Page 71 of A Taste of Bliss

I continue to ignore Pisces the asshole as a couple women in their early twenties spot us and yell out in excitement.

“Yes! Found another one!” one of the girls says as they all come forward. They look a little underwhelmed as they take us in.

“Which bands are you from?” the one in the middle asks. She’s got long blonde hair with bright blue streaks running through it and is dressed in black jean shorts, a Voracious Maw crop top, and fishnets. Her two friends are similarly dressed, one with auburn hair, and the other with dyed black hair.

I give them a friendly smile even as I sniffle again. “I’m Bliss. I’m the band manager for Goddess’ Trance.” I reach into the box and take out a couple of band tees we added into the mix. “They’ll be opening for Voracious Maw, so get to that stage early to see them, okay? You’ll love their set.”

“Awesome,” the blonde breathes out as they each take a shirt.

I motion to Pisces, who’s back to leaning stiffly against the hay wall. “He’s just a guitar tech for Voracious Maw. There’s some of their merch in there too. Feel free to take a couple things.”

They are the only ones to have found us so far, so I’m not too worried about running out of prizes.

The girls look in the direction of Pisces and giggle, glancing at each other. “Dang, we were hoping Wrath was hiding somewhere in the maze.”

I laugh. “Yeah, I wish that too.”

The blonde laughs with me. “He’s so beautiful. I would die if I met him. Have you run into him yet? I bet you’ll see him backstage, huh?”

I don’t know if it’s the contagious excitement they’re exuding, but I can’t help myself. “Want to know something really cool?” I ask, and they shuffle forward like we’re sharing a secret. “I actually ran into him yesterday.”

They all let out squeals at the same time and fire off questions.

“Did you talk to him?”

“What’s he like?”

“Is he super hot?”

I let out another laugh. These girls are too adorable and I honestly hope they do get to run into him so they can give him a little love. “He was in his mask, so I don’t know what he looks like either. He was very nice but didn’t say anything.”

“Oh my god,” the one with black hair says. “I seriously would die. I can’t wait for their performances. We’re going to both shows.”

“Hell yeah. As you should,” I reply. “Have an amazing time, ladies. I hope you win the backstage passes.”

“Thanks!” they call out as they clutch their prizes, having taken a Voracious Maw T-shirt and keychain each, as well as the Goddess’ Trance shirts I’d handed out.

I smile as they leave, heading out again hopefully towards the end of the maze so they’re entered into the running for thebackstage passes. I almost forgot that I’m stuck in here with a fucking dick.

My bad mood comes reeling back and I cross my arms, going to the opposite side of the little alcove we’re in and sitting on the little hay bench.

“Just a guitar tech, huh?” Pisces asks softly from where’s he’s leaning. I don’t look at him. “So what? A guy has to be super successful to be worthy of a Born fae like you?”

I straighten up. He’s Made? With a side glance over to him, I take in a deep breath and cross one leg over the other.

“Ah, there it is. That’s about the reaction I’d expect from a Born fae realizing I’m Made.”

“Stop acting like you know anything about me.”

“I’d bet if I was Wrath you’d talk to me,” he says after a pause. “I’d bet you’d do other things too.”

“Seriously, what the fuck is your problem?” I stand up, driven by a fire that’s now coursing through me. “Yeah, I would talk to Wrath if he was here, because he’s a lot nicer than you are and I haven’t even heard him speak.” You know what? Fuck this. I kick the box of prizes over to him. We’re so far into the maze that only a few groups will probably make it back here. “It’s pretty dead out here, I’m gonna go get a coffee. You good to man this station by yourself?” I ask, but I don’t wait for a response because he can go fuck himself. I follow the map to get out of the maze and find Reese at the entrance, handing out cute little stickers to any groups with kids.

“I’m on sticker duty,” she says, rolling her eyes. “I think Simon hates me.”

“Well, Pisces, their guitar tech, definitely hates me. And for literally no reason.”

Reese pauses, taking in my sniffly nose and the tears that have leaked down my cheeks. “Oh my stars. What happened?”She reaches out and places her hand on my upper arm, drawing me into a hug.