“I have been a huge fan for years. It’s an honor to be in the presence of the Pop Queen,” I continue, pressing my still-shaky hands over my chest. The audience cheers. I raise my arms, pumping them in the air, encouraging them to applaud louder.
Her blush darkens with my praise, and she waves her hand to quiet the audience. “If I’m the Pop Queen, then you are the Queen of Rock!” The audience erupts with clapping and more cheering. Turning to the crowd, she asks, “Did you know that a couple of the top hits I sang when I first started, ‘Unstoppable Woman’ and ‘Armor,’ were written and composed by the artist formerly known as ‘G’?” She points her thumb toward me. “Yes, everyone, if you haven’t heard about it yet, the Alpha Princess Jessica Langhlam recently revealed that she is the mysterious artist famously known for hiding her features behind a mask.”
I laugh. “When did I become the ‘artist formerly known as ‘G’?” Gasps and murmurs echo around the studio.
Sammy shrugs. “When the world found out who you really are, did you think that everyone would still call you ‘G’?”
“Oh… I didn’t think about it. I didn’t exactly plan to, you know, come out behind the mask the way I did.” I haven’t even spoken to my manager since the whole thing happened. I just let my lawyer and PR rep handle it. “How have you been? It has been a long time since I last saw you,” I ask Sammy, changing the subject.
She smiles. “I am great! Busy, between working and raising my little family, but I can’t complain. My two little girls are growing up way too fast.” The screen behind us displays her twochildren, one of them missing her two front teeth. The audience emits a collective “aww” in response to the picture.
“They are too precious!” I coo.
Sammy’s head turns toward the end of the stage. A man wearing headphones with a mouthpiece makes hand motions. “Speaking of busy, underneath the mask and the title, I don’t think anyone realizes how smart, talented, and hardworking you really are.”
My mouth instantly dries at her insinuation. I casually reach for the cup filled with water and drink. I clear my throat before replacing the cup on the table. “How do you mean?”
She slips her hand between the armrest and the cushion of her chair and pulls out index cards with the show’s logo printed on the back. “Well, for starters, at age sixteen, you challenged the LS territory’s aptitude test and acquired a high school diploma. At eighteen, you earned a bachelor’s degree in business, and at twenty-one, you finished your MBA overseas.” She leans over the arm of her chair closer toward me. “Do you know what I was doing at eighteen? I was sneaking into karaoke bars and open mic nights.”
I giggle. “And just look at where that has gotten you today.” I motion to our surroundings.
She rolls her eyes. “If you only knew the half of it,” she replies with a mischievous smile. “Anyway, we can talk more about that in private over lots and lots of cocktails.” We chuckle before she switches gears again, glancing at her index cards. “You have practically built an empire of a multitude of businesses from hotels, restaurants, and clubs. Some of our sources reported that you have silent partnerships with wineries, whiskey distilleries, and other small businesses around the world.”
Heat blooms in my cheeks, listening to my business accomplishments.
“And on top of all of that, you recently became the CEO of a worldwide business consulting company.”
Shaking my head, I try to peer through the blinding lights, seeking out my mother and assistant. “I think you give me way more credit than I deserve. I have business partners, board members, hardworking management teams, and staff who helped me to grow these successful businesses. And my amazing assistant helps keep me in line. I didn’t do it alone.”
She fans the cards in front of her. “Oh, please! I for one know exactly how much work goes into starting a business. It’s not easy, let me tell you. I’m just thankful that I went through all of the ups and downs of becoming a business owner before I had kids. Most people don’t realize how much heart and soul you pour into a business—the sleepless nights, the tears. It’s like selling your soul to the devil!”
“No, really, I?—”
She places a hand on my knee. “You are amazing. It’s okay to let the world see it. All the sources we inquired had nothing but wonderful things to say about you and your work ethic. Even those within the music industry said the same, and that includes me. My personal experience working with you was by far one of my most favorite memories.”
I break into a bashful smile and incline my head. “Thank you.”
She gently squeezes my knee before transitioning to the next topic. “You’re here tonight mainly to promote the premiere of the showA Game of Heart’s Desire: The Alpha Games.”
I let out an audible breath and nod.
Before I can respond, she leans in, frowning, and says, “I don't get it.”
I shrug. “What is there not to get?”
"Well, because you’re you. For crying out loud, there have to be miles of men lining up who want to be with you. Why do you need this show?”
A man from the audience suddenly yells, “I’m single! Mate me!”
I offer a hearty laugh. Twisting my hands together, I contemplate my answer. I’ve been asked this question a million times. “I think you pointed out the obvious. I spent almost a decade trying to discover myself and make a career.” I shake my head, disguising my embarrassment. “After a few mistakes, I convinced myself that I don’t need a mate, that my career and family are all that I need. But as it turns out, there are rules—laws—I must adhere to when becoming a female Alpha. With that also comes personal sacrifices, not just to keep my role but to do what’s best for my pack.”
Still frowning, she responds, “I understand that, but again, why the show?”
I don’t have an answer, at least not one I can honestly give. I recall the script I should say, according to my PR guy, but it just seems so… fake. But the show must go on. “Everyone thinks my life is so glamorous and romantic, traveling all over the world and meeting new people all the time. The truth is I haven’t made many attempts to connect with anyone. Even though many of my friends are males, I simply can’t make a phone call and ask, ‘Hey, friend, are you still single? Great! How about you and I hook up and get mated before my twenty-fifth birthday?’” I jest.
That last part deviated from the script. My PR guy is going to have an aneurysm. Sammy offers me a sad smile.
Swallowing, I continue. “I know it’s not the ideal way to find my mate. Trust me, I remember a time when I sat with friends watching the show, and I couldn’t help but think, what’s wrong with them that they can’t find someone the normal way? I used to make rude comments and make fun of the femalecontestants,” I admit with a snort. “I guess karma has a funny way of giving it right back to me because here I am, promoting the show.”
