The walls behind the San Diego stage pulsed faintly with bass vibrations — each kick of Jonah’s drum during soundcheck rattling the metal braces and fiberboard like a distant storm. The crowd hadn’t even seen the band yet, and already they were screaming loud enough to shake the rafters.

Backstage, the band was scattered — Maya pacing in circles with her guitar, Rico adjusting a pedalboard for the sixth time. Mark was double-checking the DMX sequences at a folding table nearby. Gabriel had vanished moments earlier, mumbling something about needing to pee and definitely not getting nervous.

Thane stood near the wing curtain, arms folded, clawed feet planted wide, just soaking it in.

Then a stranger walked in.

Clean-cut, collared shirt, laminated badge clipped to a polished belt. Not security. Not press.

Label rep.

Thane stiffened as the man casually approached.

“You’re Thane, right?” the guy asked, all smiles and perfectly practiced warmth.

Thane gave him a slow look up and down. “Who’s asking?”

“Just someone with an opportunity,” he said smoothly, sliding a card from his pocket like a magician. “Colt Rainer. A&R. Apex Records.”

Mark groaned from the rigging table without looking up. “Tell him we already have a label. It’s called ‘screw you, we’re wolves.’”

Colt chuckled. “Cute. But come on, guys. Viral videos, rooftop concerts, sold-out tours — I’ve got execs begging to sign you before you bolt to Europe or Asia.”

Gabriel reappeared behind Thane, towel around his neck, eyebrow raised. “Oh, we’re international now?”

“You could be,” Colt said smoothly, already launching into his pitch. “Full creative control. Unlimited studio time. Worldwide promo. Stadium partnerships. And Rowan? We’d make him a mascot—hell, a whole docuseries. This could go global overnight.”

Thane took the card.

Then ripped it clean in half.

“No thanks,” he said quietly. “We already went global the night that boy gave us his heart.”

Colt blinked. “You’re seriously turning down —”

Gabriel stepped forward, eyes flashing, voice low. “You heard my bandmate. Now get out before I let the fans in here.”

Colt paled slightly and made a quick retreat, brushing past Maya who offered a chipper “Bless your heart” and absolutely no smile.

Back in the prep zone, the whole band grinned.

Cassie rolled her eyes. “They never stop, do they?”

Thane smirked and looked toward Gabriel, who was already heading for the stage entrance.

“Nope,” Thane said. “But we do.”

“Do what?” Jonah asked.

Gabriel turned, tail flicking.

“We play.”