And that's another reason he'd be great in the role. He wouldn'teven have to act. Fuck.
After the rest of the readings, Sahil turned to Laura Mayes. "If you can find someone better, we're certainly willing to keep looking. But this kid is going to read for the part, and we're going to consider him, experience aside."
The director, Giltner, narrowed his eyes at Sahil but nodded slowly. Laura just closed her eyes in something like despair, her mouth tightening."I can't make him into what you want," she said, "and I can't materialize the actor you need. You've gone through hundreds of tapes. If you weren't so picky—"
"Unfortunately, we are." Grant rose, effectively ending the conversation. He was a very big man, and they all looked up at him, standing there so strong and confident and hot. "We have to go, but we'll be back for the audition. Giltner.Mayes." He nodded to them and strode off, Sahil hurrying after him.
"What's the rush?"
"I need to talk to that kid. Find out if he doesn't want people to know he's a wolf or what. I wouldn't out someone without asking, but if he's cast, we're gonna want to use that in publicity. It's best to find out now, either way." As usual, Grant was thinking ahead.
"I did see him before," Sahiladmitted, jogging to keep up with his husband. "As a security guard. I didn't even recognize him, he was so different."
"What did he do? Anything bad? You sound disappointed."
"No, he was great. Protective of Hayes and very in tune with him." Sahil sighed again. "I hate forgetting things. I should have recognized him immediately."
"Don't beat yourself up. It was a completely differentcontext. Protective, you say? Huh. That sounds perfect."
Sahil touched his sleeve. "Don't get your hopes up about him, okay, Grant?" he implored. "You know there are a dozen reasons why it might not work."
"I know," said Grant.
But his steps were fast and hopeful, and his gaze was determined. Sahil swallowed back a sigh and hoped he wasn't going to be too hurt when it didn't work out.
Because, a non-actor? It wasn't likely he could carry the other half of a major TV show. It was too much to expect, and too much to ask.
But Grant wanted this. So they'd try, and they'd see how far they could go, and hopefully he'd be able to handle it when there was no further path ahead.
On the other hand, even Sahil had to admit it would be kind of cool if the wolf character was playedby a non-shifter, and the non-shifter character was played by a wolf.
He ended up excusing himself to get a coffee and let Grant talk to the kid alone. It would be easier that way, wolf to wolf.
When Grant returned to his side, his step was just as purposeful as ever, and there was a triumphant gleam in his eye.
"Don't tell me. He's fine with it?"
"He'd love to be known as a wolf actoron TV. His pack was the one with some screen time for that scene last month—remember, the one with all those wolves? He didn't get to be in it, so he's jumping at the chance to be anything else. Bragging rights around his brothers, if nothing else." After a moment, Grant said more soberly, "I didn't tell him how important the role is. I don't want him to freak out."
"Oh?" said Sahil. "Justme, then?"
Grant put a hand on his shoulder. "You, either. Don't worry. If it's right, it'll work out."
Sahil wished he could be so sanguine.Great.He's making me get my hopes up, too.
Maybe it was a good sign. Getting invested in a character needed to happen fast for an audience, too. Looks, personality, rapport with Hayes... That still might not be enough. He'd have to learn toact with superhuman speed.
Then again, he was a wolf. He almost certainly had superhuman speed, strength, and everything else. Sahil put a hand into his husband's and squeezed, suppressing another sigh.
Either way, Cooper would be returning soon. If they could squeeze in a few auditions in the next day or two, they'd know better what they were working with and how to proceed. Maybe Grantwould get his wish, and they'd hire this guy.
He can find the acting coach if we do.
