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Nolan laughs, drawing some attention our way. “Most Alphas wouldn’t see your human contributor as a threat. No offense—it’s just after Alpha cock, you wouldn’t want a human’s.” He gives me a feral grin. “They don’t have knots.”

My blush warms my cheeks as he continues as if he didn’t just mention cocks in public. “I’d be worried if you killed someone accidentally or intentionally. Murder is frowned upon, even if the murderer is a tiny little thing with a penchant for sugar.”

“I mean, I don’t want to kill anyone, period. I’m a good person. I can’t carry that kind of karma, you know?”

“I do know. There’s no killing involved—well, unless your Alpha loses his shit because a serial killer in the park or another Alpha is going after what’s his.

” He grins. “As a vampire, your sense of the taste of blood will change. You’ll like it, but you’ll be choosy about which human contributors become your favorites. You’ll get used to it.”

“Like my taste in wine or something?”

“Very much like that.”

He takes a bite of his fritter as I ponder my next question. He grabs my hand over the table, and the touch is nice. I’m a bit surprised by how affectionate he’s being in public. He probably doesn’t even realize he’s doing it.

“Tell me why you don’t have a mate yet.”

He chokes a little on his donut and takes a big sip of coffee. I almost think he won’t answer me, but then he clears his throat.

“Well, I had no interest. It takes a lot of energy and time to properly court an Omega, and I’ve been focused on my music career. I don’t have time for anything or anyone else. Plus, I just got free of a pretty toxic relationship.”

Before I can stop it, I blurt out, “Well, maybe you just haven’t met the right girl.” I can’t help but wonder if I’ve overstepped and said something too personal. “Maybe your right girl doesn’t need all the fancy courting.”

He nods and takes another bite. “The right Omega would definitely deserve all the courting I can give her. A good Alpha should lavish his intended mate with gifts, affection, love, and at a bare minimum, his undivided time and attention.”

“But that’s not fair. Surely an Alpha worth anything would already have a life before and outside his relationship with his future mate.”

“Yes, that’s true, but an important part of courting is for an Alpha to show his mate how he would care for her and their future kids. If that’s what they both want.”

“It just seems one-sided.” He stares at me, eyes narrowed, looking thrown, and I find myself blurting out, “Do you want kids?”

He looks away, then down at his hands. “I’m not sure. Procreation is a big part of claiming a mate. For my father and mother, there was a more profound relationship before I was added to the mix as their only child. Because of them, I fear my standards for a relationship are higher than most.”

“Your dad lit up like a Christmas tree when he spoke about your mom. It was clear that he loves her very much.”

Nolan smiles and takes another bite, seeming to mull over my comment as he swallows. “He does. It’s almost gross at times.” He studies me, and I have to stop myself from squirming under that intense gaze. “Do you want kids, sweetness?”

I inhale at the vision of a little Nolan. Too fast, Ava. Deflect . “Oh, I don’t know. Probably. I haven’t given it much thought. I’m only twenty-one. Plus, having kids that live forever is a major deal. I can see why your parents would have taken time to be together before they had you.”

He grins. “You say that like vampire kids are the kiss of death to a relationship.” He caresses my cheek, and I can’t help but lean into his touch.

“Kids are always a major commitment, but vampire kids must be even more so.”

“Maybe. I guess you’d need to ask my mom.”

“I would love to meet your mom. Talking with another Omega would be great.”

“My dad kind of set you on the path traveling backward. I can give you her number if you want it.”

“I’d like that. Thank you.” He and Stella have both been so open, and it’s eased my mind about who I’ll become, but only another Omega can really tell me what I’m in for.

“Tell me why you’re so comfortable with my fame. It doesn’t seem to affect you.”

That’s easy to answer. I smile. “My dad was a famous installation artist, and I grew up around it. I guess it became normal for me.” I hear the chime of the door opening, and I move on to my Boston cream and give a little moan as I bite it.

These donuts are so good. I’m already composing my post in my head.

Icy chills move up my spine, and I have the sudden sense that we’re being watched. I glance behind me and see a woman walking into the shop, staring at us intently. Her rapt attention is a little creepy.

