Zeidan at least looked indifferent to our arrival. Rune, however, was glaring at me. So, I glared right back, letting Eclipse come forward just enough to scare that fucker. He snorted and looked away. I’m pretty sure Rune is straight, but maybe he’s bi and into Auðr. It’d be a better reason to dislike me than being a speciesist twat waffle.

“Let’s head out. We still have some nights left before we need to be in our room.” Rune said, waving for the others to follow him.

Rune shoved my shoulder, totally on purpose since I wasn’t at all in his way, as he left the room.

‘Prick.’ Eclipse growled.

‘Agreed.’ I said.

“Yeah, this feels more like a private matter anyway. Good luck, guys. We’ll see you back at the hotel or tomorrow night.” Zeidan agreed.

“Later.” Zeke smiled. “Nice to have met you three.”

There was no hostility from them as they walked out. Zeidan was a bit touch and go when I first met him, but compared to Rune, he’s great. I’m going to get along fine with those two. I looked at Rhapsody, waiting to see what she would do. Would she leave like the others, or does she have some skin in this game? She looked between Leo and Léonel before sighing.

“I’m leaving too. I’ll see you at the hotel.” She said, grabbing her purse and leaving, too.

“Sooooo…. While I have questions on what’s stuck up Rune’s ass, I’m more interested in what’s Rhapsody’s problem.” I said as soon as the door closed.

“I don’t like how she looks at my Bunno,” River grumbled, folding their arms.

“Bunno?” Léonel arched his brow, exchanging a look with Auðr.

Mmmm, Auðr. I noticed him the moment I walked in. How could I NOT? Beyond that, he’s my mate, and every cell of my body was on high alert near him. He was changing! I’d managed to distract myself with the band drama temporarily. That, however, won’t work now. Auðr had turned around SHIRTLESS, holding a black t-shirt.

Oh yeah, me likely. My likey A LOT.

All other thoughts had left my brain. Auðr was stunning. And FYI, that poster in my room is not airbrushed.

Thank you, Goddess, for this gorgeous vampire I get to make mine. And I will make him mine. Only rejection from his lips could stop me. I don’t know if I could, let alone would want to survive a rejection from his lips.