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

Liam

I’m just going to see my brother, who is like my best friend. So why the hell am I so nervous?

It’s been months since the last time I saw Skyler. Things aren’t the same as they were a few years ago. He’s a damn rockstar for fuck’s sake. How crazy is that?

My little brother is making a name for himself with his pack.

Part of me is jealous because he was able to make it work with his pack, and I wasn’t.

Tyson and Ryker are good guys. They work hard, have good morals, and are loyal.

Still, it doesn't stop me from worrying that my little brother is going to end up facing the same fate as me.

Well, not exactly, but being in this kind of lifestyle, things could go south easily. Money, fame, girls, drugs. It’s all a part of this world.

But I know my brother is a good man, and wouldn’t let those kinds of things weigh him down. And I’m hoping he has a good enough head on his shoulders to not let anyone else do it either.

After I check into my hotel for the night, I debate on what to do. Do I call Skyler now, see if he wants to hang out? Or do I wait until tomorrow?

Can I just show up to the venue and name-drop?

Yeah, I don’t think that would work out so well on my end.

I know I should just call him, let him know I ended up coming, but now I feel like I could be more of an inconvenience than anything else. While I’ve worked parties for celebrities, I’ve never actually interacted with any of them.

I know the guys, but I’ve never met Ally.

Hadn't really thought about it, to be honest. From what Skyler told me, she seems like a good person; hard working, made sure the guys got the same rights as she did. Skyler told me their manager tried to force Ally into the spotlight while pushing the guys more towards the back, but Ally wouldn’t let her.

She cares about the guys enough to make sure they’re not getting the shit-end of deals, and I respect her for that.

Funny thing is, I don’t listen to my brother's music. Pop rock isn’t my thing. I’m more of a country guy. Something my siblings love to tease me about.

The decision on when to call Skyler is made for me when I lie down in bed, just to close my eyes for a moment and, instead, wake up at noon the next day.

“Fuck,” I grunt, scrubbing at my eyes, feeling like I just woke from a year-long slumber. Guess I really needed some rest. Maybe the girls were right, and I was working myself too hard.

My phone rings, and it takes a moment for my brain to play catch up as I search for it.

“Hey,” I answer, voice groggy.

“You sleeping or something?” Skyler asks with a chuckle.

“Just woke up.”

“Damn. Mr. Early riser slept in,” he teases.

“Yeah, yeah.” I grin.

“So... I have a question,” he starts slowly.

“Oh god. I don’t think I like that tone.”

“What tone?” he replies defensively. “There’s no tone!”

“You want something, don’t you?” I grumble.

“Not really want something. More like, hoping you can help with something. But I swear it benefits both of us. And the pay is amazing. You will get to see the world. And the best part is, you already know how to do it.”

“Skyler, what the hell are you going on about?” I growl.

“You lost your job,” he states.

“Thanks for the reminder,” I grumble.

“What if I can help you find a new one?”

My brows furrow together. “What do you mean?”

“As a bodyguard," he continues.

“For you?” I ask, huffing out a laugh. “Need someone to protect you, little brother? I mean, I guess you all are big enough for it.”

“No,” he laughs. “Not for me. For Ally.”

Ally. As in their lead singer?

“Doesn’t she already have guards?”

“We have teams that work for us. But this is more or less what you were doing for that party, keeping the area safe and secure. Ally is a lot more famous than we are, and it’s time she gets someone to watch out for her, and only her.

After the scare we had today, we don’t want to risk her safety.

She’s a young, unbonded Omega. She’s vulnerable to more safety risks every day. ”

Rubbing the scruff of my jaw, I think. With my past, do I want to be working so closely with an Omega?

“I don’t know, Skyler...”

“Come on, please! The pay is amazing, way better than what you were getting before. You get to travel the world, all while being at my side. Think about how much time we can spend together. I’ve missed you, and it’s been way too long since we’ve gotten to really hang out together.

” I can hear the pout in his voice, and I hate that he has a point.

I do miss him, and I’d kill to be able to spend more time together.

“And Ally is a great girl. She’s not some uptight diva.

She’s funny, down to earth. You would get along great with her. ”

“I don’t get along with anyone but family,” I grumble.

“Oh, come on, you old grump. You might act all dark and broody, but I’ve seen how you are with Lilly and Stella. You're a big old softie under all those tattoos and muscles.”

