“Girl, the phones are ringing like crazy,” Marcy says. “People are asking where you are. Your listeners are getting antsy.”
I let out a laugh. “It’s only been a week since my last broadcast. Anyway, give me two minutes to get switched on with all the equipment. I have my phone here with the app ready to take your transferred calls.”
“Two minutes. I’m timing you.” She giggles and hangs up.
I move quickly. Checking connections. Testing audio levels. Making sure the encryption on my location is active.
My mind is racing with how quickly my listeners have invested in my latest undercover mission. They want updates. My last two undercover stunts had listeners obsessing over every detail. The voice drops, the coded updates, the slow-burn unraveling of corporate Alpha nonsense. People ate it up like it was their favorite drama series. This job might be a differenttown, different cover, but the formula? Pretty much the same. Go in, expose the rot, get out.
Except now there’s a wild card.
Jasper freaking Lawson.
One of the Alphas at Wilde Charters. Also my landlord. Ice-blue eyes, cocky smile, and a scent that hit me like a brick wall.
Nope. Not thinking about that or him.
I take a deep breath, center myself, and flip the switch.
I’m live.
“Hey, my heat warriors and heartbreak survivors, this is Sunny, still standing and here to turn up the heat,” I purr into the mic, letting my voice drip with that slow, sultry confidence I save for this show. I use my online name, concealing my real identity. “You’re listening toThe Heat Line,where we light fires under the conversations nobody else has the nerve to touch.”
The chat feed lights up on my screen at the side. Questions flooding in.
“So, for those just joining us, here’s the situation. I told you last week that I was going undercover. That I was going to investigate a company that’s been rumored to quietly push out Omegas. Make them feel like they don’t fit, like they’re the problem.”
I take a sip of water to tease them.
“And I’m happy to report that I’ve arrived. I’m settled in. And as of today, I’m officiallyemployed.”
The chat explodes, lighting up like fireworks across my screen.
“I know, I know. You want details. And don’t worry, I’ve got stories for days. But remember the rules. No names. No specific company details. We’re keeping this safe and legal because the last thing I need is a lawsuit knocking on my door and shutting us down.”
I lean back in my chair, smiling as the messages keep flying.
“Starting tomorrow, the deep dive begins. I’ll be sharing what I can, when I can, and as always, thank you for being ride-or-die with me. The passion, the emails, the support, it means everything. I see your DMs. I read every rant, every theory, every spicy guess. Keep ’em coming.”
I glance at my phone. The call screen is already lighting up.
“Oh, we’re live tonight, aren’t we?” I say, grinning. “Let’s open the lines. Any questions you’ve got for me or for Omegas out there trying to survive this weird little world, we’re doing it together. Let’s go.”
I click through.
“You’re live with Sunny.”
“Hi! Oh my God, I’m so nervous.” The voice is bright, younger, male. “Okay, so this isn’t about being fired or anything serious, but I just went on my first real date with an Omega female, and it was amazing. But now I don’t know if I’m supposed to text first or wait for her to text or?—”
I grin, already in host mode. “Okay, first of all, breathe. Second, text her. Life’s too short to play games.”
“But what if she thinks I’m too eager?”
“Then she’s not your person. Next question.”
He laughs, caught off guard. “Really?”
“Really. If someone thinks you’re too much just for showing interest, they’re not the right match. Text her. Say you had a great time. Worst-case scenario, she ghosts you. Best case? She’s staring at her phone right now, hoping you’re brave enough to make the first move.”
