The Alpha 9: Protect. Procreate. Prevail., page 28
“You won’t be wearing that to the performance, will you?” I asked with a laugh.
“Yeah, what’s wrong with it?” Daniel joked. “Because we’ll be hanging around until the others get there, we thought it was best to take our outfits with us and change into them later.”
“Apart from us, of course,” Tiana giggled. “You won’t catch me patrolling Vegas in a dress. I’ll stick to pants, thank you.”
“I also don’t suit a dress.” Spencer smirked.
“Aah, but you have the perfect body for a dress,” Christopher said. “Don’t be afraid to show off those arms. Or those legs.”
“I genuinely think Kasia would kill you if you ripped one of her dresses,” I laughed. “So perhaps it’s best if you stick to what you’re wearing.”
“That’s what I thought, too,” Spencer chuckled. “She can keep her heels.”
“For now.” Daniel winked.
The twenty-five minute drive to Las Vegas was pleasant, and the sudden changes of scenery constantly caught my attention.
Just before we arrived outside the venue, I checked my pockets to make sure I’d brought my anosmiacs with me, which I had, and then I took two more pills just to mask my alpha scent even more.
All five of us let out sighs of relief as the car came to a halt, and I knew they were just thankful that we’d survived the short journey without anything happening.
“Break a leg up there, Alpha,” Daniel said as I left the car.
“Thank you.” I smiled. “I’ll have my phone on me until five-thirty at the latest, so don’t be afraid to call me if you need to.”
“Don’t worry, Jesse, we’ve got this sorted,” Spencer said as he gave me a slap on the shoulder. “We won’t let anything bad happen.”
“Okay.” I blew out a deep breath. “I’ll see you guys later.”
I had been so distracted with everything that I hadn’t really taken in the view from the venue until I neared the front entrance.
The Bellagio Fountains were seen in the distance, and everywhere I looked there seemed to be more incredible buildings. Even in the middle of the afternoon, Las Vegas seemed to have this bright, colorful vibe to it. There were people everywhere, and it was the sheer size of the crowds that helped calm down my anxious mind.
The recent alphas hadn’t exactly been the smartest men I’d ever met, but it would have taken someone really fucking stupid to try any sort of shifter attack in a place like this.
“Jesse!” a recognizable voice suddenly called out from behind me.
I turned on my foot to see Kyle jogging toward me. I couldn’t see his wife, Cassie, anywhere, but I assumed she was still at the hotel getting ready.
“Isn’t this fucking crazy?” Kyle laughed as he ran up the front steps to greet me. “I still can’t believe this, man!”
“I know, tell me about it,” I replied. “I was just taking in the view, and even that blew my mind.”
“I wish Cassie and I weren’t leaving on Monday,” he sighed. “I’d love to spend some more time exploring this place, but my boss only allowed me to take this weekend off.”
“Maybe Jack will book more dates here someday, and then we can stay for an entire month,” I snickered. “I can just imagine the mayhem we’d get up to if we were let loose in a casino.”
“Shit, don’t tempt me,” Kyle laughed. “I might just quit my day job now.”
“Ooh, risky move.” I smiled. “But if we don’t go inside now, Jack will kick our asses, and then you’d have nothing to fall back on.”
“Fuck, you’re right,” the pianist snorted. “Let’s go.”
Despite the fact we were on the Vegas Strip, the venue didn’t look too dissimilar to the ones in California. The venue came with a distinct, musty scent which strangely added to the beauty of the building.
The floors were lined with a ruby-red carpet, there were golden handles on every door, and the walls had been lined with posters of previous shows and performers. The auditorium itself had one thousand seats, and the ceiling was high and dome-like, which allowed the music to flow around the room with a beautiful echo.
For the next few hours, Jack Nolan showed us where the wings were, a changing room if we needed it, and then he explained the seating plan. The seating arrangement wasn’t overly different than normal, but the stage was much larger than others we’d performed on, so the first violinists sat closer to the sides of the stage.
Jack wanted us to go through the symphonies briefly, and the bright smile on his face told me just how proud he was.
I checked my phone whenever I could, but the messages I’d received were just to reassure me that nothing had happened. Everyone was either in position or headed toward their chosen spot, and Connor and Angelique happily told me that they were in their separate locations, too.
But like I’d thought in the shower, it wasn’t until we had to sit in the wings and wait for our cue that everything started to hit me.
I heard the mumbling of the audience as they conversed among themselves and located their seats. My omegas, Benji, Aunt Eva, and the betas were out there somewhere, and we only had minutes to go before Jack would call us on stage.
However, right before Jack gave us our five-minute warning, a strangely prominent scent began to drift through the air.
At first I panicked, and I thought maybe an alpha or some of his betas had managed to purchase tickets. Maybe I’d have to sit on that stage for a few hours with my threat watching me like a hawk.
But then, as I focused on the scent some more, I began to notice something.
The scent wasn’t repulsive like it would be if it was a shifter. It was actually extremely pleasant, and I started to realize that it was only prominent because I recognized it.
It was a sweet, floral perfume, and there was only one woman I knew who wore that perfume.
