Page 24 of Forget

I’m in Minneapolis, a literal mecca of real estate that’s open and for sale. It’s utterly insane that I’m in this position at all. I told my father what I was doing today, but refused the guard.

Maybe I should have thought twice about that. I feel completely useless…

No.Shaking my head, I tell myself that negative thoughts have no place in my head. If I can’t help myself, then I can’t help anyone else, now can I? Calling the next real estate agent that’s selling a building that would work for my organization, I begin to walk toward a coffee shop up ahead.

Maybe I need a little caffeine and a familiar scent to get me going again.

My business partner, Wren, doesn’t leave her home much, and for good reason. Her pack is protective, which is fine because she’s had enough of a rough past for all of us to want to wrap her up in bubble wrap.

I can do the leg work. At least, that’s what I promised her when I told her I’d handle it.

The moment I saw her at the Kelly’s estate, I felt drawn to her. I knew we needed to be friends, and we hang out all of thetime now. Her pack also aren’t terrible for being enforcers and a bit homicidal.

If she knew I was practically going door-to-door for this, she’d be furious with me. Minneapolis has its problems with crime and omega trafficking, which is why I’m always armed with weapons.

While I’m wearing professional attire, my bun appears messy with all of this wind. The reflection in the window of the coffee shop shows just how much of a mess it is as the wind whips down the street.

Thank God I chose to wear pants with a cute blouse today instead of the dress I thought about. As the phone connects to a secretary, I push the door open, immediately getting hit with a delicious dose of scents.

Hazelnuts. Caramel. Coffee. God, the smells of heaven live here, and it’s exactly the injection of energy that I need.

“Merged Realty, how can I help you?”the secretary sweetly asks.

Taking a deep breath, I hope for the best. “Hi, my name is Aisling Sullivan, and I wanted to inquire about the listing you had on Easton road. Is it still for sale?”

“I’m sorry,”the secretary says coldly, the switch in her tone almost making me stumble in surprise.“I’m afraid all of our listings are off the market. Have a great day.”

“What the fuck,” I whisper to dead air. This can’t be happening right now.

Grabbing a caramel apple bar and a caffeine infused beverage, I set up camp in a corner of the coffee shop and call every single realtor listed on the properties I’ve seen. I’m dejected by the end, because no one will work for me.

At least I didn’t show up and get the same treatment I received from Mr. Thorns. Maybe he called and warned everyone? Am I being blackballed right now?

I allow myself a single tear before I dash it away and decide it’s time to go home. Maybe I need to talk to my father and swallow my pride. Nothing has changed around me since I was a kid, just trying to eke out a living on the streets.

People still look down on me for being young, assuming I’m idealistic and stupid.

Ugh, I hate having to go home with my tail between my legs. Dad will pull out the entire story from me, and then I’ll be responsible for a killing spree of Minneapolis' real estate tycoons. I wonder if I can add that to my resume?

It’s getting later in the day as I begin walking to my car, which is in a garage several blocks away. I’ve definitely gotten in my steps today. A man with ice blond hair walks out of an office looking satisfied and proud.

I wish I could feel that accomplished today, and I have to admit I’m super fucking jealous right now.

As the man turns fully into the sun, I recognize him as Wren’s brother. Smiling, I can’t help but call out his name, walking faster in his direction.

“Jasper?” I call out, hoping I’m not mixing him up with someone else. Pulling out a pin that’s holding the monstrosity I call my hair, I let it fall loose, deciding it makes me look less like the frazzled mess I currently feel like.

Fake it till you make it.

It’s a mantra that I live by, and the only reason I’m standing here now.

“What are you doing here?” Jasper asks, surprised to see me alone. It’s true, most of the omegas in the mafia families would have a full security detail, but I hate the attention. “Are you okay?”

Pushing the hair out of my face, I try to decide how truthful I’m going to be.

“I’m hunting for a property for The Omega’s Haven,” I explain. “It’s been a bitch to find anything, and no one wants to deal with me. Think if I had a dick it would be easier?”

Jasper smirks, rolling his eyes. “What would you do? Whip it out and yell, ‘I have a dick and I’m not afraid to use it,’” he yells.

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