Los Angeles Lights: A Hollywood Billionaire Alpha Shifter Romance Read online

  “Baby,” Zack said from my left. “You look so sexy when you're determined.”

  I smiled in response, powdering my nose quickly and winking at my own reflection.

  “You bet your ass I do,” I said confidently.

  I have never felt so strong in my life. I was about to set the record straight and I would make sure to do it properly so she would never mess with us again. While admiring my make-up, I noticed a bite mark on my right shoulder that I hadn't noticed before.

  “Sweetheart, did you really bite me that hard?” I asked, running my fingers over the raised skin. “This looks pretty deep.”

  Zack leaned over to inspect the mark, brushing small flecks of dried blood away from the area. He shrugged.

  “It doesn't look that bad,” he commented as I poked at the skin.

  “It's just so...bright.”

  Before I could say anything else about it or even apply some cover up, we pulled up in front of an elegant staircase leading up to two bright white doors – Rita's mansion. A man in a black suit was already at the door, ready to let us out of the car. I thanked the man flatly and marched up the steps, the doors swinging open before we even reached the top. Rita was waiting for us in the middle of the front room wearing a white summer gown that dragged along the floor. I regarded it with some mild interest, wondering how much it would rip if I stepped on it.

  “Skylar,” she said opening her arms. “You look absolutely darling. It seems the mountains did you some good.”

  “Shove it, Rita,” I spat angrily. “Your terms were clearly defined and you violated them. Every copy of that tape was to be delivered as defined and signed by you. Violation of these terms results in termination of your role in our production.”

  Surprised, Rita raised a thin eyebrow and crossed her arms over her chest. Zack waltzed up beside me, his head high up in the air and a smile plastered across his face. I watched as he wiggled his eyebrows at Rita who sneered in response. The sight of it caused my bitch face to turn into one of utmost confidence, my red lips curling up at the corners in triumphant joy.

  “She's right, darling,” Zack spat. “If you have any copies left, they are to be delivered immediately or your job is terminated.”

  A maid began walking into the room, but turned about when she saw the expressions of our faces, likely not wanting to disrupt the intense staring contest in commencement. Rita tapped a hidden heal against the marble floor, wondering exactly what leverage she had here. It suddenly dawned on me what I could do to save the entire situation. It wouldn't have the greatest outcome, but it would save Zack.

  “You lose in either scenario, Miss Rita,” I said sweetly. “If you release the video, you lose your role in the production and you lose Zack.”

  I waved over at Zack like he was a prize and he began to chuckle.

  “You effectively send him to jail for the rest of his life, destroy your reputation as the most delectable creature in Hollywood, and you won't work another day in your life...with dignity, that is. At best, you would land a role in cheap, amateur adult films for your incredible performance on that tape.” I clapped my hands together for dramatic effect. “And my, what an 'o' face you make, sweetheart.”

  At this point, Zack was laughing so hard that he was hugging his sides, bent over nearly double. Rita hadn't realized this little hole in her plan and now she was standing with her mouth agape, all of her power drained from the situation. I snapped my fingers in the air and held out my hand, still smiling.

  “Hand it over, doll,” I said while chuckling. “You don't stand a chance.”

  I could feel the intense power surging through my veins, the sheer audacity of the motion causing an immediate shift in my mental state. For the first time ever, I felt completely and utterly in control. I had spent most of my time in Hollywood fighting for some ground to rule, and now here it was right before my eyes. I had Zack as my king to my right and my crown was shining brightly atop my head, glaring in the light of truth and victory. When Rita finally gathered the strength to move, she revealed her secret stash of the video and we watched as she destroyed every copy of it off her hard drive. I made sure to do a quick run through of her computer to make sure all the copies were deleted and we turned to leave, satisfied that this issue would never come up again.

  “You’ll never win this, Writer.” She spat the last word at me as if it were an insult.

  I turned back to her and raised my eyebrow. “Oh, yeah? Seems we already have.” I glared at her with a satisfied grin on my face. I couldn’t tell if I was thrilled, angry, or exhilarated. A little bit of everything, I think.

  The look on Rita’s face grew darker as my smile broadened, and her lips raised in a menacing snarl. I stepped back as my breath caught momentarily in my throat, and Zack came back to stand next to me, watching Rita as intently as I was. I glanced up at him and could tell that he saw the same thing I did. Small, sharp fangs revealing themselves from behind her glossy red lips. We both stared at her, eyes wide, trying to make sense of what we just saw.

  Rita immediately snapped her mouth shut and crossed her eyes. “Hmph! You guys better get used to staring, because my face isn’t going to be leaving the billboards anytime soon.” She turned her nose up and then walked briskly past us, her hips swaying back and forth in a way that only Rita Royce can manage.

  I shook my head then looked back up again at Zack. He shrugged back at me, and we both turned to head back to the car. I tried to rationalize what I saw as we walked hand-in-hand in silence. It must have just been a trick of the light.

