Chapter 15

"Wha-at?!" I immediately pushed through camera men to get a closer look, Nudge and Fang on my tail, Nudge yapping in my ear.

"How come she gets to audition? I want to try out? Can I please, Max? I'd make a great Nudge."

"SHHHH!" I whispered harshly at Nudge, and then latched onto Angel's arm. "Excuse us. This one's not available."

The whole room quieted instantly, eyes stared at me like I'd just been caught shoplifting.

"But, Max. I really want to – "

"Angel, you cannot be in this movie. We do not have – "

"But vy not? She ees perfect!" Dimitri exclaimed as he approached us. He ruffled Angel's curls and placed a hand on her shoulder. "She vould make a vonderful Angel."

"That's because she is Angel," I sneered. Good thing I didn't concern myself with what others thought of me. These people looked like I had just committed the highest form of sin imaginable. "Come on, Angel. We're leaving."

"No."

I could hear Nudge's gasp where it caught in her throat. Fang closed in on a wall, trying to blend in. Not too many people dared to say no to me. Well, at least not those who didn't want to suddenly experience the wrath of Max.

"What?"

Angel's face became rigid. "I want to play Angel." Her voice was so low and cold. I really wondered at times if there wasn't a demon inside Angel's body.

That was terrible. Of course there wasn't.

I sucked in a breath, realizing this was one of those battles I had to pick, and this war would not easily be won. I bent down so that I could see eye-to-eye with Angel, placed a gentle hand on her shoulder.

"Angel, you know we can't be directly involved with this. It would put us and everyone here in harm's reach. You remember what happened last night." Angel pouted in her seven-year old way, nodding her head slowly. "I know you would make the best Angel ever, but sweetie. It's really not in our best interest right now."

Angel cast me a look mixed with understanding and resignation, then strolled over to where Total was watching from beneath a camera, scooped him up in her arms.

I rose and looked around semi-apologetically. I expected glares to stab me from all directions. Instead, I heard clapping.

"Dat vas bee-u-tiful," Dmitri cried out through his hefty applause. As soon as he put his hands together, others followed in obliged response. "Dees ees how eets done, people! Dees ees vat I vant!"

Angel took my hand as I eerily took in our audience. I looked at Fang. He shrugged. Nudge wore a broad grin on her face.

Dmitri approached us, squeezed Angel's cheeks. "Vill ju all plees come read lines for us. It give actor true idea of vat I look for. So realistic ju are. Ju do thees for me, no?"

Nudge squealed in delight at the idea. I shot a wary glance at Fang knowing full well what I'd see written on his face. Not over my dead body.

"I think it would be a good idea, Max," Angel said sweetly and not at all in a mind controlling way. She stood on her tiptoes and whispered at my ear, "Those other Angels were terrible. They need our help."

Dmitri waited for me to answer, saw I hedged the issue. "Of course, ve could just have Chelsea come stay vith ju for few days."

I cast a sharp glance at the double – d red head that was supposed to look like me. She smiled at the idea, then she smiled at Fang.

My decision on this issue was a piece of cake.

"Um, we'll be back tomorrow to read lines."