Page 2 of Rhythm Of Our Souls (Heartbreak Melody #3)

“Hey. Sorry, I missed your call. I was in the shower,” I tell my boss, Tyler.

“I know it’s your day off, but I need you to come down to the office.”

The hairs on the back of my neck rise at the tone of his voice. “What’s wrong?” I ask.

“This would be a better conversation to have in person,” he insists. “Can you come down?”

“Ah, yeah.” I run a hand through my hair, an uneasy feeling taking over. “I can be down in a half hour.”

“See you then.”

I stare at the phone, a heaviness settling in my stomach. Whatever this conversation is about, I know it can’t be good.

Unfortunately, I was right.

My head starts to spin as I down another glass of scotch. It’s the middle of the day, and I’m drunk.

Can’t blame me, though. I just lost my job. And now, I’m in a downward spiral, wondering what the fuck am I going to do with myself now.

I could always find another job, but the likelihood of them finding out about my past and reacting the way this job did is high.

The meeting was to discuss the fact that I didn’t disclose who my previous packmates were and the scandal they were involved in. How the hell was I supposed to know I had to do that?

They did a background check, and it came back clean. I was never charged with anything. Shouldn’t that have been good enough?

I guess for them, it wasn’t.

They’re reasoning for firing me was that while I was great at my job, one of the best employees they’ve ever had, they couldn’t risk being associated with me; my past wouldn’t look good for their reputation.

Tyler said, and I quote, “We can’t have someone who’s been associated with an Omega kidnapping. People entrust us with their lives, and it doesn’t look good. You understand, right?”

Sadly, I get it. I do actually understand. And it fucking sucks.

Because of my connection to that pack and their mistake, this is going to follow me around for the rest of my life.

“Another one,” I slur at the bartender.

He gives me a pitying look. “I’m sorry, I can’t rightfully do that. I can, however, give you water or a soda.”

Groaning, I let my head hit the bartop. “That might be for the best,” I sigh heavily.

“How about some wings? On the house. You look like you could use a little pick-me-up.”

“Sure,” I mumble. “I could go for some wings.”

An hour later, I’m still tipsy, but nowhere near as wasted as I was before. With some water, a few coffees, and food in my stomach, I head back home.

There’s a bit of luck on my side, because the house is empty when I get home.

I’m just getting inside my room when my phone rings. Looking at the caller ID, the corner of my lip lifts a bit. “Hey, little brother,” I greet Skyler after pressing answer.

“Little?” he huffs. “Nothing little about me, big brother . Just ask the ladies,” he teases.

“Gross. Don’t need to know about your sex life,” I chuckle.

“At least one of us has one. When was the last time you got any, Liam? Did you know, if you don’t use your dick enough, it’s going to shrivel up and fall off? Seeing as how you have maybe... what, three, four inches to work with, you can’t be taking that risk.”

“Oh fuck off, you little shit,” I growl as he starts to laugh. “Did you call just to ask me about my sex life and mock my dick? Which isn’t small by the way. Unless eight inches is considered small.”

“Mhhmm. Sure. Eight. Yeah, whatever you say,” he continues to yank my chain.

“Skyler,” I growl.

“Fine, fine,” he chuckles. “I didn’t call to remind you about your tiny dick. I just wanted to check in and see how you're doing.”

The smile on my face falls, the mood sobering. With a heavy sigh, I sit on the edge of my bed, head in my hand. “Not so good.”

“Shit. What happened?” He drops any hint of playfulness.

“Got fired,” I mutter.

“What? Why! You're amazing at your job—like the best. Why the fuck would you get fired?”

“Why do you think?”

He’s quiet for a moment. “If those fuckers weren’t already in jail, I’d find them and kick their asses for fucking up your life. You shouldn’t have to pay for their mistakes.”

“No. But I am. And there’s honestly nothing I can do about it.”

“This isn’t fair,” he growls.

“No. But that’s life. Sadly.”

“That’s fucking bullshit.”

“Yup,” I sigh.

“What are you going to do now?” he asks.

“I don’t know,” I admit. “I was so damn close. Only another year away from having enough to buy a house. Maybe go back to school, get a business degree. I regret fucking around at Calling Wood. I should have taken my education more seriously.” I was stupid, not thinking I needed a career in anything, because the guys and I talked and agreed I’d be the one to stay at home with our Omega and raise kids, because I love them. So why would I need a degree?

That didn’t work out the way I planned, and I screwed myself over in the process.

Now, I want to go back to school; maybe open my own security company after that. But for more Omega-based jobs.

Maybe it’s the fact that I’m an Alpha, or maybe it’s my past trauma talking, but I want to make sure Omegas aren't put into a vulnerable situation. At Calling Wood, they have their Beta guards to look after them. But what about Omegas outside those walls?

Hiring private security costs more than most people can afford.

I want to provide them with a more affordable option.

“If it’s money you need—” he starts, but I cut him off before he can finish.

“I’m not taking your money, Skyler,” I growl. “We’ve been over this.”

“Why are you so damn stubborn?” he huffs. “I have more money than I know what to do with. Mom let’s me help her out, why can’t you?”

“Because I’m a grown Alpha,” I growl.

“You’ve always taken care of everyone else. When are you going to let someone take care of you?”

A lump forms in my throat, and I try to swallow it down. “I can take care of myself.”

“Liam...”

“Look, I’m okay. I’ll survive. I always do. Don’t worry about me.”

“Like that will ever happen. You're my brother, my best friend, and I’ll always worry about you. I miss you, you know?”

That damn lump grows.

“Miss you too.”

“You should come to a show soon. You have plenty of free time now,” he chuckles.

“Yeah.” I nod to myself. “Maybe.”

“We’re playing a show in Chicago tomorrow. You should come.”

“I don’t know.”

“Just think about it, okay? It’s only a few hours' drive.”

“Yeah... “

“Anyways, I gotta go. Talk to you soon.”

“Love you. Bye.”

“Love you too!”

The line goes dead, and I’m left alone with my thoughts again.

I last all of an hour before I start to go out of my mind.

Yeah. Fuck that shit.

Next thing I know, I’ve got a bag packed and I’m on the highway heading towards Chicago.

Maybe a weekend away to see my brother will be a good thing. Can’t get much worse than it is right now.