  That night, Zack and I went out to dinner with fresh faces, feeling absolutely renewed by the experience. My blood was still surging with the power of a warrior goddess who won the great battle against the most desired woman in Hollywood. She could stay in our production and continue to dazzle audiences, but she would have to submit to my script and be under my watch. Finally, I had grabbed a piece of Hollywood for myself and I didn't plan on letting go. After dinner, Zack and I disappeared into the night, the wet LA air whipping our hair about as we drove off towards the beach.

  REVEALED

  1.

  ­­­

  After that ridiculous mess with the interminable trouble-maker, Rita Royce, we finished the movie in record time with her positioned firmly beneath our thumbs. My darling producer husband, Zack Ryder, was being incredibly supportive throughout the stressful months of shooting and had thrown me a private wrap party that he surprised me with one evening. One of the most popular disc jockeys in LA was invited to play music and we danced the night away. I feared our celebration might have been too preemptive, but Zack insisted that it was a much deserved praise for my hard work and genius.

  “You're a wonderful writer, darling,” he whispered to me in our bedroom.

  The silk sheets wrapped around us and tangled between our legs as our bodies heatedly moved to a silent rhythm.

  “I will always remind you of how much your hard work will pay off. It will. It does,” Zack said between moans.

  Lips trailed over my collarbone and tickled my earlobe, causing me to giggle.

  “Zack, you don't mean that,” I responded, feeling a little tipsy.

  “Of course I do,” he said softly into my ear. “You are amazing.”

  “I love you,” I whispered.

  “I love you, too. Always,” he said while wrapping me into a hug.

  The next day was the premiere and my stomach was doing flips. If it weren't for the four midori sours I had consumed during the party, I might be far more nervous. I made sure to secure myself a little pill for anxiety – just a little Adivan to ease my nerves – in order to even be able to attend. While I was getting used to going to such lush occasions with Zack, I still harbored a mild fear of public speaking. I had prepared a few note cards outlining my crew, my husband, and everyone else involved in the making of the film, even adding a small note about Rita for show.

  We still weren't on the best of terms, especial
ly after that ridiculous showdown some months back when she had tried to black mail my sweet Zack, but we managed to get along enough in order to complete my film. I was proud to be part of such a historical event. So many of my feminist sisters who wrote scripts hardly received any spotlight or praise for their efforts, and hoped this would be the beginning of change. This wonderful film would add to the voices of the women who were fighting to end the wretched sexual stigma on female writers. It would be a beautiful addition to the feminist conversation and I went to sleep feeling comforted by that thought.

  In the morning, we ate a hearty breakfast and went about preparing for the evening premiere. I had butterflies in my stomach for most of the afternoon, but Zack seemed to kiss them all away whenever we went out shopping for the proper attire. I had never before spent more than $50 on a dress, but Zack insisted on frequently refreshing our wardrobes with the latest fashions to keep us hot in the spotlight. It was lovely being clad in expensive silk, and I always made sure to donate my old gowns to local charities that would help fund women's shelters and services. Doing so also helped hush the guilt of me spending such large amounts of money on clothing I would only wear once. I didn't want to let Hollywood get inside my head.

  When we had picked out the perfect matching outfits, we headed home to eat a quick dinner and then get ready for the premiere. The red carpet was waiting for us when we arrived and it wasn't long before the paparazzi were shouting questions while flashing away. Rita had arrived ahead of us and was sneering near the front door of the theater, likely upset that our presence had taken the cameras away from her elegant form.

  I smiled in her direction which was my way of keeping the peace and saving face in front of the world that we didn't have a problem – even though our issues ran deep within our veins. Every interaction with her made my blood boil and I couldn't get her image out of my head. While we had handled the tape scenario with grace, I wasn't able to erase the image of her and Zack wildly embraced. Some nights, I lost sleep due to that horrible sight and I would walk in the garden to clear my mind.

  But tonight was about us, not Rita. She could sneer all she wanted. This production is my child and I nourished that child well. There was no room for her unwarranted jealousy. To my surprise, the entire audience was filled with many of our Hollywood friends and connections. They all congratulated us as we walked by and expressed their excitement for our wonderful film. We sat in the front row, Rita a few chairs down, and waited patiently for the curtains to part to show the film.

  It was a roaring success. The crowd stood up and cheered, applauding our amazing effort to make such a wonderful film. They called for me to walk on stage and say my thanks which made me a tad nervous, but I had worked on my speech all day. I felt mostly ready to deliver it.

  With grace, I walked up the steps in my glittering white gown, taking the mic from one of our producer friends, Ray, who had introduced the film at the beginning. My heart pounded as I licked my lips, raising my hand as the applause settled into silence.

  “First, I'd like to thank all of you for coming to see this amazing new film which we hope you enjoyed,” I began, applause again filling the theater. “None of this would have been possible without my dedicated husband, Zack, who has worked tirelessly to seeing the film to completion. We would also like to recognize our crew. Without them, this wouldn't be possible. A hearty thanks to those who funded the film and kept our spirits up with notes and gifts of encouragement. We would also like to thank Rita Royce for her astounding performance in the lead role. She certainly brought light to the film and to the issues many women face today.”

