not talking to you about the situation.”
“You can’t hide with the dorks.”
“I’m not,” he retorts.
“How the mighty have fallen.” Katherine smirks and pulls a script from her bag. “Matt’s working backstage. Not even important.”
“I don't have any choice,” he says crossly.
“You always have choice, Matt,” she purrs. “See you tonight, but don't bring your nerdy witch with you.”
I grasp at a retort but none comes—I won’t have one until I’m in alone later, as always.
Matt doesn’t speak. Instead, he stands and moves to a chair away from me and the group.
3
AMELIA
You would think that Matt learned his lesson yesterday.
Apparently not.
Following two admittedly poor auditions, a third girl steps on stage. She’s a Gilgamesh student and built like she’ll become a bear shifter when she turns nineteen, including her thick dark hair and square features. Her large hands clutch the script. She speaks, and in contrast to her huge appearance, the girl’s voice is tiny.
“Ursula,” she says then clears her throat. “I’m okay with any part. Chorus is fine.”
Sofia nods and gestures at her. “Go ahead.”
The auditions aren’t accompanied by music and in some cases that’s a shame as the music would hide their singing. I know that’s bitchy because these kids are brave enough to step on stage and sing, but some really belong backstage with me.
A disgruntled Matt slumps farther down in his chair, arms crossed and face still filled with dark annoyance at Clive, and his situation.
As soon as Ursula breaks into song, he throws his head back and unsubtly and loudly says, “Omigod. Please stop torturing me with these people.”
Sofia’s eyes flash. “Be quiet, Matt.”
“I should’ve chosen the Ravenhold option,” he says. “I can’t do this for the next month.”
Ursula’s song stutters to a halt. To be fair, choosing to audition with Hopelessly Devoted to You as an inexperienced singer wasn't wise.
“Lia, tell this girl to come backstage and help. We can’t subject people to this. After today, I’m beginning to think banshees exist.”
“Matt,” says Sofia harshly. “Keep your thoughts to yourself.”
Matt sits forward and rests his elbows on his knees. “Ursula, I don’t mean to be rude, but singing isn’t your gift. I suggest set construction.”
“Ursula. Continue,” says Sofia firmly.
“I... uh....” She eyes Matt and my heart goes out to her.
“He doesn’t have the final say,” I tell her.
Sofia must agree Ursula’s not the best, but we’ve few people to choose from and we need to make up numbers.
As Ursula begins her audition for a second time, Matt covers his eyes. I clench my jaw. He’s acting like an arsehole. Ursula isn’t the only one he’s mocked tonight, but the first he’s openly rude to.
“Why don’t you get up there?” I whisper. “Standing in front of others takes guts.”
“No bloody way.” Ursula hits a top note, out of tune, and Matt lifts his head. My heart leaps into my mouth as he grimaces and holds out a hand. He waves it casually at the stage. Terrified he’s about to set fire to the room, I jump to my feet.
Instead, Ursula’s singing comes to an abrupt, strangled halt. She clutches her throat, eyes bulging as she struggles to speak.
Matt sinks back. “That’s better.”
“You arrogant dick!” I snap at him. “How dare you.”
“What? This magic is acceptable. I’m practicing what I learned from Tobias the other day—silence people you don’t want to talk.”
“That’s magic reserved for humans,” says Sofia and stands too. “This is inappropriate behaviour.”
“Aren’t you grateful?” Matt’s raised brow and half-smile shocks me. Doesn’t he see how wrong it is to humiliate Ursula in this way?
Rediscovering her voice, Ursula swears loudly at Matt then rushes from the stage.
“Is she the last?” he asks. “Can we leave now?”
Sofia’s anger trembles through her body. “Amelia. Could you leave us alone for a few minutes? I need to speak to Matt about his behaviour, and whether I’ll take disciplinary action.”
I shake my head at Matt. Sometimes I wonder why I like this guy.
I don’t watch the rest of the auditions and neither does Matt, who’s sent backstage to help me after his scolding from Sofia.
“I hope you have something fun for me to do.” He’s unflustered as if he and Sofia had a chat and not a dressing down for him. “I don’t understand what there is to do backstage. Nothing is in production yet.”
“Are you in much trouble?” I ask. “You should be, because you behaved like an arrogant dick.”
“Knee-jerk reaction to the assault on my ears.”
“You’re really not funny,” I snap.
“I’m sure you’d love me if you