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“Problems with the new album?” Concern laces his tone.

I move my jaw back and forth to unclench my teeth. “Yeah, you could say that. Nothing’s happening. No new lyrics or even full arrangements?. I fear my muse is gone.”

“Mmm, I see. Well, that would be stressful.”

“That’s an understatement. And I cut ties with Larissa, finally. We just let her go. It was pretty ugly.”

“You know what I think would help you?”

Looking up at the ceiling, I wince. My father’s suggestions are rarely helpful. “What’s that, Dad?”

“An Omega. If you had one in your life, she’d be a source of inspiration for you. Like a permanent muse.”

I release a heavy breath. My parents’ relationship is the stuff of legend—my Alpha father worships the ground that my petite Omega mother walks on. Their lives revolve around each other, and their love looks like it’s made of magic.

Do I want that for myself? A small part of me does.

A deeper connection with a vampire mate would be nice.

However, I don’t want to lose control of my freedom.

I want to regain the status quo as it was before the bomb that was Larissa.

An Omega would consume every breath I take, and I’m not signing up for that.

Humans and Betas come with less baggage and—my ex aside—fewer strings.

Although, at times, despite myself, I can’t help but feel like I’m missing out on something made only for me.

I shut that thought down hard. “You know how I feel about Omegas. They aren’t for me.”

“You’ll be home soon. While you’re here, you can visit the Sanctuary, see who’s there. You never know—your Omega could be waiting for you to find her.”

And this is why I’ve been avoiding my parents. They’re constantly on me to visit the Sanctuary.

I don’t even try to hold back my laughter. “I can’t take a mate on the road with me. I barely survived Larissa. An Omega would get jealous of the groupies, and it wouldn’t last. She’d also get bored quickly.”

“That’s not necessarily true. Your Omega mate might love being on the road with her Alpha. You need a mate, Nolan. Eternity is a long time to be alone.”

“I’m hardly alone. If you were here a few minutes ago and saw the women lined up to be with the band, you wouldn’t be talking the nonsense you are.”

“If you knew what you were missing by refusing to claim an Omega for yourself, you’d be kicking your own ass right now. Your mother and I want what we have for our only son. You deserve joy, connection, and love. There’s nothing like bonding with your mate.”

“So you’ve been telling me for years, Dad. I’ve heard it all before.”

“Yeah, because you’re a stubborn mule. You’d be an excellent mate for the right Omega, Nolan.

With your wealth and success, you could support a mate for the rest of eternity, and there’s nothing like the pride of providing for your Omega.

Nothing makes me prouder than providing your mother with everything her heart desires.

In fact, right now, I’m about to pick up the donuts she’s been craving. ”

“That’s good for you and Mom. It’s just not for me.”

He releases a heavy sigh into the phone.

“You aren’t getting any younger. It hurts us to know what you’re rejecting for yourself.

As an Alpha, you’re ignoring your nature.

Alphas and Omegas were made for each other.

One can’t flourish without the other. Every day, I hope that you’ll uncloak one of your fans and she’ll turn out to be your Omega, but it never happens. ”

In his dreams, that’s how my happy-ever-after unfolds, but for me, that would be hell.

I can’t imagine uncloaking an Omega on the road.

I’d have to take her home to make the vow to Lord Stryker that she’ll abide by the Covenant, and I can’t just leave the tour.

And what if she’s clingy, like Larissa? She’d probably expect me to claim her as my mate just because I uncloaked her, when any Alpha can uncloak any Omega.

It doesn’t have anything to do with being right for each other.

“Dad, if the only reason you called is to get on me about being single, then it’s a fruitless attempt. I don’t want a mate or a relationship. I’m happy for you and Mom, but that’s not for me. I’m sorry to disappoint you.”

“Fine.” I can tell by his silence it’s not fine. “When can we expect you home?”

“After Vegas. The tour’s almost finished, and then I’ll be home. Please give Mom a big hug for me.”

“Will do, and good luck finding your elusive muse. I hope she walks into your life and solves all your problems. And makes your head spin.”

“Whatever you say.”

He chuckles into the phone. “Alright. I’ll see you soon. Love you.”

“I love you too, Dad.”

We hang up, and the heavy sensation in my body makes the surrounding noise disappear.

I know he wants me to be happy, and he thinks that means claiming an Omega, but my dad is becoming more forceful in his approach.

I understand it’s partly to do with him being an Alpha and used to getting what he wants, but what about what I want?

The Alpha in me will push back every time, especially now, after the issues with Larissa.

I need to focus on writing new material, not on a relationship.

This time, I hope my dad’s wishes for me never come true.