I Have a Patron
(Amber’s POV)
+25 BONUS
My morning at Moonlight Photography began with the familiar confort of routine checking equipment, reviewing schedules, and sipping my first coffee of the day. Then my phone rang, disrupting the quiet.
“Amber Chase speaking,” I answered professionally.
“Good moming, Ms. Chase. This is Charles Blackwood.” The voice was smooth and cultured, carrying the unmistakable
Blackwood confidence.
My back straightened instinctively. “Mr. Blackwood. What can I do for you?”
“I’m calling regarding a photography project for the Werewolf Orphan Charity. We’re working with a television network and require professional services.” His tone was polite but carried the expectation of compliance typical of Blackwoods.
I smiled, remembering Dominic’s words from weeks ago: “Charles will call eventually. Don’t let him intimidate you.”
“I’d be happy to discuss the project,” I replied, keeping my voice steady. “Would you be available to meet at Shadowpeak this afternoon? Say, three o’clock?”
There was a brief pause, likely surprise at my suggestion they come to my territory.
“Shadowpeak would be acceptable,” Charles finally agreed.
After ending the call, I allowed myself a small, satisfied smile. Dominic had prepared me for this, encouraging me to stand my ground and speak confidently about my terms.
My second call of the morning was to Dominic himself.
“Your brother just called,” I said when he answered.
I could hear the smile in his voice. “And how did that go?”
“Exactly as you predicted. I’ve arranged a meeting at Shadowpeak
“Perfect,” he replied. “Remember what I told you–you’re not just Amber Chase anymore. You’re the future Luna of the Blackwood Pack.”
The reminder sent a warm thrill through me. “I know. Thank you for the heads–up.”
“Always, little wolf.”
After hanging up, I went to find Paige, who was organizing files in the main studio.
“We just landed a major client,” I announced.
Paige looked up, her brown eyes widening. “Who?”
“The Werewolf Orphan Charity. They’re working with a television network.”
Her coffee mug slipped from her fingers, crashing to the floor. “Are you serious? This could put Moonlight Photography on the supernatural map nationwide!”
I nodded, fighting to contain my excitement. “I know. But there’s something else I need to talk to you about. It’s about Lucas.”
Paige bent to clean up the broken mug. “What about him?”
“He’s in love with Naomi Warren. Has been for years.”
The shards of ceramic slipped from Paige’s fingers. “Lucas likes Naomi Warren?” she exclaimed, her shock evident.
Before I could respond, there was a knock at the door, and Liam, my new assistant, poked his head in
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I Have a Patron
+25 BONUS
“Is everything okay?” he asked, his concerned gaze immediately finding Paige. “I heard something break.”
“Just an accident,” I assured him.
Liam stepped fully into the room, looking torn. “I never know who to attend to first–my boss or my goddess.”
Paige’s face flushed crimson. “Stop calling me that!” she snapped I’m engaged to Ryan, and you know it.”
Liam’s expression remained undeterred. “A temporary obstacle.‘
I cleared my throat. “Liam, could you get us some fresh coffee? And perhaps clean up this mess?”
“Of course, Ms. Chase.” He bowed slightly before exiting, casting one more lingering glance at Paige.
Once he was gone, I turned to Paige. “What was that about? I’ve never seen you react so strongly to Lucas’s love life.”
(Paige’s POV)
I couldn’t tell Amber the truth–that I’d always thought Lucas had feelings for her. That would open a can of worms I wasn’t prepared to deal with.
“I just…” I fumbled for a believable explanation. “I always thought Lucas liked men. I’m disturbed that I read him so wrong.”
Amber raised an eyebrow, clearly skeptical. “Really? That’s what has you dropping coffee mugs?”
“Yes,” I insisted, avoiding her piercing amber gaze.
In reality, Lucas’s secretive behavior reminded me too much of my own situation with Ryan. The engagement that looked perfect from the outside, while behind closed doors, Ryan made it clear he had no intention of consummating our relationship.
“I just don’t understand why he never told me,” Amber said, bringing me back to the present. “We’re close. I could have helped.”
I sighed, knowing exactly why Lucas kept his feelings hidden. “He’s protecting you, Amber. If you intervened and failed, it would damage your relationship with both families.”
“But Naomi is about to be matched with Henry,” Amber said, her face darkening. “Can you imagine being mated to someone who’s involved with their own sister?”
I winced at the reminder of Henry and Victoria’s inappropriate relationship. “It would be a disaster.”
“Exactly. I have to help Lucas.” Amber’s expression turned determined. “With Dominic’s support as Luna of the Blackwood Pack, I can at least try to stop this travesty.”
