“Um. Like I said to Matt, isn't that the whole point? We’re supposed to blend in.” I interrupt. “You’re happy enough to take part in some human activities. You head out to clubs.”
“Supes clubs,” he retorts. “And this is just a sad activity for sad people.”
Katherine gasps at him. “Clive! Are you saying I’m sad?”
I watch with interest as Clive’s eyes meet hers and her lips curve into a sensual smile. I’ve avoided looking into any lamia’s eyes--guy or girl--not wanting to be caught in a hypnotic trance. Sure, I’m schooled in mind control at some level, but we’re not supposed to use this on others at the academy.
At eighteen, Katherine isn’t a fully fledged lamia looking to feed on sexual energy, but she laps up any attention and is never short of a guy in her thrall.
“No.” He’s confused, pushing fingers into his hair. “That’s not a word I’d use for you. At least with you as the star, the musical will have credibility.”
Her smile widens and she touches his arm. “That’s so sweet, Clive. Am I okay to come to your party later?”
“Soiree,” I add snarkily and again exchange a look with Matt.
Still enraptured by the girl, Clive nods. “Sure. Tell the boys you're my special guest if they try and stop you.”
“As if they would,” she says with a giggle that grates like nails on a chalkboard. “They know I’m not your typical vamp.”
“That’s one thing we agree on,” says Matt.
Katherine tucks her hair behind an ear and looks around. “First I need to audition and then I’ll be right with you.”
“You won't need to,” says Clive. “You’ll be a perfect leading lady.”
I blink. A lamia playing the shy and virginal Sandy? She isn’t who myself and Sofia have in mind.
“You could be my Danny, Matt.” Katherine switches her attention to him and runs a finger along his arm. “You’d be perfect.”
Oh hell.
Matt shrugs her off and shifts closer to me, prompting a glare from Katherine. “I’m backstage with Amelia.”
“Is that so? How cosy. Did you ask him, Amelia?”
Omigod no. There’s no way she could think I have Matt in my sights and am stepping on her toes.
Clive turns his attention back to Matt. “You’re off the team, I heard.”
His eyes harden. “Yeah. I had this out with Ash. I’m 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 alone later, as always.
Matt doesn’t speak. Instead, he stands and moves to a chair away from me and the group.