Page 15 of Craved By the Werewolf
"Corporate?" I asked weakly.
"Corporate. They're thrilled. Apparently, last night's show had the highest ratings in Ridge FM history. And this morning's social media explosion has been—and I quote—'beyond their wildest dreams for audience engagement.'" She didn't breathe. "And I'll be at the meeting today for support."
"Really?" Thank the heavens.
I opened the email with all the enthusiasm of someone opening an official letter from ARC.
Ms. Nightingale,
Last night's promotional segment exceeded all expectations. The social media response has been unprecedented, with #BareYourTeeth trending nationally, and Ridge FM mentioned in Enchanted Weekly's morning roundup.
Your chemistry with Alpha Kaine is exactly the kind of authentic connection that drives audience investment. We're moving forward with an expanded promotional campaign featuring both of you.
Congratulations on this exciting development.
Best regards, Jancy Morrison Regional Director
"Oh Goddess, they think we have 'chemistry,'" I said, air-quoting with my free hand. "They want to use our 'authentic connection' for marketing."
"Don't you?" Mika asked, and I could hear the smirk in her voice.
"Don't I what?"
"Have chemistry. Because, sweetie, I've heard a lot of promos, and that was not just good radio. That was?—"
I hung up on her.
Immediately, my phone started buzzing again. I ignored it and stumbled to the kitchen, desperately needing coffee before I dealt with whatever fresh hell awaited me.
But I couldn't stop myself from looking.
Someone had made fan art. TASTEFUL fan art, but still. There I was, drawn in some kind of anime style, sitting across from a very attractive cartoon version of Thorne. The caption read: "When the radio host meets her match"
I opened Glimpse. Mistake number... I'd lost count.
Ridge FM's official account had posted a photo from last night—Thorne and me in the studio, him leaning toward his mic, me staring at him with what I now realized was probably the most obvious expression of attraction ever captured on camera. I cursed Ladran and his damn camera.
The caption: Last night's show was hot. What did you think of Alpha Kaine and Nightingale's dynamic?
The comments were... a journey.
"Ma'am we all know what we witnessed last night"
"The way he looked at her in that picture, when she introduced him... I CAN'T"
"Someone needs to check if there's a wedding date yet because I'm CRASHING"
"Nightingale.exe stopped working when he said that thing about baring teeth"
And then, buried in the comments, one that made me spit coffee all over my kitchen counter:
"My grandmother called me this morning to ask if 'that nice radio girl is dating the Alpha boy' because apparently the whole Senior Center was listening, and they have OPINIONS."
And right beneath it:
"Team #NightAlpha or Team #Valpha? Discuss"
"#Valpha is shorter but #NightAlpha sounds more badass"
