Chapter 2
2
“ N o way. She can’t be my co-star. It will be a bigger media shitstorm than if one of my ex-girlfriends took the role.” Jackson Ledger paced in the producer’s office at Media-Max. Paul Ricter had called him three weeks ago, begging him to take the job.
At first, seeing the deep, romantic element, Jackson thought it was too far outside his normal genre, but after reading the script, he knew in his gut that this was the role that could put him back on the top of the industry. It checked all the boxes. It had action, drama, suspense, a moral dilemma, and most important, a strong romantic element, something that had been sorely lacking in his previous roles.
Paul had kept Jackson’s name out of the press until they found the perfect lead actress. Now that Lady Amanda Windsor had been cast, Jackson wanted to march himself down to the federal paranormal prison and strangle his father with his bare hands.
Jackson had hated his old man long before he’d been arrested for murder. Reed Ledger had a taste for whiskey, women, and guns. Not to mention the old man verbally and physically abused his mother. Jackson had been too young to do anything about it, but he swore he'd take him out the day he was big enough and strong enough to take on his father.
But Reed decided to kill a royal witch family member. His father claimed they’d cast a spell on his family years ago, which was why Reed had been a failure his entire life. It was total bullshit. Reed was a womanizing drunk who blamed the royals simply because they’d fired him from their employment after he stole from them. He wished he could understand why his mother had stayed and had more children with his father, but her only explanation had been that wolves mated for life and Reed had been her fated.
One therapist he spoke with during his adolescence said that often abused women felt trapped and feared that if they left, it would just get worse, or maybe the abuser would start to take it out on the children. None of it ever made sense, but his father was in prison for life, and his mother and younger siblings, no matter the shame, were better off without that bastard.
Except, his father’s legacy followed him wherever he went. Even Jackson’s Oscar win had been tainted when a gossip entertainment show ran a piece about his father, focusing on his father’s past transgressions and not all the things Jackson had accomplished despite being the offspring of an outcast wolf who had done the unspeakable.
No one blamed Jackson, but people seemed to enjoy reminding him in subtle ways of the stock to which he was born. His own pack had shunned him and his family. They had made it impossible for them to live in the way a wolf was born to roam the planet. It got so bad, they moved across the country and became packless wolves. It didn’t help their mental health, much less the way they were viewed in society.
It had become a lonely existence.
Thanks to Titus and his family, Jackson at least had a pack he could now run with. They accepted him and his siblings.
But it still came at a price.
Fated Moons.
He swallowed. The image of Trask’s vision filled his head. Ever since the wolfairies had been conceived and born, both Trask and Chaz had reminded Jackson of the Legend of the Fated Moons. Trask’s visions had not changed. They were still hazy at best and they told Jackson to live his life. That when the universe decided the time was right, whatever the truth in the visions were would be revealed.
Being cast alongside a royal witch set his blood on fire. He pushed away the crazy thoughts filling his mind. Just because the Legend of the Princess and the Wolf had come to fruition in the form of Chaz and Daphne didn’t mean anything. Or that Trask was really the great Toldar. Of course, Trask had always known he was Toldar, so had he also known five years ago about Chaz and his brothers and who they would become? That Cheryl, Chaz’s sister, would become the queen of the wolfairies?
Jackson supposed anything was possible.
Including that he had a fated mate.
But he was thirty-two years old and he’d yet to find her anywhere. Not that he wanted to find a mate. Much less be bound to someone in such a way that it impacted the world.
“I can’t believe of all the actresses out there, Amanda has to be the one for this part. She’s a two-bit actress. A soap star, at best.” He swallowed the bitter taste of his words. He didn’t believe that any more than he believed he deserved to be treated poorly because of who his father was. He’d seen some of Amanda’s work and while she was stuck playing second fiddle or given roles that never truly gave her the ability to shine, she had talent. That was an unmistakable truth.
He chose to ignore the fact that he’d watched everything she’d ever been in, including the soaps. It was like driving by a crash and you had to slow down and look. He couldn’t stop himself if he tried.
