Revealing the Truth
Revealing the Truth
(Amber’s POV)
+25 BONUS
“That awesome photographer… is me,” I declared, watching Shannon’s expression shift from surprise to disbelief.
She scoffed, tossing her honey–colored hair over her shoulder. “You expect me to believe that? The mysterious master who shot Sophia’s breakthrough spread?”
I leaned back in my chair, unfazed by her skepticism. “Believe what you want.”
Shannon crossed her arms, her perfectly manicured nails tapping against her sleeve. “Everyone knows you’re just a spoiled pack heiress playing with cameras.”
“Is that so?” I kept my voice level, though Cora growled softly beneath my skin.
“I specifically chose *Moon* magazine for my comeback because I wanted to work with that photographer,” Shannon continued, her voice growing passionate. “That artist captured something in Sophia that no one else could see.”
This revelation surprised me. I hadn’t realized Shannon admired my work so deeply.
“I even approached Jessica about it,” she admitted. “But she wouldn’t tell me who shot those photos. Said there was some confidentiality agreement.”
I nodded slowly. “There was. Still is, technically.”
Shannon rolled her eyes. “Look, I get it. You’re trying to save face for Paige’s sister–in–law so she doesn’t have to resign when this shoot fails. But claiming to be my idol? That’s low, even for you.”
Her words stung more than I wanted to admit. Not because I cared what Shannon thought of me personally, but because my work meant something to me.
“Wait here,” I said, pulling out my phone and scrolling through my files.
Shannon sighed dramatically. “What now? More empty claims?”
I found what I was looking for and turned the screen toward her. “Watch this.”
The video began to play—a behind–the–scenes recording from Sophia Winters‘ photoshoot three years ago. Paige had captured it from across the studio, showing me directing Sophia through various poses.
Shannon’s eyes widened as she watched me work, giving the exact directions that had resulted in the iconic images she admired. “Paige recorded this as a memento,” I explained. “She knew I was a fan of Sophia’s acting.”
The video continued, showing me adjusting lighting and demonstrating the precise emotional expression I wanted from Sophia. “That confidentiality agreement you mentioned? I’m the one who requested it,” I said as the video ended. “I wanted my work to stand on its own merits, not my family name.”
Shannon stared at me, speechless for perhaps the first time since I’d known her.
“The agreement was also to avoid tipping off Jessica Carter,” I continued. “The deputy editor has been trying to discover my identity for years. I’ve been saving the reveal for the right moment”
Shannon swallowed hard. “So all this time…”
“Yes,” I confirmed. “All this time.”
Shannon became remarkably cooperative after our conversation. She followed my directions precisely, her body language transforming from stiff resistance to fluid grace.
“Chin slightly lower,” I instructed, and she adjusted immediately.
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Revealing the Truth
“Eyes toward the light,” I said, and she shifted her gaze perfectly
+25 BONUS
Through my lens, I could see the transformation. Shannon was no longer sabotaging the shoot–she was giving me her best work.
Jessica Carter watched from the sidelines, clearly confused by the sudden change but smart enough not to question it.
After we wrapped, Paige approached me as I was packing up my equipment.
“What did you say to her?” she whispered, glancing at Shannon who was now chatting amicably with her agent. “She’s like a different person.”
I smiled, securing my camera in its case. “I showed her the video you took during Sophia’s shoot.”
Paige’s eyes widened. “The behind–the–scenes one? You’ve been guarding that footage for years!”
“It was worth it to see the look on her face,” I admitted. “I also warned her to keep my identity secret.”
“And she agreed?” Paige asked skeptically.
I nodded. “I made it clear that if she didn’t, I’d only photograph her competitors from now on.”
Paige laughed softly. “Clever. But do you think she’ll actually keep quiet?”
“She will,” I said confidently. “Shannon understands the value of a well–timed reveal better than most. It’s her bread and butter as a model.”
Paige seemed satisfied with my explanation, but then her expression grew pensive. “Have you seen Ryan? He disappeared after your… conversation.”
