Page 11 of A Swan’s Love Song

the myriad of instruments on display. Guitars—both electric and acoustic—mandolins, banjos and

basses, were lined along the walls on stands with additional choices hanging above those within

reach. There were also two full drum kits set up, along with several electric keyboards and synths.

As Sean slowly moved through the large open area, he could barely contain his excitement.

There were even more shelves with other amazing things such as tambourines, maracas, bongos and

objects he couldn’t put a name to. Sean reached into his pocket, ready to take out his wallet and give

the thrift shop owner all his money just so he could stand there all day and touch everything.

It’s all so wonderful. But I’ll never be able to afford one of these guitars.

Once he’d reached the end of the store, his gaze landed on a gorgeous antique piano. His fingers

closed around his wallet, but he quickly let go. He knew there was exactly a hundred and sixty dollars

in there. Counting it was pointless. He’d already gone over the amount again and again.

Instead of buying a bunch of new clothes—since he hadn’t had one damn thing with him when

he was brought to Vale Valley after being rescued by Kellan—or going to the movies or eating out,

he’d been frugal. He’d made sure to eat his one meal at the restaurant for his shift and bought enough

shirts and pants to get by, but that was it. The rest of his money was put away to get a guitar to replace

the one that Finn had smashed when he’d killed his best friend and kidnapped him.

At the memory of losing Gary, Sean’s bottom lip trembled. He swallowed down his tears.

Everyone had promised him they were on the lookout for that hideous monster and his herd. Like Avi

had said, the shifter network was on alert in case they showed up anywhere in the country or even

Canada. If Finn and the others were found, they’d be made to pay for what they’d done, he was sure

of it.

“Can I help you find anything?”

He started then whirled around to face the owner of the voice. Sean noted that he was an

attractive, hunky man with thick, curly dark hair and the most arresting smoky eyes. The clerk tilted

his head and smiled. Sean realized he’d been asked a question and should probably answer.

“Oh, uh…I hope so?”

The man raked Sean with his gaze and once he’d met Sean’s eyes again, his smile had grown

wider.

Is he…? Sean stuffed his hands into his pockets. He didn’t want to be flirted with. Not when he

couldn’t get Avi out of his mind. Or my heart.