Page 7

Ava

T he screaming, cheering crowd is electrifying, like endless waves crashing into the shore. The guys step on stage and pick up their instruments, and the blinding stage lights burst on and illuminate Death by Dawn.

I’ve been to concerts before but have never watched from backstage in the wings. I can see and feel everything. With the roadies and production crew bustling by and with Stella beside me, I feel like I’m part of the in-crowd.

Nolan introduces the band, and they begin the first song.

Nolan’s voice is deep and smooth like velvet and has me hanging on every word.

The men respond with bellowing roars and the women scream even louder.

I wonder how Nolan feels about his fame.

Does he like the attention, or does he loathe it?

I’m not sure which option I would feel if I were him.

Just yesterday, I had no idea this would be in my future.

It’s better than front-row seats to the hottest show in the country, maybe even the world.

Yesterday, I struggled with loneliness, and today I’m surrounded by a rock band and all their adoring fans at their last show in LA before departing for Las Vegas.

As the band’s first song builds in speed and intensity, the audience erupts in another flurry of sound. I look into the crowd.

From the wings, the sound of the crowd is almost abrasive to my ears, but I wouldn’t miss this experience for the world.

These people paid a lot to be here, and I have access for free.

I wonder how many women are here hoping to gain Nolan’s attention.

His natural charm is off the charts. He doesn’t need to try; his charisma is like a second skin.

I wonder if I’ll have the same allure and effortless attractiveness once I’m a vampire.

Will I enjoy the attention? I’m not sure.

Until now, I’ve been a pretty uninteresting girl, and now my future is going to be all about Alphas, blood, and mating.

I squirm a little at that thought. I’ve hooked up with only one guy in my life, when I was eighteen, and it wasn’t memorable; in fact, it was quite the opposite.

Lame, quick, and undesirable. I suspect being with a vampire will be different.

What about my life outside of House Stryker?

Stella and Nolan have careers. I wonder what the rules are about outside interests. I hope the same can be said for me.

It’s a lot to take in, but I can’t change it.

I know it’s just a matter of time before I’m thrust into vampire society more actively.

I need to learn everything I can, and quickly.

The things I knew about vampires before my uncloaking were clearly surface level, and only what the vampires allow humans to know about their world.

I can already see the unending attention Nolan garners.

He’s the kind of attractive that makes you want to drop everything and just stare for hours.

He’s even more handsome in person than in the media and on his Instagram posts.

His eyes looked like tempered chocolate, until he looked at me, and then they shone red like rubies or the freshest strawberries.

His light chestnut-colored hair falls in waves, and his sense of fashion seems relaxed and effortless, making me wonder if he really doesn’t try to come off as sexy.

He was voted sexiest man alive last year, which I find funny—I don’t think he cares much about it.

At least, that’s the vibe I got from him when we were getting to know each other earlier.

Being around an artist feels like peering into a mysterious hidden room.

Hearing Nolan and Rex talk about their music was thrilling.

Being around the band will have a positive impact on my personal feed as well as theirs.

I’m inspired to show more depth and creativity in Death by Dawn’s posts.

The feed is well established and popular, but I see a focus mainly on Nolan, and mainly on his looks rather than talent, and I know their fans would love to have a deeper connection with the entire band.

I can already tell they’re like a tight family unit, looking out for each other.

Only a foot away, Stella shouts to me, and I can barely hear her voice over the melody and harmony that Nolan and Ian are singing. “How do you like the show so far? They’re good, right?”

Nodding, I agree with her; they are good. I can see why they’re so popular. Their live show differs from the recorded tracks playing on streaming services. “They’re killer! Seeing them play live is soul-stirring.” I feel like I need to pinch myself to prove this is real.

Stella smiles. “Are you having a good time? I know the last twenty-four hours have been a little insane. Most newly uncloaked Omegas would be more stressed out than you are,” she says with a hint of concern.

I sense that she’s trying to get a read on me. I’m glad she’s been so welcoming and genuine. She could have treated me with suspicion, but she’s been the opposite. It makes this situation so much easier to navigate.

“Yeah, it’s been wild. I’m having fun. I just have so many questions, you know?”