  Another round of applause greeted my speech and I ended it with more praise and gratitude, adding that the film would premiere within a week all across the nation.

  “We look forward to seeing how this impacts the world of feminism and how it will encourage many women across the nation, and across the globe. Thank you!”

  I handed the mic back to Ray and carefully walked down the steps back to Zack where he embraced me. The beautiful kiss he laid on me then was full of passion and love, photographers taking the opportunity to capture such an intense moment. I smiled wide when he pulled away and we posed a few times in front of the cameras. After they were finished, we made our way back to the front where our limo was waiting for us and went out to celebrate the success of the film.

  Ray joined us as well as Rita, each of us raising our glasses in praise of our efforts. My best friend, Maya, was right by my side and she squeezed my hand as she praised all the parts of the film she had enjoyed. Much of the night was relatively cordial between myself and Rita, seeming to get along well enough publicly to pass as new friends. On the way home, Zack cuddled me in the back of the limo and then carried me up the steps of our mansion to head to bed. The successful day had properly worn me out and I dozed off as soon as we hit the sheets, not bothering to get out of my lavish dress.

  Everything is going my way. I can't imagine how things will get better.

  2.

  The following week, Zack had set up a television interview with the most popular news channel in LA. I was excited to get the word out about my film and to explain the purpose of such a strong feminine production. I wore my best suit that I had purchased the previous week and Zack dropped me off in his Porsche, paparazzi already lined up outside to greet me. I wore my best Chanel sunglasses to hide my facial expression and to keep the sun from glaring into my eyes while I walked inside. I turned once to pose for the cameras and then headed in where I was immediately greeted by the stage manager. They got me settled in quickly and gave me a glasses of ginger ale that would calm my stomach and nerves, going over the set of questions that would be asked of me.

  This would be my first live interview and I dreaded not having Zack with me to hold my hand as the camera zoomed in on my face. He assured me I would do well. I just hoped I didn't slip up or forget my place. My nerves had a way of making me stumble over sentences and I feared I might make a fool of myself. The interviewer was their lead female anchor, Michelle Mars, who had been working at this station for the past fifteen years. Though she was much older than me, she didn't look a day over thirty. Perhaps that anchor salary was what kept her young.

  We greeted each other with a handshake after I had been introduced and she welcomed me to the station, commenting on how much she had enjoyed the movie.

  “Thank you, Michelle. I'm glad you enjoyed it,” I said with cool confidence.

  “Tell me, where did you get your inspiration from for this film?” she asked, folding her hands on the desk.

  “I got it from my own personal experience. Back in my home state, I had gone to a community college and I felt like no one was giving me a chance,” I explained. “I fought hard for my grades and for my place in the academic community. Then, I fell in love with writing scripts which was a world totally new to me. My struggle is one that many women have known throughout their lifetimes and I wanted to give them something to encourage them to move forward.”

  “That is truly inspiring. How was it working with your husband on the film? Did he ever try to change anything without your consent?” Michelle asked.

  “Never,” I said confidently. “The only thing he ever tried to change was the lighting or the way a line was spoken, but he never went over my head to change the script. He always consulted me first.”

  “It must be wonderful to have such a supportive husband. We see your pictures in the daily papers and are impressed by the equality in your relationship,” she commented.

  “Every relationship should be that way. I find it important to provide an example to the world that there is such a thing as an equal relationship,” I responded.

  “Absolutely. Do you have any comments on the recent jail sentence of Ryan Holmes? We're all aware of your activism in the modern feminist movement, but you've remained largely silent about this particular case,” Michelle said.

  I was struck silent. It wasn't listed on
the clipboard that the stage manager had shown me, or I had been too preoccupied and hadn't heard the question. It only took a few seconds to be torn apart on live television and I looked out to the cameras that were anticipating my response.

  “My only comment is that he's pure scum,” I said.

  A soft chorus of chuckles erupted from the crew and Michelle laughed.

  “I think most of us would agree upon that,” she said.

  “For him to get off with a three month sentence is garbage. That kid should be ashamed of what he did – and I called him a kid because he's not mature enough to understand the weight of his actions. The woman he harmed has to live with that for her entire life. What does he get? A far too lenient sentence in order to be released back to college where he might do it again. What else am I supposed to think?” I explained while holding Michelle's gaze. “That's why I do what I do. That's why I empower women.”

  “Well spoken, Mrs. Ryder. Thank you for coming in to speak to us today. Are you planning on filming anything new within the next coming months?” she asked.

  “Absolutely. We'll be working on a new film in December, but I can't tell you what just yet. Thank you for having me, Michelle,” I replied.

  “And thank you. Skye Ryder's new film, Alice Calls, is premiering in theaters this Friday across the nation...”

  When the broadcast was finished, I shook hands with Michelle who gushed about the film and then I retreated to the room where I immediately called my sweet husband.

  “Darling, you did so well,” he commented over the speaker. “And we'll be sure to celebrate tonight.”

  “I was thinking of keeping it low-key this evening,” I said. “I think dinner at home with some wine is just what I need after being in public all day.”