Page 9 of Rock of Stages
I traced my fingers over the blue and green floral sundress that flowed over my legs. “No, it’s perfect.”
“If you’re hungry, we can go back upstairs. There’s a buffet that’s open now. Otherwise, we can get something to eat after my show tonight.”
“Show?” I repeated, my ears perking up.
“Yes. Our band is playing tonight.” He cocked his head. “Do you want to come watch us play? We start in about an hour.”
I grinned from ear to ear. “I’d love to.”
The luminous smile he returned sent sparks dancing inside me. Slippery seashells, if a simple expression could have such a potent effect, what would it feel like if he touched more of me with those large hands?
Yikes. Why was I thinking that way? Of not just a land-walker but one who flew in the sky. His world was land and sky. Mine was in the sea.
“Come, I’ll show you the Nocturnal Lounge, where we’re playing tonight.” His smile turned boyish as he quickened his steps.
“Whoa, still getting used to these.” I chuckled as I teetered. “And you have big strides I can’t keep up with.”
“Sorry.” His expression turned sheepish. “I’ll slow down.” We crossed a busy deck where he pointed out the doors to the Nocturnal Lounge. “This is where we’re playing tonight. I better meet up with the band to get ready for our set. Are you okay with exploring on your own for a bit?”
I smiled at him. “Yes.” With a wave, I added, “Go on, I’ll be fine.”
He released my hand slowly as he headed toward the door but then stopped and searched my face. “Promise you’ll return? You won’t go diving off into the ocean on me?”
I smiled at him. “I promise.”
His chest heaved with a deep exhale. “See you soon, Naiya.”
I inhaled, relishing the sound of my name from his lips, which seemed to give a gentle tug on that magical tether between us.
An hour later,I stepped into the lounge with dark-wood paneling and a bar in the back of the room. The instruments were set up on the stage and small tables and chairs lined the space below. The ship’s passengers strolled past—wolf shifters laughing, a vampire couple gliding by hand in hand, and a pair of witches bickering over a spell. As supernaturals ordered bright, colorful drinks and took their seats, the room buzzed with energy.
I took a seat at a table near the front. The lights dimmed onstage as figures walked out, then brightened to a purplish hue as Van stepped up to the microphone.
“We’re Luna Blue Shadows.” He unleashed a cocky smile and pumped his fist. “Who’s ready to rock this ship with us tonight?”
Lots of shouts and cheers followed as the crowd caught his energy.
“Let’s start this up with Queen.”
Rex, the bearded wolf shifter, picked up his bass, and Damien, the dark-haired vampire, strode over to his guitar.
Caleb walked on stage back in gargoyle form—gray skin, wide shoulders, wings tucked behind him. My gaze hooked on him.
He sat behind his drum set, retracting his impressive wings. Rolling his shoulders back, he raised his sticks before hammering the drums at a steady pace.
Slippery conch shells, could Caleb play. From the first beat, I was transfixed by the sound as it tumbled through me—like a wave crashing through coral. His primal rhythm captivated me just like it had when I’d been swimming beneath the water, following the music from the ship.
Van grabbed the mic and sang, “We Will Rock You,” and the crowd sang along enthusiastically, but I couldn’t tear my eyes off Caleb. The muscles in his arms rippled as he moved them. His slate-gray eyes were sharp and focused while he appearedto both lose himself in the music while leading with the pulse of the band.
They continued through more songs. Van said, “Here’s one of my favorite Led Zeppelin songs, D’yer Mak’er.”
I recognize it from my time on land, but now the lyrics echoed in my brain, a haunting melody repeating that I didn’t have to go.
Didn’t I? My home was the sea. I didn’t belong here above the surface.
He looked up, sweat shining on his brow, and his eyes caught mine. Something fluttered in my stomach, bright and warm, like the morning tide catching the first rays of sunlight.
Every beat of the drum echoed in me. I’d always loved music. The times I’d gone on shore, I sought it out and listened to it wherever I could. This, though—this was utterly different. Caleb wasn’t just playing—it was as if he was seducing me with this rhythm, reinforcing that beat that whispered I didn’t have to go.