“Yeah, I bet. Feel free to ask me anything—like Nolan, I’ll try to help when possible. House Stryker is one of the best vampire houses in the United States.”

The next song is slower and quieter, a ballad, making it easier to hear each other. “You’re part of House Stryker? I noticed the fangs, but I didn’t want to assume.”

“Yeah, I’m a Beta pledged to Lord Stryker and the Szasz household.”

“Excuse my asking, but what’s the difference between an Alpha and a Beta?”

“Don’t ever feel bad about asking me anything.

You need to learn this somehow.” She holds my stare.

“Alphas are at the top of the hierarchy and mate and turn Omegas. They have responsibilities for the rest of us. Betas are below them in our social hierarchy—we’re your normal, everyday vampires.

There are more Betas than Alphas. Your kind, Omegas, are on the rare side.

That’s why vampire houses promise to protect you from Alphas who might mean to do you harm. ”

“Why would Alphas harm Omegas? Should I be worried about this?”

“Alphas can get territorial and aggressive when they’re challenged by another house. Omegas are a prize that most Alphas desire, and if an Omega is caught between two opposing Alphas, they can be harmed in the process. Vampire houses are competitive and so are their Alphas, some more than others.”

“Nolan and his dad seem normal.”

“Yeah, they’re great, but if you were promised to Nolan as the Omega he’s courting and another Alpha tried to gain your attention and interest, Nolan would feel challenged. Even though he is low-key, all Alphas become territorial and protective around their mates.”

“Are Betas ever bonded with Omegas?”

“No, never. Alphas can only produce offspring with Omegas, and your biology pulls you toward Alphas, not Betas. A Beta is bonded to an Omega only if there’s also an Alpha in the relationship. Betas bond with Alphas who have no interest in offspring.”

“I think I understand. When you say my biology will push me toward Alphas, what does that mean?”

“Now that Marcello has uncloaked you, your instincts will draw you toward unclaimed Alphas until you find and accept your future mate, and they claim you. Being around Nolan will exacerbate the instinct. Omegas are wired to find a suitable partner. You’ll probably crave a connection with him.

There are worse Alphas to be around. Nolan is a good Alpha. ”

“What, without my free will and choice?”

“No. Well, I mean, yes, in some ways. You can’t turn off your biology, but you can always choose your partner, Ava. You wouldn’t want to bond with the wrong person for eternity.”

My eyes widen. “No, definitely not.” I turn back to the stage.

Watching Nolan move through the set, I can’t help but wonder…He could probably have any woman he wanted. If biology is urging him to find an Omega, why doesn’t he have one yet?

Nolan glances toward the wings, and the most breathtaking smile lights up his face. I can’t help the giddiness swirling in my stomach. I look behind me to see who he’s smiling at, and Stella isn’t even next to me anymore—she’s talking with a group of roadies.

That gorgeous smile was directed at me.

Heat creeps up my skin, and I’m relieved it’s dark where I stand. There’s no way he could see my reaction. Now I know what all the fuss is about, why women are obsessed with him. When he gives me his attention, it makes me feel like I’m the only girl in existence.

The band plays a few more songs, and I’m a little tired of being on my feet in heels.

I walk to the nearest wall and lean against it, feeling Nolan’s sonorous voice move through my body and up the nape of my neck.

His voice grabs you by the throat, and the music washes you into a current of exhilaration.

I’ve been lulled into the energetic beat.

The band is so in sync with their audience that it feels magnetic when the song ends and the crowd roars louder than ever.

There’s no place any of them would rather be than in this moment.

I take another picture of the band playing their last notes in front of the enraptured crowd. This shot is my favorite of the night, and I know fans that couldn’t be here tonight will wish they had been.

Nolan says their goodbyes, and the band steps off the stage to take a break before the encore. The crowd cheers and chants for more, and Stella comes back to stand beside me. “So, your first Death by Dawn show was good, right?”

“So great! I loved it. I’ll post my photos online and interact with the fans who comment.”

As the band passes by, Stella nods and bumps fists with Rex, Ian, Eli, and Torin. Nolan is the last to step off the stage, and he stops in front of us. His skin shines with a slight sheen of sweat. I can only imagine how hot it is under those lights.