I studied my friend’s face, noting the subtle signs of distress in her eyes. “No, I haven’t. Is everything okay between you two?”
Paige’s smile didn’t reach her eyes. “It’s complicated.”
“Want to talk about it?” I offered, my amber eyes showing concern despite my casual tone.
She shook her head. “Not yet. I’m still processing.”
I squeezed her arm gently. “When you’re ready, I’m here.”
I returned to my riverside apartment exhausted but satisfied. Cora purred contentedly beneath my skin as I collapsed onto my bed, still fully clothed.
The confrontation with Shannon had gone better than expected. Not only had I managed to complete the photoshoot successfully, but I’d also gained an unlikely admirer in the process.
I slept until 8 PM, waking only when my stomach growled insistently, After a quick shower and change of clothes, I heated some leftover venison stew and settled on the couch with my laptop to review the day’s photos.
Shannon looked stunning in every frame. Once she’d stopped fighting me, her natural beauty and modeling talent had shone through.
At 11 PM, I heard the front door open and Dominic’s familiar scent filled the apartment. My wolf Cora perked up immediately, her happiness spilling into my consciousness.
“You’re back,” I said, closing my laptop as he entered the living room.
Dominic looked tired but pleased to see me. His usually perfect hair was slightly disheveled, and his blue eyes held the weariness of a long day.
“How was the neighboring territory?” I asked, making room for him on the couch.
He sat beside me, loosening his tie. “Productive. The border dispute is resolved.”
Revealing the Truth
+25 BONUS
I nodded, knowing how much diplomatic work went into maintaining peace between wolf packs. As the heir to the Blackwood Pack, Dominic shouldered enormous responsibility.
‘And your day?” he asked, his piercing blue eyes studying my face. “How did the photoshoot with Shannon go?”
I thought about the drama with Shannon, the revelation of my identity as her idol, and the tension between Paige and Ryan. It all seemed too complicated to explain when he was clearly tired.
“It went well,” I said simply. “Better than expected, actually.”
Dominic raised an eyebrow, clearly sensing there was more to the story, but he didn’t press.
I reached for the remote and turned on the television. “They’re showing the final episode of ‘Healing Howls‘ tonight. Want to watch?”
He nodded, settling more comfortably beside me as the show began. It was a supernatural therapy series starring Sophia Winters, who played a counselor helping traumatized young werewolves.
“She’s quite talented,” Dominic observed as we watched Sophia’s character guide a young wolf through his first transformation. “She works with real trauma cases off–screen too,” I said admiringly. “Donates her time at the youth centers in the territory.”
Dominic glanced at me. “You’re a fan?”
I nodded. “I photographed her once for a magazine spread, but I was too nervous to ask for an autograph afterward.”
A small smile played at the corners of Dominic’s mouth. “I could get it for you, if you’d like. The Blackwood Pack is sponsoring her next charity event.”
My eyes widened. “Really? You’d do that?”
He shrugged, as if it were nothing. “Of course.”
I leaned against his shoulder, touched by the gesture. It was these small moments of thoughtfulness that kept st about Dominic.
As the credits rolled, my thoughts drifted back to Paige and her troubled expression earlier. “Dominic,” I began hesitantly, “do you know what’s going on between Ryan and Shannon?”
His body tensed slightly beside me. “What do you mean?”
“Ryan was unusually supportive of Shannon today,” I explained. “It upset Paige. I’m worried about them.”
Dominic was quiet for a moment. “I know why Ryan is helping Shannon, but I promised to keep it confidential.”
This piqued my curiosity. “Is there something between them? Romantically, I mean?”
“No,” he said firmly. “It’s not that.”
I felt a wave of relief. “Good. Shannon would be a liability in any relationship.”
Dominic turned to face me fully. “Why do you say that?”
sing me
“Because such a situation would be difficult for any she–wolf to maintain,” I explained. “Some men have such a heavy sense of duty in their hearts.”
I nudged him playfully. “Like you. You’d probably be willing to marry me because of a life–saving favor.”