It was Hazel Wise.
She was in the audience somewhere.
Chapter 17
I felt like a dog following a scent as Jack motioned for us to come on stage.
Hazel Wise was somewhere in the auditorium.
She’d purchased a ticket and traveled to Nevada without me realizing, and I was desperate to run into the audience to track her down. Hazel had ended our last call by saying “see you soon,” and I’d started to realize that it wasn’t just some parting phrase. She actually was going to see me soon, and she obviously knew that when she’d said those three words.
“Jesse,” Julia whispered as she tapped me on the shoulder.
I’d been so caught up with Hazel’s scent that I hadn’t realized everyone else had started to walk on stage. But thanks to Julia’s little nudge in the right direction, I was able to run on behind the others without causing too much trouble.
I stared out into the audience as we took our welcoming bows, and that was when I spotted her.
At first I wasn’t sure if it really was Hazel Wise, because her hair was a different color. But there was no mistaking her mesmerizing almond eyes and brilliant smile.
Hazel was seated right beside my omegas, and she had a red wig on to cover her recognizable mahogany hair. The wig stopped just below her chin, so it was completely different to her normal hair, and I even had to stop myself from laughing at the lengths she’d taken to disguise herself. I understood why she’d done it, because she probably didn’t want the SDD to know she was here, but it still made me smile.
However, there was one thing I couldn’t quite work out, and that was why her scent was so strong and powerful to me. I couldn’t imagine that Hazel had sprayed half a bottle of perfume, it was probably only a couple of spritz, yet the sweet scent smelled as powerful as my omegas’.
I didn’t have the time to focus on that mystery for too long, because the orchestra and I had taken our seats, and I had to pay close attention as Jack Nolan motioned for us to prepare our instruments.
I didn’t want to be the one who ruined such a special performance, so I had to block out my spiraling thoughts until I’d lowered my violin.
The lingering applause settled around the auditorium as I blindly placed my left hand in the first position on the fingerboard, and I braced my bow in my right hand as I angled it against the opening string. I double-checked that my chin was propped up against the rest in a comfortable position, and then I watched Jack carefully as I waited for his instructions.
There was a pregnant pause as Jack slowly raised his hands, and then as soon as he dropped them, the opening notes of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 danced across the stage. An overwhelming sense of power rang through the auditorium, and a tingle whizzed down my spine as I took in the various tones that were signified throughout the piece.
It didn’t seem to matter how many times I played this piece, because regardless of whether it was my first or twenty-first performance, I still felt the same raw emotion throughout the symphony. It almost felt like I could envision Beethoven sitting right in front of me, selecting the notes from thin air as he turned his struggles into music, all while he dealt with being hard of hearing.
The compelling energy of the first movement continued to exist around me as we moved on to the second movement, and the orchestra worked as a team to give the audience a performance they’d remember for years to come. The second violins worked as a backup to help support myself and the other first violins, and the other selection of instruments all came in at their right moments.
I heard the light tap of the timpanis, the recognizable poetic and graceful sound of a flute, and regardless of how quickly my fingers danced from one string to another, the constant lullaby remained all around me.
As the first symphony came to an end, the applause filled the room once again, and I took a few calming breaths as I flipped the music sheets over and quickly glanced at the second symphony.
Mahler Symphony No. 4 was slower and smoother than Beethoven, and it was longer than the first piece we played, but I had a little more time to rest while other musicians had their own solos.
The ferocity of the piece began to pick up again as the musicians all came in together. Kyle expertly played his piano, and I occasionally heard the light tap of the keys as he became the backbone of the piece.
Time seemed to fly by, and it didn’t feel like that long before the interval arrived.
I took in the thunderous applause as I bowed my head slightly and placed my mother’s violin safely in its stand. I allowed myself to look out into the audience, and I instantly spotted my family, the sprinkling of betas, and Hazel Wise all clapping and smiling at me.
A flurry of emotions overtook me as I walked offstage. I still couldn’t quite believe that I was really performing in Las Vegas, and I was thrilled and relieved to know that I hadn’t messed up once during the performance. But having some of the most important people in my life sitting in the audience meant more than I could properly put into words.
I kept my mind closed off during the interval, because I still needed to remain calm and focused, but I could just imagine the loving and encouraging words they were silently sending me.
“How do you think it went?” Steven asked as he took a long drink of water.
“I thought it was excellent,” I replied while I opened my own bottle of water. “What about you?”
“Better than I first expected,” he laughed. “I was worried I was going to mess up, but it all came flooding back to me as soon as we played the first note.”
“Me, too,” Alex said as he came to sit beside me. “I’m so glad I decided to take Jack up on the offer. I totally would have regretted it if I’d stayed at home.”
“Yeah, so would I.” I nodded.
“The night’s not even over yet,” Steven replied. “And we get to do it all again tomorrow!”
“I never want this to end,” Alex sighed.
Steven and Alex were both part of the first violins with me, so because we all played the same instruments, it often felt like they understood how I felt more than anyone else. The other first violinists, Samantha and Julia, had already been a part of Jack’s orchestra before the tour started, so even though they understood the storm of feelings we felt, it wasn’t a new thing to them anymore.
