Page 3 of Howl Me to the Moon (Moonlight Siren Supernatural Cruises #2)

CHAPTER 3

PIPER

T he sound of “Purple Haze” grew louder as we approached the Nocturnal Lounge.

“We only missed the first song,” Kylie said. “Not too late.”

Good. I’d hate to let my distraction with the painting upset her. We slid through the crowd to the bar and ordered colorful cocktails. My Sassy Passion glowed with an iridescent blue while her Starlight Potion sparkled with rainbow sprinkles. No seats were available, so we stayed at the back near the bar.

I swirled the drink with the swizzle stick, which had the shape of a witch’s hat at the top. The ice clanked around as the colors swirled. I took a sip, savoring the flavor of blueberry bursting on my tongue. As I turned to face the stage, someone was staring at me. I sucked in a breath, but since I still had the straw in my mouth, I also sucked down some Sassy Passion and choked.

“You okay?” Kylie asked.

I tried to answer but couldn’t as the choking instinct prevented it. Fortunately, the sound of the music masked my loud overture, and I recovered quickly.

“Yeah,” I sputtered and forced a grin. “Must be some extra sassiness in my drink.” I raised my glass.

When I glanced at the stage again, the bassist was still staring at me, only this time with a concerned expression. I raised my hand to give him a thumbs-up, letting him know I was okay.

Why did I do that? As if he knew what was going on or cared?

“You know him?” Kylie asked with surprise.

“No.” I lifted my drink to take another sip, thought better of it, and put it down for now. “He looked concerned by my ruckus. I just assured him all’s good on deck.”

“Uh-huh,” Kylie expressed with some doubt.

Something about the bassist and the way he looked at me left me curious. I chanced another glance at him. Damn, he was still looking at me. Why?

And why couldn’t I look away?

He had long, dark wavy hair, a beard, and wore all black. The sleeves of his T-shirt hugged his bulging biceps. A burly wolf shifter indeed. One who radiated raw energy as he played. I wondered if he could make me howl…

Wait—where did that come from? No way would I get involved with the crew. We lived and worked together on a ship. Unable to escape each other. Awkward…

“Damn,” Kylie said under her breath.

“What?” I finally broke eye contact to turn to her.

“I knew you’d appreciate his fine—ahem—talents.”

I brushed her comment off with a wave. “What are you talking about? I haven’t even talked to him.”

“Yet.” She raised her cocktail and took a sip, her eyes flashing with mischief over the glass.

The song ended and they launched into “You Really Got Me.” Van slid his hands along the mic stand like it was foreplay. He was such a player and had already broken hearts of passengers and crew. Another reason not to hook up with someone on board—no one deserved a broken heart.

I sipped my drink—carefully this time—and managed not to cause a scene. That was helped by avoiding eye contact with the bass-playing wolf shifter with the intense stare. When they played the next song, the Doors’ “Love Street,” I swayed along.

“Earth to Piper.” Kylie nudged me, snapping me out of my thoughts.

“What?”

“I just said that Rex can’t take his eyes off you.” She pulled her shirt away from her neck. “It’s getting hot in here.”

Well, hex me sideways. It took all my self-control not to look up. “Is that the bass player?” I asked with a forced neutral tone.

“Yes, his name is Rex Forte. I’ll introduce you after the show.”

My pulse quickened at that. I leaned against the bar and ran my fingers over the stem of the glass. Once I realized what I was doing, I stopped.

“You playing matchmaker, Ky?” I teased.

“Well, you did introduce me to Damien,” she said in a knowing tone. “And left me stranded with him on the dance floor.”

I chuckled. Guilty. When I wasn’t working the gallery, part of my responsibilities was to socialize with the passengers to ensure they’d have a great cruise. But when I’d seen the way that Damien and Kylie stared at each other with undisguised longing, I couldn’t help playing matchmaker. “Payback’s a bitch, isn’t it?”

“Yeah, but why not?” she asked. “He’s hot and single. You’re hot and single. And the way you look at each other.” She fanned herself again. “Fire.”

I straightened. “Because I’m not interested in hooking up with anyone and dealing with complications. Ugh.”

“Ah, too bad,” Kylie said with a rueful tone. “I have to admit this ship is a lot more fun with a lover.”

Perhaps. But that wasn’t a risk I was willing to take. Not when I had so much riding on me with my job here. I had to focus on making decent sales at the auction this week, because if not, they could cut the art auctions completely.

But when the opening notes of Led Zeppelin’s “Whole Lotta Love” began, curiosity took over and I glanced at Rex once more. Sure enough, the wolf shifter caught my eye once more. What was even more surprising was how my magic seemed to hum with vibrant energy inside.