Chapter Twenty
Brennan
“Did you like it?” I put my arm around her as I led her out of the box. As usual, Kari had given a spectacular performance.
“Very much. I need to learn that last piece. I’ve never heard it before.” Grace tucked herself into my side.
She still smelled of salty, worried peaches, and had spent the rest of the concert half in my lap.
Which I didn’t mind at all. Disruptions aside, our night had been nice. Yes, I think I’d be bringing her to more concerts. If I didn’t have to go to so many silly dinners, I’d have more time to support the arts.
“It’s a more obscure piece. Well, it was before she made it popular.
I first heard it here. From her. We didn’t know her and were all like Who the fuck is she and what is she wearing?
We were such judgmental fuckers. You know what?
She won. And now, we all know that she’s Kari Fucking Jaroff.
” I grinned at Grace. I loved the piano.
In another life, I’d play professionally.
Did I sometimes wonder what it would be like to play in some of the places Kari did? Yes. But I also loved my life.
Hmmm. Maybe one day Spencer would buy me an opportunity to play at an enormous concert hall for my birthday.
“I love that for her.” Grace clutched my arm.
We went backstage.
“Well done, Kari, I think Grace gets it now.” I kissed the top of her head.
Grace laughed. “I do. Your playing is magical. And that piano is beautiful.”
“Thank you.” Kari grinned from her place in Sam’s arms. “Do you want to see it?”
Kari dragged Grace off to go see the famous, expensive piano that had been brought in especially for her to play tonight.
“New mate?” Sam asked as we moved to the wings so we could monitor them.
“Packmate. She’s Wes’ and Spencer’s, well, and Evan’s. She at least appreciates classical music, and now I have someone to come with me.” Honestly, Spencer would, and did accompany me to things, though he preferred the theatre.
Sam laughed. “She’s yours, you just don’t know it yet.”
“Maybe.” I didn’t deny it, because he was right.
They sat down, and when Grace started playing her too fast Volkov, Kari stopped her and coached her.
A few people watched. But no one was going to tell Kari Jaroff that she couldn’t give an impromptu lesson.
“What are you doing, you can’t just play this piano?” a shrill, and familiar, voice came from in front of the stage.
Sam and I rushed over to them.
“They can if they want. Really, Caroline, haven’t you done enough?” I frowned at her. My ex was a lot more pregnant than last time.
One of her mates came over to Caroline. “That’s the pianist from the concert. I’m sure no one cares.”
“But she’s not. She’s just some little nobody that stole–”
“I stole no one, Caroline,” Grace snapped. “Keep your eyes on your own paper. Your life is pretty good, you know.”
“Come on.” The alpha started to hustle Caroline off. He turned and stared at Grace. “I was unaware that you’d be here.”
“Sorry. Should I have our assistants coordinate next time?” Grace retorted, one hand wrapping around her stomach like it was hurting her again.
I put my arms around Grace. “Grace can go where she likes.”
Kari laughed. “Still a bitch, I see, Caroline?”
“Don’t talk to my mate like that,” the alpha snapped.
“Don’t talk to my mate like that,” Sam snapped back.
Grace looked at her dead-on. “Just don’t talk, Caroline.”
“Ugh.” Caroline made a face and allowed her pack to lead her away.
“I’m so glad that you didn’t end up with that viper,” Sam said. His arm snaked around Kari’s waist. “We have a donor reception to go to. Are you coming to that, Bren?”
“We’re going to head home, but thank you,” I replied.
“Thanks, Kari.” Grace hugged her.
Kari wasn’t around a lot, but they’d be good friends, I was sure.
I took her arm. “Come on, Grace. Let’s go check on our boys.”
Because she wasn’t going to rest until she knew that they were okay.