“Am not,” I protest.

“Yeah, yeah. Whatever you say, big guy. So, will you? Please? If you end up hating it, you can leave after we find someone else for Ally. Even with this being short notice, we don’t want just anyone.

She means a lot to us, and we want someone we can trust to keep her safe.

Anyone else would just be a complete stranger, and we don’t want to risk it. ”

“How the hell has this girl not become your Omega?” I ask. “You clearly love her a lot.”

“We do. But not like that. She’s like our little sister, our best friend. She means the world to us. And we want someone we know who will put her safety first.”

“And she’s okay with this? You know the reason I lost my last job. Is she okay having my name attached with her, with me working so closely with her?”

“Like I said, Ally isn’t like most, okay? We will talk to the PR team and work something out if it ever comes to light. Worry about it if the time comes.”

“When the time comes. Skyler, this is going to follow me around for a while, if not forever.”

“If you let this keep you from living your life, always assuming the worst, you're going to live a very sad life. And, in a way, you’re letting that asshole ex-pack of yours win by letting them have any say over your life, even behind bars.”

My jaw clenches. I hate that he’s making yet another good point.

I could turn him down and try to find another job back home. The only thing is, I’m not sure I’ll be able to get the same kind of job. I’m sure some security company will hire me, but I don’t want to be some mall cop or watch over buildings.

I liked the job I had. It was active, kept me on my feet, gave me a thrill, and I liked knowing I was keeping people safe.

I could risk getting a job that made less than the one I had before, meaning it would take me longer to save towards my goal. Or I could take this job offer and get there faster.

“Alright.” I blow out a breath. “Just know, I’m not a people person. And I take my job very seriously."

“That’s what I’m talking about. I mean, the only person you're really going to have to be around is me, the guys, Ally, and the bitch who owns our souls,” he mutters.

Julia. Yeah, I have a feeling I’m not going to like her.

I hope we don’t butt heads. “But I know it’s going to be worth it. You won’t regret it.”

“Better money, traveling. Yeah, I see your point.”

“And me. Hello!? Best brother in the world,” he jokes.

“Thinking highly of yourself much?” I grin.

“As always,” he chuckles. “Any chance you could drive down tonight?”

“Ahh...” I rub the back of my head. “I’m actually already in town.’

“What?” he asks, surprised. “Really?”

“Yeah, drove in yesterday.”

“And you didn’t tell me? Fucking rude, man, fucking rude.”

“Sorry. Turns out I needed a good night's sleep.”

“Yeah,” he hums. “I feel you. Alright then, perfect. I’m gonna let our team know I’m expecting you.

You shouldn’t have an issue getting in. If you want to come to the show, I’ll put you down on the list. Then, after the concert, meet us in the green room.

Are you okay with having an interview? It’s just a precaution. You got the job either way.”

“Yeah, sure. Sounds good.”

“This is going to be awesome!” I love how excited he sounds. It makes me even more certain that I’ve made the right choice. “I gotta go. Lots to do today. See you tonight.”

“See you tonight.”

We hang up, and I sit there, letting everything sink in.

Something tells me this is too good to be true. How did I go from losing my job, to gaining a better one within twenty-four hours?

One that is closer to the kind of work I want to be doing. This will also give me good experience working one-on-one with an Omega, providing me with better knowledge on how to help my customers once I get my company up and running.

If I keep expecting the worst, that's all I’m going to get. I’m going to see where this goes, enjoy it while I can. If it doesn’t work out, I’ll deal with it then.

This is wild.

The stadium is packed full of people decked out in band merch, smiling and chattering with excitement.

To know all of these people are here to see my brother and his bandmates is crazy. I can’t help but be proud. He’s living his dream, making the best out of his life. I’m so damn happy for him.

After I grabbed my backstage pass, I chose to use the time to get to know the area. Where all the exits are, who’s in charge of what, and getting an idea of just how crazy this crowd is.

I do the same backstage. I might not be working right now, but getting an understanding of how things work will help me do my job when I am on duty.

I introduce myself to a few of the roadies and crew as Ally’s new personal guard, and everyone seems very welcoming and willing to answer my questions, despite the guarded, stoic face I give them.

Knowing they have some decent people working for them is nice.