The band released a torrent of sound as the lead singer stepped forward, belting out lyrics. The lights played in the dark curls of her hair, her large brown eyes sparkled as she wailed, her voice creamy and deep, effortlessly hitting every note. The five-piece band, clad in various forms of leather and denim, exuded a raw, rebellious energy. The two female members wore fishnets, adding to the edgy aesthetic. Painted in distressed block letters across the bass drum was the name:Sungods.My attention shifted to the guitarist on the side of the stage, startling when I recognized him. Connor. He was a whirlwind of talent and passion, his finger dancing across the strings as the lights above caught and illuminated his disheveled hair.
I looked over at Vail. Her lips were curled into a subtle smile as she swayed to the music. I looked back at Connor, admiring the strobe lights spreading colours across his features. He looked out across the crowd until he spotted me.His gaze focused on mine. Eyes gleaming with recognition and what looked like desire. The world around me faded into the background as Connor continued to play, his eyes never leaving mine. The band’s performance reached a crescendo, and the crowd erupted into applause as people moved in around us.
A rush of warmth enveloped me, and tearing my gaze away from the stage, I met Vail’s eyes. She raised an eyebrow, a knowing smile playing at the corner of her lips.
“Seems like you’ve found something quite intriguing.”
“I know him.”
The band launched into another song, and Vail took my hand, leading me to the other side of the room. I glanced back at Connor for a moment before getting lost in the crowd.
George sat in a booth engaged in conversation with a young man. I hadn’t even noticed George’s absence while we watched the band; my attention had been so thoroughly locked on Connor.
We slid into the booth, and Vail leaned in to press a quick kiss to George’s cheek.
“Miss us?” she teased.
George chuckled, pulling her in with a playful tug. “You wish.”
Vail glanced at the human sitting next to George before inquiring in a whisper, “Who’s this?”
George lowered his voice so only we could hear him. “A snack for later.” Louder this time, he introduced the man, “This is my new friend, Ryley.”
I greeted Ryley with a wave, and he responded with a warm smile before excusing himself to use the restroom.
“I’ll come with you,” George said, rising from the booth. Before leaving, he handed Vail a small baggie filled with white powder. “I got this from a guy in the bathroom earlier. I tried asking about his supplier, but he just mentionedsome other guy I’ve already talked to. I was tempted to drink his blood and follow his memories. But I didn’t want to risk it; I was worried he had this shit in his system.”
“Good work,” Vail acknowledged.
“No problem,” George said, slipping away into the crowd after Ryley.
I drained my drink, biting back the urge to tell Vail about my possible encounter with the drug at the lake. I wanted to tell her, but opening up meant inviting her concern, and I knew exactly how she got when she worried. I couldn’t afford for her to get too attached to me again, not when my plan was to leave once all of this was sorted.
I felt someone standing close behind me. Swiftly, I whirled around and caught the person’s wrist just as they were reaching out to touch me, only to find Connor’s face looking back at me.
“You shouldn’t sneak up on people like that,” I told him, feeling his pulse beneath my fingers. A warm current buzzed up my arm from where our skin touched before I reluctantly let go.
“Mind if I join?” he replied with a smile, his dimples appearing.
Before I could answer, he was already sliding into the booth next to me.
“I thought I saw you here when I was playing,” he remarked.
“You’re good,” I complimented him.
“Yeah, Rosie couldn’t keep her eyes off of you,” Vail chimed in, injecting a playful tone.
I turned away, pretending not to hear her comment.
Connor smiled and extended his hand to Vail. “I’m Connor.”
“Vail,” she responded. “How do you two know each other?”
“We met last night. I helped—"
“We met at the fireworks,” I said quickly, cutting him off before he could finish. I forced a smile.
Vail didn’t seem to dwell on it. Instead, I noticed her knee bouncing under the table. Gently, I placed my hand on it. “You feel all right?”
