Page 5 of Rebellious Harmony
“Your son…is Nolan Szasz.The lead singer of Death by Dawn.You must be joking.”I try to close my mouth—by now, my jaw has got to be grazing the ground.Their latest and greatest hit, “Cold Dead Heart” has been playing all over the internet.
“I’m quite serious, actually.It just so happens that Death by Dawn needs a new social media manager.And while we’ve just met, I have a strong sense that you’re the right person for the job.”He laughs at my expression, then turns to the counter to order his donuts.Donuts for his Omega.Nolan Szasz’s mom.What the hell?
I pull out my phone, needing a distraction while my world spins off its axis.I’ve gained four new followers and have fifteen new comments on my latest post, but I don’t care about that right now.
Catching my reflection on the screen, I realize that my eyes really are shining silver.Before I realize what I’m doing, my thumbs typeNolan Szasz.Death by Dawn has fifteen million followers.Fifteen million!I can’t even relate to that.Marcello wants me to meet his famous rock star son—the most famous vampire in the world.I see the resemblance between father and son.Clearly, Marcello is telling the truth, and something in the pit of my stomach—a knowing feeling—tells me I can trust him at his word.There is nothing insincere about him.
When I woke up this morning feeling down about my life, I had no idea this was coming, not at all.People’s lives don’t change like this in real life, only in movies.
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—andbeone.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 planetomorrow?”
“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?”