“You need to see her final audition tape. Lamin went bonkers over it, she was so good. And you know Lamin, he’s never satisfied. He finds faults in every performance.”
“Heidi would have been perfect had she not turned out to be a psycho-crazy bitch.” That was only partially true. Heidi wasn’t a horrible actress, but she lacked the depth this role demanded.
Even Jackson could admit, if only to himself, that Amanda could pull it off.
“Sit down and relax,” Paul said, leaning back in his oversized chair behind a massive desk that was way too big for the space. “We’re working on a positive spin.” Paul had produced a half dozen movies that Jackson had starred in, including the one that won him the Oscar, which unfortunately had been the same role that turned out to be Jackson’s downfall.
“How do you make the fact that my father killed my co-star’s uncle positive?”
“We start by not sleeping with this one.”
Jackson burst out laughing, only it wasn’t a real laugh. More like a sarcastic hackle. “I don’t think you need to worry about that. Besides, I bet she asks for a kissing double. God forbid her princess lips touch the descendant of her uncle’s murderer.”
“She’s technically a lady, and I need you to be professional at all times.” Paul glanced at his phone. “She just passed security, so she’ll be here in about ten minutes.”
“What!” Jackson stiffened his spine. He’d seen a million images and videos of the princess or lady or whatever her official title was, but he never imagined he’d ever be in the same room with her. He blinked, remembering passing her on a plane once. She’d been sitting in first class, sipping a cocktail with some other woman, giggling. She took his breath away then with her grace and sweet smile. He’d never seen her in person again, not even after the plane had to make an emergency landing.
Which he’d been surprised he hadn’t been blamed for, considering a reporter had revealed the connection and dared to print a conspiracy theory. Someone inside the royal family shut it down quickly. Jackson suspected it was Amanda’s father, the prince. He’d always shown great kindness toward Jackson and his family, especially when he didn’t have to.
“We thought it would be a good idea to get all the concerns out in the open before we make the announcement.”
“Her family can’t be on board with her doing this film with me,” Jackson said, raking his fingers through his hair. “And to be fair, I totally understand why. I can’t say if I were her father, I’d be thrilled either.”
“That brings me to the final blow for today.”
Jackson let out a long breath. He couldn’t wait to hear this one.
“Her father, Prince Alfred, is coming with her.”
“You’ve got to be fucking kidding me. Not only is he a royal, but he’s a powerful wizard. He’s probably going to use some magical potion or witchcraft, and no one will ever find my body.”
“I better never hear you talking like that again. Makes you sound like your dad. Is that what you want?”
“No,” Jackson muttered with a low growl. The last thing he ever wanted was to be compared to his asshole father. Besides, he knew the most powerful wizard in the world. Actually, Toldar, or Trask, because he preferred to be called by his earthly name, was a wizard fairy. A unique combination. For centuries, people believed that combination was not only impossible, but the world believed fairies were extinct.
Jackson had seen Trask in action, and he’d been in awe of what the man could do. Trask’s main purpose was to help protect the paranormal and ensure black magic was never used. Of course, that was a difficult role because there was an entire underground of evil, lurking in the shadows, wanting to destroy what they didn’t understand.
“Good. Because I’ve put a lot of money into this film. I had to push Lamin hard to work with you again, so I expect you to pull your weight and then some.”
As if Jackson had ever not gone above and beyond in any role he’d ever been offered. He’d always been the consummate professional, except for a few times. It wasn’t his fault he had bad taste in women and the last two went all ‘fatal attraction’ on him. They’d both been all sweet and loving during the first couple of months. But their true colors showed soon enough. Jealous and shallow. Considering Jackson’s childhood, he tended to judge people by how they treated the waitstaff, or anyone in a lower position, and those two women thought they were all that and more. Above everyone else, forgetting that someday their looks would fade, and some younger hottie would come and take their place.
“I don’t understand why you’re so willing to create such controversy by casting Amanda,” Jackson said.
“Controversies sell tickets, but it’s not just about that. And it’s what Lamin wants.”
