Page 61 of Renegade Nights (La Vega Vampire Showstoppers 3)

“Good. I’m ready for the show to move on.”

“Everything is all set. Hayley’s going to be stoked.” Mya saunters toward the centerstage of our brand-new auditorium, twice as big as the stage she used to perform on at the Aris, and better equipped.

Hayley has been antsy for months, and I want nothing more than to surprise her with a piece of her past that she never wanted to give up. Performing has always been in her blood. It’s a part of her very nature. Being able to work with Mya and the rest of the Gemstones to bring her this seriously makes my eternity.

“Have you tested the signage?” I stare up at the inlet cursive letters decorating the back wall. Hayley will headline one show a week as the Dazzling Dhampir. Mya will take two nights and we will rotate shows between donors the other times. No one will be forced to make it rain blood nor will they be paraded as property.

Everyone can get a seat to enjoy the show, humans and vampires alike. It is not exclusive, nor do people have to give up blood to attend. It’s not a show to provide entertainment to the most powerful vampires and there are no behind the scenes after parties. It is simply here to bring joy to the world just as Hayley brings joy to us.

“Yes, it’s absolutely perfect. You’re going to have to wait to see it though. I want to watch all of your faces.” Mya claps her hands and twirls, sending her sequined costume flowing out. Because tonight is a special event just for us. For the Bella Crew and the Gemstones and everyone who has helped us get everything together. It is a celebration that we will never forget.

“Hurry up and get everyone together. I’ll call Hayley and the others down.” I grin at Mya and pull my com device from my pocket. I tap my finger across the screen, sending a message to Sawyer, and then I head toward the lobby and the reception area outside of the theater.

It doesn’t take them long at all to come down the elevator and I cross my arms as I block the entrance, waiting for Mya to signal me.

I hold my arms out, reaching for Hayley and Kylie, and Sawyer sets Hayley on her feet in front of me. I meet her for a kiss as I scoop Kylie up and nestle my face against her belly. She smells just like Hayley, and it comforts me. It helps ease the nerves constantly rolling through me, the worry of everything falling apart vanishing with their closeness. Because as long as we’re always together, I know we’re going to be okay.

“What’s this all about? I thought this was going to be the new donor entertainment lounge.” Hayley stands on her tiptoes, trying to peek around me, though a heavy velvet curtain blocks her view.

I kiss her again, distracting her the best I can as Sawyer sneaks past us and into the theater. I spot Knox and Monroe coming from the main desk, and I bump my fist to each of theirs as they stroll by, each taking a moment to kiss our girl and our daughter.

“This isn’t what you told me it was going to be, is it?” Hayley asks, shuffling back to place her hands on her hips. “I should’ve known. Mya was acting extra sneaky.”

I fake-glare at her. “Don’t even start trying to guess yet. It’s a surprise.”

Hayley opens her mouth to argue with me, but a drum roll sounds through the air, alerting me that Mya and the rest of the Gemstones are ready for us. I rush the foot of space to Hayley and pick her up, tossing her over one shoulder while I cradle Kylie in my other arm. Laughing, Hayley smacks my back and wiggles, but she doesn’t try to break free. She enjoys being carried around like this. She enjoys the surprises we have in store for her.

This is going to be one of the best ones yet.

“Welcome to the Bella’s first performance of the greatest headliner in all of La Vega.” Mya’s voice booms through the air as she takes the lead as the emcee of the show.

The small crowd cheers, and I carry Hayley all the way to the side stage, where a set of stairs will take us up.

“Now, for the immensely talented duo you’ve been waiting for. Let’s give a huge round of applause for the Dazzling Dhampir and her aerial acrobatics partner the Vivacious Vamp!” Mya spins and sweeps her arm in our direction, her flowing sequined dress swaying with her movements.

I’m going to have to fucking talk to her about the stage name she picked out for me. I don’t know if I’m exactly the Vivacious Vamp. Though I could be like Brawny Barbarian or some shit. But I guess that doesn’t go with Mya’s theme, and I might have to suck it up, since she’s the choreographer, emcee, and new showrunner.

“What the hell? I’m not even prepared.” Hayley tries to stop me from escorting her onto the stage, but Mya meets us and offers her hand to Hayley.

“Come on, Hayley. Your fans are waiting for you. You know what to do. Do you remember the show we had choreographed behind Opal’s back and never got to perform?” Mya asks Hayley.

Hayley’s eyes widen, and she flashes a smile. “You know I do.”

“Then let the show go on, Dazzling Dhampir. You’re the star.” Mya vanishes and returns to her spot centerstage, grabbing the glittering microphone from its stand. The lights dim and the music rises in volume. A couple silk ropes fall from above.

“Your costume is on the left behind the mirror on the platform.” I zoom across the stage into the ladder. “I’ll see you on the other side.”

Knox appears next to me, sneaking out to grab Kylie, and I take my position near the ropes.

A light beams across the stage, climbing up the ladder to illuminate the platform.

Hayley materializes in her sequin and rhinestone costume, a colorful blue and turquoise wig pinned in place on her head, and ruby lipstick painted on her lips. The crowd roars in excitement as she poses with her arms out.

I’ve never seen such a stunning sight before. Hayley jumps from her platform and flips in the air. Like my soaring heart, filled with happiness, I savor my beautiful dhampir. I watch as she flies.

La Vega is her stage, and the Bella is her home.

As for the rest of us? We are her forever.

---