Blue Moon by Lisa Kessler

his gaze never straying from mine, but before he reached me, Madison finished singing and the crowd erupted in cheers. A few people were on their feet, and the deejay shouted at me.
    “Go take the mic. This one has a short intro.”
    Breaking the spell, I walked over and took the microphone from Madison, who told me, “Knock ’em dead.”
    She stepped out of the spotlight as my song started. The lyrics moved across the screen. I fumbled my first cue a little. But after a couple more lines, I lost myself to the music.
    I almost missed seeing Madison talking to Logan.
    Almost.
    And neither of them looked happy.

Chapter Nine
    Logan
    When I walked into Rojo’s, I wasn’t prepared to see Anna in the spotlight. She had on a short black leather skirt, with a curve-hugging red tank top and full red lips to match. She looked so damned sexy, I wanted to beat the shit out of every drunk guy imagining her naked.
    My usually dormant wolf was front and center.
    This was definitely not the teenaged girl I remembered. She had grown up into a curvy, brave, passionate woman. Her tight skirt only covered half her thighs, leaving the rest of her shapely legs for everyone to see.
    “Logan Reynolds?”
    I shifted my gaze a little lower to find a blonde in a linen suit, and she didn’t look happy to see me. “And you are?”
    “I’m Madison, Vivi’s best friend. The one who helped pick up the pieces the last time you left her.” She crossed her arms.
    “This doesn’t involve you.” I stared over her head at my mate. She was belting out “Total Eclipse of the Heart.” The lyrics hit like a sucker punch to the gut.
    “I don’t know what you think you’re doing, but if you hurt her again, I’ll be on your ass.”
    “I’m not going to hurt her.” I ground my teeth together and met her eyes. “I love her.”
    “Bullshit. You love yourself.” She raised her chin. “If you ever loved her, you would’ve mailed a birthday card, or called and apologized, or maybe given her the tiniest sign that you noticed she was gone. She never said anything, but I always knew when it was your anniversary, because she’d sit outside and stare up at the moon and listen to your angsty song over and over again all night.”
    I did, too. We’d both been staring at the moon thinking of each other, and I never reached out to her. I’d convinced myself I was noble, not an asshole.
    “What do you want from me?”
    Madison put her hand on her hip. “I want you to leave her alone so she can get on with her life.”
    “Not a chance.” I narrowed my eyes, dead serious.
    “I don’t get it. You treat her like garbage, and now that she’s not falling all over you, you suddenly can’t live without her?”
    I broke eye contact, watching Anna sing. “I distanced myself. I don’t expect you to understand, but I’ll never be strong enough to do it again.” Glancing at her, I added, “You’re protective. I’m glad she found a good best friend.”
    “I love Vivi.” She sighed, her hand sliding off her hip. “And I meant what I said, if you hurt her—”
    “You’ll be on my ass. I remember.” I struggled to keep from smiling.
    The song faded, and the crowd at Rojo’s came alive applauding and cheering. Anna bowed and handed the mic to the next singer. Her eyes locked on mine as she approached, but she sidestepped me and hugged Madison instead.
    When they parted, she smiled. “So, it looks like you guys already met.”
    “Yeah.” Madison pointed in my direction. “I warned him if he hurts you again he’ll have to deal with me.”
    Anna nudged her shoulder. “I can take care of myself.”
    “I know.” Madison narrowed her gaze at me. “But still…”
    I put my hands up, fighting back a smile. “I swear my intentions are good.”
    Anna grinned with a glint in her dark eyes. “Mine are more questionable.”
    I raised a brow and had opened my mouth to respond when someone grabbed my arm. I spun to find a star-struck woman. Her breath