Page 33 of Hexed, Vexed, & Undersexed
“All right, people. This is where we insert some one-on-one footage, but we won’t shoot that until tomorrow. Basically, the way this is set up is one day to shoot the trial, the next day for personal interviews, and then a day off. We film through the weekends, so please keep this schedule in mind. We want to wrap this up to have it airing A.S.A.P. Before you’re released for the day, we will shoot who has been removed. Come onto the stage when called—if staying, celebrate moderately. If not, please leave the stage. Ready?”
She doesn’t wait for our answers but simply waves at Carter, who looks like he’s never stepped out of his ‘announcer role’ a day in his life. With his mic in hand, he plasters on a charming smile and turns to face the camera.
“And there you have it, folks. Only four of our esteemed contestants fully accomplished the first trial within the time frame and are, therefore, moving on to the next trial. Those four contestants are: Bellamy, Bodaway, Loic, and Crystal Moon! Unfortunately, Winnifred and Tansy will not be continuing.”
Winnifred ambles off camera with a wave, but Tansy pouts and drags her feet.
The rest of us all smile smugly even though we didn’t really do anything. Hell, the other two lost based on a time technicality, it had nothing to do with the spell or even magic. It kind of made me feel sorry for the other two women. They didn’t make the cut because the network didn’t want them to, I’m sure of it.
But I swallow my pity.
This isn’t charity hour and I need the prize.
Both Winnie and the hedge witch got their hour of prime-time fame and I’m sure that’s all they wanted.
“And, now, a special surprise!” Carter shouts, nearly making me jump.
I belatedly realize that we’re still filming and hope that my eyes didn’t go all glassy in boredom.
“Based on today’s trial, one witch will have immunity in the next! This witch not only performed the first trial in outstanding time, but did the spell perfectly. And the contestant to win is. . .” He trails off for effect. “CRYSTAL MOON!”
The crowd goes wild—literally.
Everyone off set claps and hoots like they are actually rooting for me.
I can’t help the smile that blossoms over my face to hear their cheers, though. My heart flutters when I see Preston standing amidst other network employees, a proud grin tipping his sensual lips. Everyone seems genuinely happy for me—except for Bellamy, who makes a disgusted sound and turns his back to me.
I can see the camera zoom in on his face.
Yep.
The network is definitely eating this shit up.
Amping up my acting skills, I give a little dance of excitement and blow a kiss at the camera. Running high on my success, I even fist bump Loïc and wink at Bodie. The shaman licks his lips suggestively and I immediately step away.
Too much flirting.
Thankfully, the producer signals that filming is over and I practically sprint off stage toward Preston.
“I won—well, sort of,” I chortle, giddy that I have immunity until the final trial.
Fuck, I practically have this competition in the bag.
Sort of.
Pretty much.
Goddess, I’m a jumbled mess.
Because through all of this, I haven’t forgotten about my cat. . .my sexy now human cat.
How am I going to explainthatto the network?!
My hand shakes inside of Preston’s as I tug him away from the stage.
“Okay, stop. Something is seriously wrong,” Preston frowns.
I nibble my lip anxiously.
