First Glance

Ivy's POV

No way... he can't be here.

Suddenly, my palms start to sweat, and I become hypersensitive to everything around me. I hear the clanging of dishes in the back kitchen, and the steps of every single person walking around me.

"Ivy?" Kai puts himself into my view, and I shake my head. "Yeah?" I say, but it comes out as a mere squeak. "Are you okay?" He asks and I clear my throat and nod.

"Of course. Sorry, I was just processing what you said. To be honest, that makes me kind of nervous."

"Don't be, you're a regular here and everyone loves you. I'm sure the Alpha King will be just as smitten as everyone else is here about your voice." I half smile and look around.

I'm welcome here... I can do this.

"I know. Thank you for reminding me." I pause slightly and then continue, "So, what's the plan for tonight? Is anyone else playing?" Kai nods and hands me a piece of paper. "There's two other bands playing in addition to you tonight, I'm sure you recognize them?" I look at the paper in my hand and scan the names and I smile. "Yeah, of course!"

Kai walks past me to grab a box of cables. "One of them wanted me to ask you if you would help them with a couple songs, I'm pretty sure it's ones you've done for them before, but you can always chat with them later about that. You ready for soundcheck now?" I nod.

"Guess that's my cue!" Genevieve says and she hugs me and heads backstage with her bag. Kai hands me the microphone that he just finished setting up and I step on the stage, feeling that oh so familiar sense of belonging.

____

After soundcheck, I head backstage to find Genevieve and to talk to Ciara, the lead singer of one of the other bands playing tonight. As soon as I enter the space, I see them both near the back left of the room on the couches, laughing hysterically. Ciara sees me first, and it warms me to see the huge smile that forms on her face as she rises from the couch and makes her way over to meet me.

"There she is! How are you Ivy?" She asks as she embraces me in a tight hug.

"I'm good! How are you and the band?"

"We're great! Super happy that we're playing the same night as you. Ready to rock some songs together?" I chuckle.

"You know it."

"That's my girl! Alright, I'll leave you to get ready, and I'll see you on the stage! We can catch up more later, kay?" She winks at me and heads out of the room. I walk over to Genevieve who has pulled out my outfit and set up her makeup bag on the vanity table that is back alongside the left wall. I grab my outfit and head into the changing room, stripping out of my plain jeans and t-shirt and pulling on some fishnet tights, and another set of jeans, black this time with ripped holes, as well as a red, long sleeved crop top with a deep v neckline.

I grab my discarded clothes and head back out, where Genevieve whistles at me. "Look at you, hot stuff!" I roll my eyes and place my clothes into my bag. "Oh, shut up." I say as I sit down and run my fingers through my coppery red hair, trying to decide what to do with it, and Genevieve laughs lightly.

"You look great though, seriously." Genevieve says as she starts on my makeup, touching it up from the day and adding smokier black eyeshadow and two-toned red and black winged liner, then lashes and mascara. When I get a moment to pause, I look at her, and it's like she can read my mind.

"Don't worry about the Alpha King. He's just another pair of eyes."

"It's nerve wracking to even think he's going to be watching."

"He's probably up on the top VIP floor, he might just be here to pick up chicks, you never know. Don't stress."

I sigh. "I'll try not to."

"Okay, stop talking. Lipstick." I clamp my mouth shut and let her finish her work, and before I know it, I've got a full mouth of dark red lipstick on and can finally tackle my hair. I section each side and leave out some bangs to frame the sides of my face, and then French braid the sides back into the rest of my hair and leave it down. Genevieve helps me do a slight curl to the front pieces and hairsprays everything in place.

"All show ready! I'm going to head out, can't wait to hear you!"

"Thanks for helping me get ready." I say as she starts to pack up her stuff, and I look myself over in the mirror.

"Anytime. Knock em' dead."

I laugh. "You sound like an encouraging mother." She snickers at my statement. "I do, don't I? Regardless, have fun. You need this." Our eyes lock through the reflection of the mirror and I half smile.

"I know."

_____

Nathaniel's POV

As I arrive at Iron Wolf, I sense the change in everyone's demeanor as I walk past and head for the VIP area.

Being the future Alpha King sure intimidates people....

It's fine though, I'd rather people feel intimidated than thinking they could take advantage. I'm here at Iron Wolf to let off steam and watch some good bands play, alongside with my Beta Tobias. I haven't been anointed King yet, but my parents insisted I choose my Beta, and I couldn't think of anyone else I'd rather it be. Tobias has been in my life since we were pups. We trust each other wholeheartedly with no doubts. I would give my life for him, as he would for me. He was the only option.

Tobias walks alongside me, eyes scanning the room as we make our way up to the VIP floor and take our seats on near the edge of the balcony.

"You want your usual?" Tobias asks and I nod as I look down to see the first band setting up. Tobias leaves in the direction of the bar and I glance around wondering if I'll still get a chance to do this once I'm King.

Fuck it, I'll make it a priority. This is what I like to do in my free time.

I see eyes fall on me from all directions, and I sigh. I know the attention comes with the authority and the title, but it really can get on my nerves. As much as I'm complaining, I do take the position seriously. I'm not someone to be taken lightly. My reputation for not taking any type of bullshit clearly has formed people's opinions of me. No matter. I am a stern ruler, but I have a soul. I'm well respected by those who know me, and any within my pack know that I don't let my emotions rule me. I'm level-headed, smart, and strategic.

"Here you are, Nate." Tobias states as he hands my drink to me, bourbon. Neat.

"Thanks Tobias." I say before I take a sip, the alcohol tingling as it makes its way down my throat. "You heard of any of the bands playing tonight?" I ask him and he nods his head. "I've only head of the second one, and I've only heard rumours of the solo act that is at the end. Apparently, her voice is heavenly."

"I guess we will have to see then." I say as I smirk and take another drink as the band stars to play.

____

After the first band finishes their set, I look to Tobias. "That band was okay, a little too heavy for my tastes, but I liked the sound." I say to Tobias as we watch the second band set up.

"I couldn't agree with you more, man. This next one has a decent following here, should be good!" He yells the last few words because the bar loudens with the sound of heavy guitars as they begin their set.

I look at the lead singer, a tall blond haired she wolf. The moment she opens her mouth I'm shocked. The screams and growls that come from her are impressive, especially from a female. I find myself nodding my head to the song, really enjoying it. A few minutes pass and they pause before going into their second one.

"Hello all! We want to thank you for coming out tonight to rock with us! Now, for this next song, we have a special guest! You'll be hearing her later this evening, but she's agreed to come up and help us sing a couple of our own songs tonight. Please welcome Ivy!"

I look to the right of the stage and I see another woman come onto the stage. Black ripped denim jeans, fishnets, and a bright bloody red crop top. I'm about to look away, but I hesitate as my wolf, Kiba, stirs in my head. My eyes trail up to her face and her magnificent red hair. I focus on her, trying to catch her scent. When I do, it hits me like a ton of bricks, and I choke on my bourbon.

Kiba screams in my head.

Mate.