Nolan follows my gaze. He turns back to me and squeezes my hand. “Ignore her. She’s just here to bug me. I’m sorry. I had no idea there might be drama when I brought you out tonight. I shouldn’t have left my security team at the hotel.”

Taking a deep breath and another bite of the Boston cream, I put all my focus into looking at him and do my best to ignore the woman. I can imagine the craziness he and the guys deal with regularly. I’ve seen a little of it. There’s always a downside to fame.

Taking another sip of my tea, out of the corner of my eye, I watch the woman take the long way around to the counter.

I look back at Nolan and take him in. He’s striking and exudes aloof rock star energy.

How would his fans react if he were off the market?

I can’t imagine them taking it too well, if the women who hang around backstage and outside his bus are any indication.

Nolan’s distracted now, keeping an eye on the woman. “My friend Bakari is meeting us at Nocturnal Casino tomorrow, although I’m starting to think that’s not a great idea.”

I’d started to perk up at the thought of meeting another vampire, but his tone is discouraging. “Why not?”

“Because he’s an Alpha, and you’re not in the Sanctuary.” He looks at his phone.

“Is he a danger to me?” Why does it matter that I’m not in the Sanctuary?

“No, nothing like that. He’s a good guy, and he won’t harm you...It’s just that you’re unclaimed, and he might want to court you.”

“Oh.” Nolan seems irritated at the thought of his friend courting me, and I can’t help but feel my heart pick up its rhythm.

A shadow crosses the table, and Nolan pulls his shoulders back and growls softly.

I startle and turn to look at the woman beside us.

She has green eyes and long blonde hair styled like a porcelain doll, a short ruffly cream-colored dress, and pink heels.

I look back at Nolan and take a bite of my donut to settle the unease I feel with this woman present. Donuts can get you through anything.

“Hi, Nolan. Miss me, baby?”

Nolan tenses and clears his throat, and his entire demeanor changes. He looks at the woman and glares, “No, Larissa. You know I don’t. What are you doing here?”

“I want to see you guys play in Vegas. I was really looking forward to the final show.” Her smile vanishes when she notices our hands touching, and her gaze pivots to me.

She must be the ex. My stomach sours. I’m her replacement.

“I thought I made it clear that I don’t want you around. The shows are sold out.”

The woman glares at me and then looks back at Nolan. Something that I can’t quite decipher crosses her face, but she wipes her expression quickly. “Well, isn’t this interesting? You and your new social media manager do look rather cozy.”

I freeze. She knows who I am.

“Larissa, don’t. Leave her alone.” He squeezes my hand in what I assume is an apology.

She catches the movement and glares again at our joined hands, making me even more uncomfortable. I’m not sure how Nolan can stand it.

“I had no idea that you were seeing anyone already. You haven’t said anything to the media. It must be quite the secret.” She smirks, and Nolan tenses.

He carefully releases my hand and grabs his mocha. I can’t help but feel the sting of his rejection, even though I know he’s trying to defuse the situation. He sips his drink, and Larissa smiles at him . My stomach tightens. Am I just one of many girls in his life?

She looks at me with pity. “You know he does this regularly, right?” I don’t respond, and she laughs.

“He makes you feel like you’re special, but you’re really just the next girl he’s stringing along.

Soon, you’ll learn you mean nothing to him, like all the rest of us before you.

He has no intention of committing to one woman. ”

“Oh, I know. He’s been upfront with me from the start. I don’t have the same unrealistic expectations that you apparently did.” He did say he doesn’t want a relationship. Why would he want a lifetime commitment with this type of drama?

I briefly catch a flicker of hurt cross his eyes. Nolan turns from me and looks at her with such hostility that it makes me cringe. He seems ready to rip her throat out. “We gotta go.” He stands up, grabs the box of donuts, and waits for me at the door.

I guess our time here has ended. I glare at her as I devour the last bite of my donut.

“Lovely meeting you. Always a pleasure meeting the ex.” Only then do I follow him to the car.

I can’t help but feel like I’ve been slapped in the face.

The switch in Nolan’s mood was instant, and I miss his sweet touches and closeness.

Whatever is going through his mind that shut him down hurts.