Page 17 of Rebellious Harmony
“You make a girl fall hard for you, and I’m not sure if that’s good or awful.”
If it’s a good, albeit foolish, thing, I’m not sure what I’m doing to make her fall for me.I’m just helping a newly uncloaked Omega find her way into my world and adjust to her new life.I’m not trying to persuade her heart or mine.What would it be like if I actually courted her?My creativity is bubbling at the surface, and I feel compelled to write, but I don’t want to put Ava back in her nest just yet.I want to kiss her again.I’m compelled to write a song in her honor and share with the world how this Omega is stirring feelings in me that never existed before.
She seems genuinely happy to help promote the band, and Stella likes her; she could fit in with my closest friends, and her infectious happiness is contagious.The fact that she shares her passion and enthusiasm for donuts with her fans mirrors what I do through my music.I don’t doubt that she understands my lifestyle and how important it is to cater to the people who make that life possible.
She’s also not a starfucker, like so many groupies are.She’s grounded, not starstruck, which I find rare in most humans.
I find myself unable to push her away.
6
Ava
Bubbling over with excitement, I can hardly stay still.
Nolan’s warm hand rests on my thigh as he drives us somewhere unknown.When he told me he had a surprise for me, I wanted to know what it was so badly, so I started guessing, but to no avail.When he knocked on my door after working on music to tell me he was taking me somewhere, I got ready to go so fast I surprised even myself.We had to wait for the sun to go down, and I found myself impatient to explore Vegas for our first night here.
Being off of the Strip seems more intimate, with old gray brick buildings and sidewalks dressed in bright green bushes and tall iron streetlights.There are fewer people around, and I find I can take in more of the shops and their uniqueness without the loud bright lights that consume the Strip.
Since our kiss, Nolan’s affection has increased, and I love it.His touch is welcome, and it gives me butterflies as I catch more feelings for the Alpha sitting next to me in the driver’s seat of his ridiculously flashy sports car.
“It’s late at night.Is it a walk around a secluded park?”I guess.“I hope you can protect me against serial killers!”
He laughs at my nonsense, and I’m pleased that he handles my jokes well.It would suck if he had a dry sense of humor.Honestly, I don’t know what his surprise for me is, so I keep coming up with ridiculous scenarios.
“No, Ava, the surprise is not a secluded walk with a serial killer.I don’t know about my skills for murdering someone who tries to harm you, but I think I have your personal security handled with my size alone.”
I can’t help but agree.He’s tall and muscular.So was his dad.I wonder if it’s a family trait or an Alpha vampire thing.Maybe both.I like our size discrepancy—I feel safer with him around.
“Is it seeing strippers at the Pussy Cat Theatre?I’ve always wanted to see how they swing those sparkly tassels around with their ginormous boobs.I mean, that takes some skill.”I look over to catch his expression.
He gives a wolfish grin then bites his lip, holding in his laughter.“Not this time, but I’ll add it to the list for the future.For your research purposes, of course.I wouldn’t want your curiosity to get the best of you.”
I like that we’re becoming more comfortable with each other and that he can dish it back to me.The more witty our banter gets, the closer I feel to him.He seems to like my quirks.
“Well, I guess I need to think of more possibilities.”
“No, you don’t, sweetness, because we’re here.”
He parks his fancy car at the curb, and I look over to see a brightly lit shop.The interior looks like an explosion of hot pink and white.Glancing at the sign, I realize it’s a donut shop.I smile so big that it hurts my face.I’m touched that he came up with this idea.So personal and thoughtful.Since our night of nesting and kisses, we’ve been getting to know each other between his sound checks and publicity interviews.The band has really warmed up to me too, with Rex checking out each photo before I post them.
Nolan is more than a famous rock star and vampire—he’s thoughtful and a true artist, something he hides from the rest of the world with the charming persona he projects like a mask.He’s warm and unruffled with his band, joking around with the guys and Stella, and they function like an unbreakable family unit.I wonder if it’s similar to or different from the atmosphere at House Stryker.
“Nolan, you know how to speak to my heart.Are you secretly a sugar pusher who’s giving me my next fix?Or maybe you’re trying to seduce me?”
“Maybe both.”He brushes my hair from my eyes.“Come on, let’s get you your next high.I’m sure your followers will love that you’re in Vegas.”
He’s right.My followers might be thrown that I’m not in California, but I know they’ll be excited.I haven’t been to Vegas before and can’t wait to share this new place with them.Nolan climbs out, walks around the front, and opens the door of the low-slung car.Holding out his hand, he helps me out of the car, probably so I don’t flash my hoo ha to anyone who might be around.
He locks the car and places his hand on my lower back as he ushers me inside the shop.The door chimes with a bell overhead, and there are only a few people at this hour enjoying the sweet treats.
I would have thought Nolan’s nighttime schedule would be a hard adjustment for me, but for the past few nights, so much has been happening that I’ve been going to bed when the sun comes up.I guess adjusting to a vampire’s schedule is part of preparing to become one myself.
We walk to the glass cases, and I scope out my mainstays while perusing my other options.I shouldn’t have more than two before bed, but I can’t pass up the opportunity to try a new place.Nolan greets the man behind the counter and starts looking as well.
I snap a few pictures for my post.When I know which donuts I want, I wait patiently for Nolan to choose his own.He looks at me and stands by the register.“You ready, Ava?Made up your mind yet?”
“I have.”I walk to him, and he grabs my waist and pulls me close.“Well, tell the man what you want.”
