“Ashana’s story wasn’t just a role for me. It was a way of finding myself. Her transformation into a brave and powerful omega without losing herself felt like it came from my own heart. Some of you know I came from a trafficking hub, where I experienced the worst this world can offer. Acting became a survival mechanism for me to cope, and to perform in a film is a lifelong dream come true for me. So I say to everyone who hears me, no matter what you’re going through, have courage and keep climbing those mountains.”
I pause for effect, then add, “And support the feral alpha rehabilitation program, ’cause you never know if one of them might be your perfect mate.”
I hand the microphone back amid a round of applause, and I swear Zack claps loudest of all.
Hours later, Director Yun finds me at the after party dragging a reluctant Callisto through the Macarena dance. My boss scansme up and down, lips pursed together like something’s on his mind.
When he crooks his finger, I tug on Rickon’s sleeve, and we find a quiet corner where we can hear ourselves think, Zack and Callisto trailing behind us.
I lean toward the director and flash him a teasing grin. “Aren’t you so glad you invested in the red-head omega who pranced into your office?”
Mr Yun scrubs a hand over his face. “You’re eccentric.”
“Thank you.”
“It wasn’t a compliment.”
I flutter my lashes. “That’s up to me to decide.”
He rolls his eyes, but his dry lips quirk with a smile. “Regardless, you’re a talented actress.”
I settle my fingers under my chin coyly. “Best you’ve ever seen.”
He growls softly in exasperation. “Let me finish, woman!”
“Uh-huh.” I beam at him.
Director Yun sighs. “I noticed you haven’t auditioned for any new roles yet.”
I shrug one shoulder, making my beaded bodice ripple. “Well, I needed a bit of time off to recover and laze around with my alphas.”
“Deserved,” he says, nodding to himself. “But you do recall I’ve got options on you for eight years, right?”
I hold his gaze, a flicker of excitement igniting within. “Sounds like you have a plan.”
He smirks. “I’d like you to audition as the female lead for Alpha Spy 16. The role’s an undercover spy who’s been deep so long she’s been forgotten.”
A laugh spills out of me. Maybe I’ll borrow Red Hawk once more after all. Now she’ll show the whole world her survivalskills. I cock my head and beam at the director. “Thought you’d never ask.”
He sighs. “Why do I feel like I’ll regret this?”
I snicker. “I’m sure you will, many times, during filming, but hey,” I point at the oversized movie posterbackdrops on the walls. “It’ll all be worth it come box office release day.”
He snorts. Shaking his head, Valencio rummages through his pockets. “Where did I put it? Oh, here.” He holds up a business card. “Shaun Oltexdra asked me to give you this.”
“Should I know who he is?” I ask.
Rickon swivels toward me, eyes wide. “He’s the writer behindThe Omega’s Race.”
“Oh.” I brighten as the name and face click together. “What does he want with me?”
“He wants to write your story.”
I freeze. My story? All the grime and scars flash through my thoughts. My days have been a dirty, dark struggle from day one. Would anyone want to read about all that? But, I also got my happy ending, in the most amazing way, and everyone loves a story with a good ending, so maybe it would be worth my time. Besides, we can always use some more money to pour into the alpha rehab.
Callisto rests his hands on my shoulders. “That’s a fantastic idea, Red. The world needs to know how amazing you are.” I tip my head back to gaze up at him, enjoying the love pouring through our bond.
“Fine.” I snatch the card out of the director’s hand. “But you better be buying the movie rights.”
