Page 12 of A Swan’s Love Song

The man chuckled. “I’m betting I could. I’m pretty good at what I do.”

Sean wanted a guitar. Wanted one badly. But chatty banter and cutesy remarks weren’t

something he knew how to do. It was one of the main reasons he’d been a homebody most of his life.

Before his parents had died and there had been more to the herd besides him and Gary, he’d loved

swimming down rivers to the next lake or pond then flying as a bevy to an exciting new destination.

However, once he’d gotten older and hadn’t had the security of his family around him, he’d preferred

staying in and not traveling as much.

“Hey,” the man said, “Don’t mind me. I get in trouble a lot for hitting on the cute ones. I can tell

you’re probably mated to a big, scary Alpha who’ll want to kick my ass later. So, let’s start fresh. I’m

Morty and if there’s anything I can do to help you out in the store, just ask.”

Sean nodded. “Thanks.”

He didn’t bother correcting Morty about not being mated. As much as he wanted to wallow in

the many incredible guitars, he had a budget to think of. No point in wasting time if there wasn’t

something in his price range.

“Were you searching for something specific, or just checking out the goods?”

Heat filled Sean’s cheeks and Morty smacked himself on the forehead.

“Sorry. I don’t know when to stop.”

Ask for what you want, remember? It was a good philosophy in all things.

“I’m looking for a used guitar—an acoustic one. But I don’t have a lot of money.”

Morty rubbed his chin. “Classical or steel string?”

“Steel string. And it’s okay if it’s not in perfect condition looks-wise. As long as it plays well

and the neck isn’t bowed, that’s fine.”

Morty nodded. “Let me check the stock room. We just came back from a flea market up north

and bought a bunch of instruments we haven’t had time to clean up yet. I’ll be right back.”

Sean finally felt comfortable enough to offer Morty a small smile. “Thanks.”

While the clerk hunted around in the back, Sean took the opportunity to rummage through the

store. After a few minutes of investigating, he made his way to the antique piano. He didn’t dare touch

it, but he sure as hell wanted to. A group of flyers caught his eye and he picked one up.

Music lessons by Percy.

Sean’s mouth formed an ‘o’ and he wondered if there was any chance he could afford that and a