He didn’t believe it. It was always about money in this business. “What if I said I would back out if she were to remain on the film?” He’d never played the top billing card before, and it left a bad taste in his mouth, but he really didn’t want to relive his father’s crime once again, even though he’d been doing that nearly every day of his life.
“Then we shake hands and say our goodbyes.” Paul cocked his head.
“Everyone wants her more than me?” Talk about kicking a man when he was down.
“It’s not about you so it’s not personal. Lamin is salivating over her and believes she’s the only actress who can pull it off.” Paul lowered his chin. “He also thinks the two of you, outside of the insanity surrounding the past, will light up the screen. He can’t wait to see you do your first scene together. He totally believes it will be magical. I have to say I agree with him.”
“I appreciate the vote of confidence.” Jackson couldn’t deny a colleague their chance at fame and fortune. Or whatever it was they wanted to gain from their chosen profession. For him, fame had nothing to do with it. He stepped outside and people knew who he was thanks to his father’s actions. No. That wasn’t why he wanted to be an actor. Hell, he hadn’t even started out wanting to be one. The opportunity landed in his lap and he and his family needed the money.
The controversy helped. People came out in droves to see if the son of a murdering wolf was any good or if he would be a lackluster actor.
It turned out the people were split down the middle in their opinions, but they all wanted more, and he was all too happy to give it to them because it put food on the table and gave his family a home. He stood and took a few strides to the door. “I need a minute to clear my head before this meeting.”
“You’re making the right decision.”
Jackson pulled back the office door, and there stood the most gorgeous woman he’d ever laid eyes on. His breath stuck in his throat and his heart dropped to the pit of his stomach. Her ash-brown hair bounced playfully over her shoulders. Her bright-blue eyes were lined with plush, thick eyelashes that batted like butterfly wings floating through the air. A few tiny specs of fairy dust lifted from her orbs. They evaporated so quickly he wondered if his eyes were playing tricks on him.
“Oh, hello,” she said. Her plump lips moved in perfect unison with the sound of her voice.
He cleared his throat, trying not to notice the menacingly tall man with eyes that were almost black standing behind her.
“I don’t think we’ve ever met,” she said, her smile small but still sweet. “I’m Amanda Windsor.”
He nodded. “Am I supposed to call you Lady or Princess or something?”
“I prefer Amanda, but if you must know, my official title is Lady until I marry, then it will be Princess, but we really don’t take much stock in that these days.”
“All right. Amanda, it is.” He shoved his trembling hand out. “I’m Jackson.”
She nodded. “This is my dad, Alfred.”
“You can call me Alfred, except in public, and then I do prefer Prince Alfred.” His low voice rumbled, rattling Jackson’s chest like an earthquake. “I’m not sure if you remember, but we met shortly after the trial.”
Nothing like jumping right into the past and his father.
“I remember, sir. You came to my home.” Jackson would never forget that day. He’d been so in awe of Prince Alfred and the way he spoke to his mother. His words were soft and kind. As if what her husband had done had nothing to do with her or her children.
“You did what?” Amanda snapped her head in the direction of her father. “Why didn’t I know this?”
“You were six years old at the time. Why would you know?” Her father draped a large hand over her shoulder.
She wasn’t short by any means, but she looked dwarfed against her father’s frame.
At six foot two, Jackson had to tilt his head to look the man in the eye. Those eyes had both terrified and inspired him all those years ago.
“I wanted to let his family know that we didn’t hold anyone but his father responsible for your uncle’s murder.”
“My mother always appreciated the gesture; only the rest of your family didn’t see it the same way.” Jackson chomped on the inside of his cheek before continuing down this dangerous path of repeating what Princess Alley had stated privately and publicly. She’d all but threatened to cast spells over Jackson and his family. Who knew, maybe they had. Jackson knew very little about witches and their magic, and he preferred to keep it that way. He didn’t socialize with any witches that he knew of, except Trask, but he was a wizard fairy. A different being altogether. Instead, he kept his circle of friends to humans, shifters, and a few wolves who did their best to forget the shame his father had brought.
