Page 42 of Poet & Protector

“The Burnout.”

Ansel’s smile faded. “We can’t get in there without Calla.”

“Tonight we can,” I replied. “I got our names on the list.”

“How?” He frowned at me.

“Um…I know the band.”

“Wait.” Ansel gave me an accusing look. “You met people in a band and didn’t tell me? What Nightshade elders do you know who are in a band?”

It made sense Ansel would assume it had to be elder Nightshades who were playing. Obviously, none of our packmates were musicians and in Ansel’s mind it couldn’t be Banes.

“So…it’s not Nightshades,” I said.

“It’s humans?” Ansel looked even more confused. “Like, somebody you talked to at school?”

“No,” I replied. I couldn’t drag this out anymore; I’d just turned onto the gravel drive that led to the Burnout. “It’s Nev.”

“Nev,” Ansel repeated. “Who’s Nev?”

That’s right. I was the only one in my pack who knew Neville’s nickname.

“Neville Durand.”

“The Bane?” Ansel was incredulous. “Why are you calling him Nev?”

“Because that’s what his packmates call him,” I said. “It’s what he prefers.”

“And…we care what Neville prefers?” Disbelief continued to color Ansel’s voice.

“It’s polite.” I parked the car. “I have to work with him for class, remember? Being polite makes my life a lot easier.”

Ansel appeared unconvinced. “So you call him Nev and you know he’s in a band and now we’re here to watch a Bane play music.”

“That pretty much sums it up.”

“Are you friends with Neville—I mean ‘Nev’—now?” He was looking at me like I’d lost my mind.

“I wouldn’t go that far,” I answered.

I had no idea what Nev and I were. I did know I shouldn’t be sneaking in to see his show, but apparently I no longer cared what I should or shouldn’t be doing with regard to Nev, at least not enough to keep myself out of trouble.

“Then why do you want to go?” Ansel asked.

“Aren’t you a little curious?” I prodded him. “Nev is going to play the guitar. I think he might sing.”

“Uh…” Ansel looked me up and down. “I guess I’m a little curious, but this seems like a lot of trouble to see a Bane play guitar.”

“Not a Bane,” I said reflexively. “Nev.”

I realized what just came out of my mouth and fumbled for a recovery.

“No. I mean, yeah, he’s a Bane, but you know I’ve had to meet up with him because of our assignment.” I’d already used that excuse. This was not going well.

“The assignment you complain about all the time,” Ansel said, eyes narrowing. “I’m surprised you’d want to see more of him.”

Though I doubted it would work, I tried another angle. “You’re right, he’s a Bane, but it’s still live music, which we never get to see. I didn’t know we could get into a place like this until I realized Nev plays in a band here. That means Guardians, even younger Guardians, can get on the list. I got us on the list.”