Rose, Charlotte - Bayou Flood [The Shifters of Alligator Bend 3] (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting) Read Online Free PDF Page A

story. She was certain Georgina wouldn’t believe her, and she didn’t feel like having someone else think she was crazy when she already doubted her own sanity.
    “Sophie! Oh my god! I’ve been so worried!” Georgina cried.
    “I’m fine, I promise.”
    “I’m so sorry I wasn’t there. I saw you faint, and I tried to get to you, but a security guard pulled me away and hauled me out of the building. I’ve been worried sick about you. Are you sure you’re okay?”
    “I promise there’s nothing to worry about.”
    “So really, what was that?” Georgina asked. “I mean, I thought I saw two guys turn into alligators, but come on. That had to be a trick of the light or something. Or maybe something was wrong with that beer I had before the show.”
    Sophie thought she heard a change in Georgina’s voice but decided to brush it off.
    “No, that’s what I saw, too. And, I mean, I didn’t have anything to drink, so, uh, maybe it was real?”
    Georgina gave a weak laugh. “Do you think that’s really plausible? I mean, humans just don’t turn into animals. They just don’t. It must have been, I don’t know. Maybe that club had some nasty mold growing backstage. Mold can cause hallucinations, right? That must be it. That club must have had some nasty-ass mold.”
    Sophie restrained a sigh. If Georgina wanted to grasp at straws to attempt to create a rational explanation, there was no point in describing the rest of the afternoon.
    “Yeah, you’re probably right. That makes way more sense.”
    “Do you want me to come over? Do you need anything?”
    “Thanks, but I think I just want to shower, watch a silly movie, and go to bed early. I’ve had a long day.”
    “Well, call me if you need anything.”
    “I will. Thanks, Georgina.”
    Sophie hung up the phone and sighed. She knew turning in early wasn’t really going to happen. She’d be up all night trying to figure out the concept of shifters and mates.

Chapter Three

    Sophie’s phone buzzed, and her stomach knotted up when she read Georgina’s message.
    Need to work late tonight. So sorry. We can still meet up for drinks after the show, though. I’ll buy!
    Sophie had become accustomed to having Georgina backstage with her before every performance. Nobody else knew how to handle her stage fright. Taking a few deep breaths, Sophie tried to settle herself before packing up her gear.
    You haven’t known Georgina that long at all. You’ve spent your entire career going onstage without her there. You know how to do this. You’ll be fine. You don’t need someone taking care of you beforehand. You’re not a diva .
    Finally feeling confident, Sophie hurried through her apartment, grabbing everything she would need for the gig. Checking her look in the mirror, she threw on a little eyeliner and checked out the still-healing cut on her cheek. It was clearing up quickly. The scab had already started to flake off, and there didn’t appear to be any scarring. Finally satisfied with her appearance, Sophie scurried out the door to make it to the Quarter in time.
    She arrived at the venue and did a quick sound check, and then she curled up on the couch in the tiny green room, trying to calm herself down. The nerves were starting to kick back up, and she was on her own. She shook her hands, hoping to work the shakes out, but the jitters only seemed to grow stronger. Finally, it was time for her to go on. She had no choice. If she didn’t play, she didn’t get paid, and she’d run the risk of losing one of her regular venue opportunities. Nerves didn’t matter. She still had to give a good show.
    Steeling up her courage, Sophie walked onstage and waved to the small crowd, putting a smile on her face and hoping it hid her anxiety. As she started to play, she closed her eyes and let the rhythm and notes seep into her body. By the time she was ready to open her eyes, the anxiety had all but dissipated, and she was starting to feel comfortable. Her smile became