Page 5 of Frayed Owner

“You’re in shock, but there is too much to do and fast, so I need you to pull yourself together, Ms. Shaw,” a woman said abruptly.

But then I realized it wasn’t because several people were staring at me.

I blinked up into her pretty dark green eyes, noting that her brown hair was up in a professional twist that suited her face and vibe. Then I almost laughed that I noticed such a thing in this sort of crazy situation.

“I’m Jasmine Hough, your sister’s attorney. We need to move fast to stay ahead of your family.” She let out a slow breath when I didn’t reply. I didn’t know how to reply or couldn’t. She squatted in front of me and took my hands in hers.

Wait, when did I sit?

So not the point right then.

“You’re at the edge and it’s scary. I understand that. You suffered a trauma and you’re in a bad spot. I’m going to lead you away from that scary edge and protect you. I know it’s too much right now, but please trust me that I will get you through these next few hours, and before you know it you will be somewhere safe, protected, and eating all the comfort food you want.”

Someone snorted. “Add in a lot of hard liquor too.”

Yes. Please.

“Tell me what to do,” I whispered. “I don’t know what to do or what comes next.” I actually did since I’d been planning how to break away from my family, but… She was right and I was in shock.

“I doubt that because I hear you’re incredibly organized and very popular in your field,” she argued. “You’re in shock. So I need you to tell me if you had any plans or lists for your escape or an exit strategy from your family.”

Yes, yes, I did. I managed to remember that and got her the hidden notebook with Taylor’s help since it was stuck in a slit under my mattress. I simply shrugged and reminded them that my trust paid for the condo, so my parents had keys and it was all theirs in their minds.

Jasmine was a miracle of efficiency. She had people already coming to pack up everything of mine and get it someplace safe. Then I blinked and I was changed, my face healed, my essentials in a few suitcases off to the side, and we were at the bank for me to withdraw everything that I could and had access to.

She had me put it in a human bank instead of a hidden one run by warlocks… And of course they were from top-tier families and that was why those of us from those families were so well-controlled and trapped. I also informed her of the other accounts and the safety deposit box I had at another human bank. She seemed impressed with that.

But she said we might clean out the safety deposit box and have a safe at Bevin’s house since Father or Alex could do too much with magic if they learned of it. That was fair. Yeah, probably smart.

She had me handle work, putting in an emergency notice of leave. I did contact my direct boss, and with Jasmine’s guidance, I told her that my brother had a psychotic break and put me in the hospital. I hadn’t even realized she or anyone had taken photos, but I had them to send to her to show the state I’d been found in.

My boss was less than thrilled, but she understood the emergency and issue. I promised that I would be available for any questions from those taking over my projects and would help as best as I could, but I couldn’t be onsite or meet with clients with a busted face… Even if it was already healed. She didn’t know that.

Jasmine waved for the phone when I got some pushback and handled it like a master, saying that the police also asked me to lay low because my brother might have involved himself in drugs and that was part of his odd behavior. That my company wouldn’t want that following me there, blah, blah—so it was best for everyone.

“Thank you, but that might bite everyone later,” I worried.

“Then we have magic and will handle it, but for right now, we need them not to send up alarms or start trouble for you,” she said easily. She let out a slow breath. “Now I have to do my job to protect your sister. I need you to sign magical NDAs and for you to understand that I am on her side. She asked me to help you, but I protect her.”

“I’m not here to hurt her even if we have… I’m grateful she came,” I said honestly. I swallowed loudly when I saw that wasn’t enough. “I’m working on the rest.”

She studied me and my aura. “Yes, well, I’d be a horrible shield for her if I didn’t consider this to be a ploy by the Shaws to get one of theirs in Bevin’s camp. So time will tell. As her attorney, this is a horrible idea and I’m against it, but Bevin is too kind for her own good, so I will do whatever I have to so she’s safe. I’m not the only one.”

I swallowed loudly hearing the threat. I nodded and signed what she wanted me to. Honestly, I was so tied up and spun around that I would have signed just about anything to feel safe and get a moment to let it all settle. I’d never been so scared and—Alex and Father had really lost their minds.

We arrived at Bevin’s house and I was glad my bags were already there.

“She’s in a session with Councilman Moon,” a guy who screamed security informed Jasmine before glancing at me and then back to her. “Taylor reached out to those who failed the council guard training to see if they’re looking for security jobs. You guys are going to need more and he wants to keep this contract long-term, not have you hire security privately.”

Jasmine didn’t take the bait right away which was smart and showed her patience—how good she was as an attorney. “You have a point so make it. I know Taylor wouldn’t like you sharing state secrets.”

He sighed. “He’s not trying to do it because it will make us extra money. He wants it done right and—” He shot me another look before focusing back on Jasmine. “He pays his debts. Bevin has done something none of us can ever truly thank her for and didn’t ask for anything in return. Doing it yourselves when so much is going on could lead to problems. He won’t allow that.”

Jasmine snorted. “She got to him.” Her lips twitched when he didn’t say anything. “He asked if she was dedicated to this war and she reminded him that he bailed and went off while she has always been fighting. He’s putting his money where his mouth is and saying he’s in this war all the way.”

“Yes, and not just because his family’s on the line. That’s what I’m saying. He pays his debts and she pulled off a miracle.”

“Yes, yes, she did.” She chuckled darkly and rubbed her neck. “Sometimes I wish I knew I was signing up for a war instead of a job but honestly it’s hard not to want to go all in when she could change our world and make it better.”

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