Lights, Camera, Omega (Hollywood Omegas #1)

Vinny actually takes a step toward me, his hand rising almost as if he’s about to slap me across the face, when Magnus seems to materialize from thin air.

“It’s really a wonder how so many people take so few precautions when it comes to their online safety and the security of their personal digital devices,” Magnus chimes in, slipping in easily beside me—his arm hooking around my waist in a single fluid motion.

Vinny stops dead, blinking a few times as if to confirm that he is in fact face to face with the Magnus Wagner.

“Even Hollywood agents can get sloppy—using the same easy to guess passwords across multiple applications and devices.” Magnus yawns, almost bored.

“One could find strings of emails detailing your plans to accept a large sum of money, off the books, to ensure that a certain starlet was matched with a certain questionable pack of rockstars,” Magnus sniffs imperiously.

Vinny starts to break a sweat.

“Or possibly long message chains that reveal an agent with a storied reputation has actually been tampering with his client’s suppressant medication.” Magnus shakes his head gravely while Vinny wrings his hands.

The silence stretches on until I’m afraid the tension will cause Vinny to snap.

“Sounds like some kind of story you’d hear on a crime procedural,” Vinny laughs nervously when he finally speaks, pulling a handkerchief from his pocket to anxiously dab at his brow.

“It’s the kind of story that plenty of folks around town would be interested in hearing… If someone was to tell it,” Magnus’ thinly veiled threat lands, Vinny nods slowly.

“And hypothetically, if someone didn’t want this particular story to be told?” Vinny treads carefully.

“Well, I’d imagine that the story wouldn’t need to be told—if a certain someone were to keep their mouth shut and their nose clean,” Magnus muses.

“Of course, if such an imbecile were to even think about pulling that kind of shit with another starlet? I’d imagine that the story would be told almost immediately.” Magnus makes his warning as clear as possible without saying anything outright.

I can’t help but admire how deftly Magnus handles Vinny the eel.

“I see.” Vinny swallows hard, shoving his sodden handkerchief into the pocket of his jacket.

“Well—” He ventures a quick look around to make sure no one else has been standing too close or listening too carefully before he pastes on a fake smile and reaches out his hand to me.

“In that case, I wish you all the best, Miss Dale.” He gives a wooden handshake, stealing worried glances at Magnus all the while.

“Good luck, Mr. Stigliano,” Magnus smiles blithely.

“See you in the movies,” I add gleefully, waving Vinny off.

Even with Vinny out of the picture, I am a bundle of nerves on the way into my LaRenta callback.

I had been so preoccupied with my agent drama, and the anticipatory joy and dread of the weekend getaway that would supposedly explain and show all that Cosmo had been struggling to tell us via his words; I hadn’t actually been thinking that much about how my callback would go.

As it just so happens, I got the part.

At first, I was incredulous, standing there dumbly as Winnie and Martine complimented my monologue and offered me the part. Then, I was overjoyed. This is everything I ever wanted, everything I have worked for.

Gleefully, I accepted—happy tears streaming down my face. My new agent reviewed the contract and I signed with her approval.

Of course, with this monumental offer there had been good news and bad news.

The good news, the job was cream of the crop—the starring role in a triple-A summer blockbuster. It would open many doors, ensuring a more stable future for my career. Not to mention, the paycheck had been an eye-watering eight figure sum. I’d never imagined seeing that much money in my life, let alone from a single film.

The bad news, the film would be shooting on location on a remote island in the Koro Sea for several months. Filming would begin in less than three weeks.

With Julian, Cosmo, and Magnus working on pre-production for Magnus’ upcoming film, I can’t imagine this isn’t going to throw our still-forming pack into a tailspin of chaos and complications as a result of the incredible distance.

The duality of my dilemma hits me squarely in the chest. I am so excited to share my success with my pack… but just as scared of how they’ll react. What it might do to impact our relationship.

I suppose there’s only one way to find out.