“It was a difficult time for everyone, which is why I’m here. I want to minimize any bad publicity for my daughter. And for you.”
“Please, come in, come in,” Paul said, rushing over, waving Amanda and her father into the office. “Thank you so much for coming.”
An awkward silence filled the room as Prince Alfred took the large wingback chair in the corner, leaving the small love seat to Amanda and Jackson. She eyed him before sitting down and crossing a set of toned legs that went on forever, shaped by formfitting jeans that did their best to contain a few more specks of fairy dust.
He swallowed, taking a seat next to her, trying desperately not to touch her for fear that he’d growl like a horny pup.
A few more fairy particles eased off her forearm, landing on his skin and worming their way inside his body. They felt warm and cozy. He rubbed his biceps, wondering if this was some witch trick, but it seemed he was the only person who saw it.
He had no idea what to make of that.
“My secretary has been fielding calls all morning, and there is a lot of speculation about who is being cast in this film alongside Jackson, so the sooner we make a statement to the press, the better,” Paul said with a slight tremor in his voice. “We will do whatever you think is best for both parties.”
Prince Albert leaned back, folding one massive leg over the other. Jackson thought he looked more like the mob than royalty. There were a half dozen rumors about dark magic and the royal family since they’d risen thousands of years ago during the witch hunt of the fourteenth century. It was believed that the Windsors weren’t really the bloodline of the Coven of the Silver Flock. That black magic had been used to remove the royal family, replacing them with witches and warlocks, posing as wizards, who dabbled in the dark side, waiting for the opportunity to create mayhem.
Of course, according to the laws of the Twilight Crossing Council, this had been debunked through years of watching and interviewing the royal family. While there were still rumors, and Twilight Officers investigated credible ones, nothing ever came of it.
“I’m happy to give the press conference on behalf of the royal family. When would you like that to take place?” Prince Albert asked.
“This afternoon.” Paul leaned against his desk.
“That’s not a problem. However, the only members of the royal family who will be present are myself, my wife and daughters, and of course, we’d expect Jackson to be present.”
“Wait.” Paul raised his hand. “What about Princess Alley? She’s been the most outspoken against Jackson’s family. Having her there would be most beneficial.”
“I’m sorry. My sister won’t be giving her blessing, but I will speak to her and make sure she makes no negative statements. She has always supported Amanda’s career and she wouldn’t want to cause her any harm.”
It didn’t surprise Jackson that Princess Alley wouldn’t attend, considering she’d said publicly time and time again that wolves were dirty creatures. Savages. Murderers. And they should all be banished. She wasn’t fond of wolfairies either. Whether she had believed that before the murder or not didn’t matter.
“And the rest of the family?” Paul asked.
“My younger siblings and their families will sanction the film, but they won’t be part of any public announcement. Only myself, my wife, and Amanda’s sisters will make any formal statement.” Prince Albert spoke with the kind of authority people didn’t question. His tone made even a grown man sit a little taller. “I want to cut off all rumors before they even begin,” Prince Albert said. “I support my daughter and that means I don’t have a problem with her participating in a movie with Jackson Ledger.” He held up his hand. “That doesn’t mean I forgive his father because I don’t. I just never blamed a ten-year-old boy for his dad’s actions. That’s not fair. And I will go on record and say those things.”
“I truly appreciate that, sir. I really do. But I have been living with this my entire life. The press isn’t going to let it go just because you command it. They didn’t when I won my Oscar. They have always looked at me a certain way and I doubt that’s going to change, so I don’t see how you saying anything will cut off any rumors the world wants to start,” Jackson said, shifting in his seat, painfully aware of the beautiful young woman with her hot thighs that produced a trickle of fairy dust. It was the strangest thing. It seeped out over the sofa and landed on his leg, prickling his skin in this exotic dance. He kept glancing around the room, but again, no one else seemed to see it or care. “It just occurred to me that by making such an announcement, it could make it look like a publicity stunt to begin with. As if we’re trying to ward off the rumor mill and that could backfire on us.”
