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Maybe a vampire husband is what I’ve been missing in my life. I’ve always wanted a partner who makes butterflies swirl in my stomach. Someone who wants me for me, deeper than a surface-level attraction. My father loved my mother so much he couldn’t live without her; I want that in my life, too.

I trace Nolan Szasz’s selfie with my thumb. He looks a lot like Marcello. His wavy shoulder-length hair is the color of a chai tea latte—my favorite—and his brown eyes look like cinnamon. His caramel complexion suits him. There’s no denying that Nolan Szasz is gorgeous.

I would be stupid not to jump at this opportunity.

Going on the road with the band might be the kind of adventure I need in my life.

There’s nothing keeping me here, no family, no close friends, only donuts and loneliness and a sea of followers whom I can chat with from anywhere.

And at least I would have a job I would excel at.

What would being around a vampire be like? I mean, Marcello seems nice and friendly. He’s getting his Omega donuts, for God’s sake. The best donuts in San Diego County. I can hope Nolan Szasz is as nice as his dad.

I can’t believe this is my actual life.

Marcello leaves the window with his pink box of goodness and waits to one side for me to order. “Hi, Ava! What can I get for you tonight?” Vinny, the cashier, says.

“Six cinnamon sugar croissant donuts and six chocolate donuts with rainbow sprinkles. For my bonus, I’ll have a raspberry cream with powdered sugar.” I think I sound a bit stunned, but Vinny doesn’t seem to notice.

“Sure. Any coffee?”

“A lavender chai tea latte, please.” Chai tea, like Nolan Szasz’s stunning hair.

Marcello reaches over me and puts his card down to pay for my donuts. Hesitating, I look at him, and his warm smile wipes away any objections to his chivalry. “Thank you for the offer, Marcello, but I get free donuts as part of my gig.”

“Oh, don’t mention it. It’s my pleasure.” He smiles. “I’m sure you have many questions. Nolan can help you transition to your life as an Omega and teach you about becoming a vampire. But is there more you’d like to ask me now?”

I’m staring at him again. “I’m sorry, I missed a step—I’m becoming a vampire? Do Omegas become vampires?”

“Omega mates get turned into vampires, yes,” he confirms, and I remind myself to breathe.

I’ve always loved the idea of vampires, and part of me is thrilled that my dull, depressing life has changed.

If I accept this job, I’ll get to meet Nolan Szasz and a vampire lord.

Someday, I’ll marry a vampire—and be one.

This can’t be a bad thing, right? I’m an Omega—technically, this was always meant to happen.

Vinny hands me my box of donuts and the chai tea, and I follow Marcello to a bench and sit down with him.

Marcello glances at my phone and laughs. “You checked out Nolan’s Instagram profile?”

“Yeah, I needed a distraction,” I say, looking up at the moon. The air is mild, and the stars are bright. “This is a lot to take in.”

“This is the way of things. Uncloaking around an Alpha happens to all Omegas. I know my mate, Gianna, would happily answer any of your questions too.”

“That’s helpful, thank you.” I sip my drink and organize my thoughts. “Why wouldn’t my parents have known I’m an Omega?”

“The Omega gene is recessive and skips generations, and your most recent ancestors most likely were never in close enough proximity to an Alpha vampire to be uncloaked. Odds are that neither of your parents expressed the gene. Many Omegas slip through the cracks undetected.”

“This is all so wild. I can barely get my head around it all.” Marcello smiles at me reassuringly. “So, if I accept this position, what are the next steps?”

“I will put you on a private jet tomorrow so you can join the band on the last leg of their tour.”

And again, I’m gaping at him like a fish. “I’m sorry, what? You want to put me on a plane tomorrow ?”

“Yes, I do. They need a new social media manager, and you are just the person for the role. I think you and Nolan will hit it off well. You’re outgoing and understand how to deal with the public, enough to survive the fame that follows my son.

Plus, he can help you learn the ins and outs of being a new Omega.

Technically, I should be bringing you to our sanctuary tonight, to keep you safe from other vampire houses and away from unaligned Alphas.

I’ll admit I’m slightly bending the rules here, and even with my position in House Stryker, I can get away with only so much.

Alphas in House Stryker will be dying to meet you as soon as they learn of your existence.

But I believe my son needs you more, and he will keep you safe. ”

“Your rock star son needs me?”

“Yes. Beyond the band’s need for a social media manager, his creativity is stifled, and I think you’ll help him find his spark again.

You’re unlike other Omegas, Ava—you’re taking all of this very well.

He can help you, and you can help him. Now that your Omega nature has been uncloaked, things will change for you.

As an Alpha, Nolan can guide you through these changes. ”

Marcello takes out his phone and begins texting.

He looks up again. “Well, good. This makes things easy—Stella, my son’s band manager, is also one of our kind, and she says she would love to have you, if you want the position. What do you think?”

“Looks like this lonely girl won’t be so alone anymore,” I say, chuckling, thinking about all the reasons that this could be a bad idea. But mostly, I’m excited. I’ll get to meet more vampires, learn about my new nature, and get a break from the monotony of my life.

Marcello regards me. “I’m sorry you were ever lonely, Ava.

I’m glad we met tonight. You are quite the quirky girl.

The first donut influencer I’ve ever met.

” He winks at me. I know you’ll hit it off with Nolan and the rest of his band.

And when you get back into town, you can meet my mate, and we’ll introduce you to Lord Stryker.

You can also move into the sanctuary with the other Omegas.

It’s a great place. How does that sound? ”

Smiling, I take a sip of my latte. The spicy flavor bursts on my tongue, and I feel a sense of rightness.

“I say…yes. To all of it. I would love to meet your mate and hear what she thought of the donuts.” I’m stepping into an unknown world.

A world of vampires and their mates. Royal houses and rock stars. This can’t be my life.

Marcello grins, “I’ll need you to pack tonight and tie up any loose ends tomorrow. You’ll find yourself in LA, and then Las Vegas. It should be an adventure.”

Taking another deep breath, I inhale the cool night air. Although Marcello Szasz is a stranger, I see the sincerity in his eyes. He loves and trusts his family and is confident they’ll help me and that I’m what Death by Dawn needs.

Let’s just hope Nolan agrees.