The three of us continued to talk as we rehydrated ourselves and refueled our energy levels with healthy snacks and fruit.
Alex explained in great detail how much he hated being a chef. He wasn’t even sure if his boss was going to allow him to take the time off to make the performances, so Alex was tempted to ask Jack if there was room for him to take part in the orchestra as a full-time musician.
Steven enjoyed his job as a high school music teacher, so he didn’t want to change anything, but his students were apparently eager to hear all about the tour when the summer vacation came to an end.
The two men asked how my few weeks had been, so instead of telling them the truth, I just said it had been nice and relaxing. There was no way I was going to tell them about the stress I’d been under, and that was one of the downsides about working alongside humans.
They probably would have thought I was crazy if I said I’d taken part in a handful of fights and murdered a shitload of massive, hybrid animals, all before I booked my private jet to take me to Nevada.
It was easier if I just said I’d enjoyed my summer before classes started up again.
Super normal college student over here.
The second act started off in the same manner as the first, but I felt more relaxed this time, mainly because I hadn’t received any text messages during the first half. I knew I would have been informed if any of my patrol groups, or the betas at the hotel, had noticed anything. So until the final note was played, I was going to act like Jesse Rafe, the college student who had a love for playing and performing.
I wasn’t an alpha, or even The Alpha, and all Jesse Rafe had to worry about was how tired he was going to be in the morning.
It sounded like a pretty simple life to me.
I paid close attention to Jack as the sonata was introduced, and he had a bright smile on his face as the piano and the timpanis worked together to create a serene piece of music.
Whenever I’d spoken to Kyle before or after a performance, the sonata was always the one piece that he was most nervous to play because there was no room for error, but he always did an incredible job, and tonight was no different.
The second act was just as spine-tingling as the first, and as the final note was played, I couldn’t stop the broad smile from curling across my lips as I took in the applause once again. It felt like the entire building was vibrating from the power behind the simple praise, and it was still almost enough to cause tears to form in my eyes, even though I’d spent an entire month listening to the positive sound.
Jack motioned for everyone to stand and take a bow, and then he turned to face the audience as he bowed his head, too. Every step was wonderfully in sync, and that just seemed to add to the beauty and magic of a live orchestra.
The musicians and I stood on stage for a few more seconds as we took in the reaction from the audience, and then we turned on our heels as we neatly walked offstage.
I allowed my pack members to converse with me once we were in the safety of the wings, and I’d barely unblocked my mind before the messages came pouring in.
Jesse, Jesse, Jesseee! Hailey squealed. Once again, that was simply amazing!
I didn’t think it could get any better than the performances in California, but that was beyond incredible! Arielle shouted. I… God, I can’t stop smiling!
My hands hurt from clapping so loud, Blair snickered. We’re so proud of you, Jesse.
Thank you. I smiled. Thank you all for coming along, too.
I still can’t stop crying, Nikita said. I think Azalea and I win for the most tears shed throughout a single performance.
So you enjoyed it, Azalea? I grinned as I placed my violin back in its case.
Enjoyed it? she asked rhetorically. I… Fuck me, I’ve seen Rammstein live, and I’ve been to WrestleMania, yet that’s nothing compared to this. It was… Fucking hell, I have no words. These performances keep getting better and better, I’m sure of it.
You mean to say that Jesse playing a violin was better than some dude screaming in German? Benji joked. Damn, I’d take that as a compliment, bro.
I think I will, I coughed to hide my laughter. I also noticed we have a friend in the audience, too?
Yes, Hazel Wise is here! Nikita cried. I freaked the fuck out when she came over to us with a super odd look on her face. Kinda thought she was some hired assassin, but then I saw it was her, so I calmed down again.
I have to admit, red hair suits her, Blair replied. She looks hot, Jesse. Like, smoking hot.
It didn’t surprise me that Hazel looked hot, and I was eager to see what she was wearing, as well as how my omegas looked in their dresses, too.
Can you tell her not to go anywhere just yet? I asked. I hope I won’t be too long, but I want to talk to her before she leaves.
I thought you’d want to speak to her, so I already asked her to stay, Hailey said. Apparently Hazel wasn’t going to come all the way here just to not speak to you afterward.
Thank you. I smiled. I know Jack wants to speak to us, but I’ll leave after that.
Take your time, Jesse, Aunt Eva replied sweetly. We’re all happy to sit and wait, and the patrol groups would have told us if they thought it was time to make a hasty exit.
That’s true, I said. But either way, I’d still like to leave as quickly as we can.
Jack Nolan walked into the wing just as I thought those last few words, and I looked up at him with a smile as I slid off my jacket.
After everything that happened with Reuben Dillard’s betas, I’d learned my lesson not to go outside alone anymore. So regardless of how hot I was, I just had to deal with the discomfort until I could leave the building safely.
“Well done, well done!” Jack grinned as he clapped his hands together. “You were all fantastic, and that couldn’t have gone any better!”