Prince Albert arched a brow. “You make a valid point, son. Amanda, what are your thoughts?”
“Same as this morning, Daddy. If we make a big stink, so will the press.” Amanda glanced in his direction, those damn thick lashes floating over her eyes, mesmerizing him. At least they weren’t shooting fairy dust. Did she know she was part fairy and was she trying to keep it from the world? “My two cents are we focus on the film and our excitement over it. If you stand by my side, they will know you support me. They will make their speculations, and some family members will comment, others won’t, but as long as Jackson and I stay focused on the film, I believe the press will move on after a few days.”
Jesus Christ, she was as well-spoken as her father, and the sound of her voice rolled over his ears like a warm ocean breeze.
“So, your suggestion is that we don’t go to the press first?” Paul asked.
“No. I’m saying we don’t make it about the royal family endorsing the film or say anything about what happened in the past. If the media brings it up, we say that’s in the past and has nothing to do with us anyway. We make a public announcement now with my father present. We could even focus more on the fact that Jackson and Lemin are working together for the first time since Jackson’s Oscar win.”
“I’m sure that will be brought up no matter what,” Jackson said, tossing his arm over the back of the sofa. God, he wanted to touch her. “But I like your idea. Let the studio make the announcement with us present.”
“I like that idea,” Paul said.
“Jackson,” Prince Albert said. “I have to ask. How did your family take the news?”
“Since I just learned who my co-star was this morning, they don’t know yet. However, my mother will love the idea, but my siblings might not be as supportive. When my old pack hears of it, well, it won’t be good.”
“So, the rumors are true. You’ve cut your alliance and have formed a new one with the Crescent Moon Pack.” Prince Albert tilted his head. “May I ask when, why, and how did that come about?”
“Titus and his sons offered five years ago when I moved back.” Jackson decided it was in his best interest not to inform the prince, or anyone else for that matter, that it was Titus’ idea that he return to New York. “They were concerned about my well-being as a wolf as well as my siblings and my mother.”
“That makes sense.” The prince nodded. “Why would your old pack care about you working with my daughter?”
“Because they will believe that it would bring disgrace and shame to them once again by me taking this role opposite Amanda. It won’t matter that I align with Chaz, the Crescent Moon, and the wolfairies. My old pack, while they have not denounced the wolfairies as some have, fear the changes that have come about. They don’t respect the king of the wolfairies and certainly won’t appreciate the attention this role will bring to them.” Jackson let out a long breath.
“Have they gone rogue?” Prince Albert asked. “Because I have not heard that and I do attend the Twilight Crossing Council meetings.”
“They have not. The pack leader does not believe in going against the council. He wants their protection.” Jackson didn’t like discussing wolf business with witches and wizards. In the past, they were sworn enemies. Some covens still refused to accept the alliance, especially when it came to fairies and the connections they had to both wolves and witches. Jackson and his family did their best to stay out of the politics. Their father’s actions made it impossible for them to have any role in wolf business, even with the support of the Crescent Moon Pack and Jackson’s role as an alpha. “But that doesn’t mean they agree with the direction or the policies of the council,” Jackson said.
“May I ask where you stand?” Prince Albert held Jackson’s gaze.
It was a fair question and one that Jackson was willing to answer honestly. “I wouldn’t have turned on my birth pack if I didn’t agree with the policies of Crescent Moon. It wasn’t just about finding refuge for me and my family. If that had been the case, I would have made the decision the moment I moved back. But I didn’t until the wolfairies were conceived and the leader of my birth pack chose to be neutral. By doing so, he made it clear that he does not and will not commit to the protection of our future or the future of a new race.”
“The wolfairies aren’t really a new race, according to their king. Trask’s wife is part wolfairy and she was around long before Chaz’s children were conceived,” Prince Albert said. “Regardless, you do not dishonor my house by working with my daughter. But the allegiance to the wolfairies is something my sister will also take issue with. For whatever reason, they frighten her, though there is no reason to be.”
“They are lovely creatures.” Jackson nodded. “I have met the next generation, and they are truly a sight to behold. I look forward to watching what is to come.”