“Be careful,” I warned. “Pack politics are dangerous, even with Dominic backing you.”
“I know the risks,” she replied. “But I can’t stand by and watch Nagmi be sacrificed to pack politics, especially not to Henry. And
if she and Lucas have genuine feelings for each other, they deserve a chance.”
I opened my mouth to respond when Amber’s phone rang again. She glanced at the screen.
“It’s Sophia,” she said, looking surprised. “I should take this.”
I nodded, watching as Amber answered. Her expression shifted from surprise to interest.
“Lunch before your flight?” she repeated. “Yes, I’d love to. Moonhaven Bistro in an hour? Perfect. See you then.”
She hung up, looking thoughtful. “That was Sophia Winters. She wants to meet for lunch.”
“The actress?” I asked, surprised. “I didn’t realize you were friends.”
We’re not, really. I photographed her once last year for *Moon* magazine.” Amber checked her watch. “I should get ready. Can you handle the morning appointments?”
“Of course,” I assured her. “But be careful with Sophia. She runs in powerful circles.”
1 Have a Patron
Amber smiled confidently. “So do I, now.”
(Amber’s POV)
+25 BONUS
Moonhaven Bistro sat on the outskirts of Silvercrest, its rustic exterior belying the exclusive nature of the establishment. As t approached, I spotted Sophia already seated at a corner table, looking even more beautiful in person than on screen.
She rose as I approached, extending her hand. “Amber, thank you for coming on such short notice.”
“The pleasure is mine,” I replied, taking the offered seat across from her.
Up close, Sophia Winters was stunning—flawless skin, expressive eyes, and a natural elegance that no amount of training could fully replicate. She was dressed simply but expensively in a cream colored blouse and tailored pants.
“I ordered moonlight wine,” she said, gesturing to the bottle. “I hope that’s acceptable.”
“Perfect,” I agreed, allowing her to pour me a glass.
We exchanged pleasantries about the weather and my photography work until our food arrived. Once the server departed, Sophia’s demeanor shifted subtly.
“I wanted to speak with you privately,” she began, her voice lower. “About something personal.”
I nodded, encouraging her to continue.
“In our industry, especially for supernatural beings, having connections is everything,” she said, twirling the stem of her wine glass. “Early in my career, I was fortunate to find a patron—a powerful Alpha who helped me navigate both human and supernatural entertainment worlds.”
My interest piqued. “A patron?”
Sophia nodded. “He opened doors, protected me from the worst elements of the industry, and never asked for anything inappropriate in return. We became… close over the years.”
I caught the subtle emphasis and understood immediately what she wasn’t saying.
“I see,” I said carefully.
“I returned to Silvercrest to celebrate his birthday,” she continued, “only to discover he had found his mate.”
My eyes widened as understanding dawned. The powerful Alpha she spoke of—it had to be Dominic.
“I’m sorry,” I said, genuinely meaning it despite the strange twist in my stomach.
Sophia’s composure cracked slightly, revealing the true pain beneath her polished exterior. “I never expected to feel this way. We had an arrangement, not a commitment. And yet…”
“And yet it hurts,” I finished for her.
She nodded, taking a careful sip of her wine. “I’m leaving Silvercrest today. Going back to Los Angeles for a new film. But I wanted to meet you first.”
“Why?” I asked directly.
“To see the woman who captured him when I couldn’t,” she admitted with surprising candor. “And to wish you happiness. He deserves someone who truly loves him.”
The sincerity in her voice touched me. “Thank you. That means a lot.”
“Take care of him,” she said softly. “He carries more burdens than most realize.”
I nodded, feeling a new respect for this woman who could put aside her own pain to offer such grace.
(Paige’s POV)
+15 BONUS
Tchecked my watch for the third time, anxiety trading as I stood in the Shatott rasiterance enhuis. Aentar sound have been here thirty minutes ago for the meeting with Charle
Move a Patron
When the door opened, I expected to see fiber rushing in with a legt Reta, entered with a questioning look
thereal, Pally Peter, une insparranty.
“Ms. Sullivan,” he greeted formally. “I was informed Me Chase the conducting the meeting”
“She should be here,” 1 explained, trying to hide my concerny, “She had a lunch meeting with Sophia Winters that tim long.”
Felix’s composed expression faltered slightly. “Sophia Winters? The actress?”
I nodded. “Yes, they’re meeting at Moonhaven Bistro.”
Felix’s eyes flickered with something – recognition, and then he quickly turned and left the meeting room.