“I’ve heard stories.” Prince Albert nodded.
“May I ask you a personal question?” Jackson rubbed the back of his neck.
“Of course,” Prince Albert said. “But I might choose not to answer.”
“As the head of the Royal Witch Coven and as a wizard, you support the wolfairies. There are many witches and covens out there who don’t. Who still want to cause them harm or who want to eradicate them from this realm, even though they were predicted, and the legends and myths talk about how they bring unity to the paranormal world. I’ve heard you speak on the matter, and yet people like Princess Alley, and even others in the royal family, take a very different stand. When you field questions about them and their opinions, you stay neutral. Why is that? You’re in a position of power. You can help change people’s perception.”
“It’s a delicate dance, son.” Prince Albert’s right brow arched. His mouth curved into a half smile. “You must remember two things. For centuries, we royals have had our dark shadow to deal with. There are many who believe that we come from black magic, and many in our bloodline have practiced black magic. It’s a stigma we have been battling for centuries. Those who have practiced black magic feared fairies more than those who haven’t.” He held up his hand. “I’m not suggesting that my family participates in this type of witchcraft because we don’t. It is forbidden and anyone who does would face severe punishment. But it brings me to my second point. Even witches and wizards who follow all our laws feared fairies years ago. Our magic is quite different. One is full of spells and a craft that has to be learned and practiced versus one that comes in the form of organic fairy dust. Witches who honed their skills believed all fairies were involved in some sort of black magic. Personally, I welcome the wolfairies and the royal fairies. I find them to be fascinating creatures. However, I can’t erase centuries of fear and misunderstandings with the wave of my hand. I choose my words carefully. Strategically. In hopes of moving my people into the future. It started with my acceptance of the species. And now being seen with Trask and his family. I will continue down this path until all witch covens accept this new reality. But again, you can’t expect people to change overnight.”
Jackson nodded. What the prince said made perfect sense. Change always happened at a snail’s pace and there would probably always be a faction out there who went against the grain. “Thank you for that explanation.”
“You seem to be passionate about this topic,” Prince Albert said.
“Becoming part of Crescent Moon and taking on an alpha role has brought me closer to the wolfairies. I’m bound by the laws of my new pack to protect them. I’ve also become friendly with Trask.” Jackson saw no point in lying to the man.
“Trask is a good person to know,” Prince Albert said. “I will play this however the two of you wish, but I won’t put up with anyone blaming you for something your father did when you were ten years old. I’ve put a protection spell on my daughter, which will help her through this uncertain time, and with your permission, I’d like to put one on you.” He held up his hand. “I understand that wolves are somewhat leery of spells. Please understand that this is not anything other than a protection bubble to help ward off those who wish you harm.”
Spells, potions, hexes, voodoo dolls were all things foreign to Jackson. He didn’t understand witches, wizards, or witchcraft. The good witches lived by the laws of the land, and they couldn’t use it to bring harm to anyone or for their own betterment of career or monetarily. So, what was the point of being a witch?
Okay, he’d been schooled a time or two from Trask about witches, wizards, and their purpose. But Jackson still didn’t comprehend the use of magic.
“I don’t think that will be necessary,” Jackson said. The one thing he didn’t want was to be accused of using magic to make himself a star or to have this movie become a hit.
“If you change your mind, the offer is always there,” Prince Albert said. “I can do it or Amanda could.”
“I appreciate it.” Jackson, totally aware his arm was on the back of the sofa behind Amanda, shifted, dropping his hand onto his lap.
This woman had him completely unhinged. A low rumble formed in his throat. He needed to shift and run in wolf form, relieving him of all the tension she put in all the places he didn’t welcome.
Or maybe it was the damn fairy dust, though that seemed to have disappeared, thank God.
However, Lady Amanda was out of his league in more ways than one.
An untouchable.
Besides, considering his last two co-stars, he was sure his contract would expressly state that he couldn’t sleep with her. He almost laughed out loud.
As if Lady Amanda would jump into the sack with a werewolf.
Much less the son of the man who killed her uncle.