about this
part of her identity.
That put her off balance a little. She liked being in control. Knowledge meant control.
But at the same time, she found herself eager to learn.
The building the Owen offices were in had heightened security around it. Molly hadn’t
expected that. But she supposed, once they became known, they’d be a target. It also
indicated that Owen had plenty of money to do that. She hoped that was a sign of stability.
She could feel the wards. Something she’d never actually experienced before. But they
seemed to recognize her magick. She’d ponder that later when she had the time to do
so.
She walked through two separate security checkpoints. One with a metal detector. Her
bag had been searched and before they let her in the building they called up and made
sure she truly did have an appointment. She’d also been told that there were spells
cast to dampen the ability of other witches to use their magick while on Owen property.
The guard had said it by rote, not asking if she was a witch or not.
The one who searched her last had her wait while he called yet another to escort her
inside. Her escort was armed and no-nonsense and used a key to get them up to the
clan’s reception floor, leaving her at check in.
“Ms. Ryan, someone should be with you shortly. Can I get you something to drink while
you wait?” The receptionist smiled her way. It was a business smile. A little wary
at the edges. Remote.
“I had a latte already. I’m afraid if I drink any more coffee I’ll start bouncing
off the walls.” Molly smiled, genuine and warm.
The receptionist relaxed, as Molly had intended. “I hear you. Meriel loves her coffee
extra strong, so you probably would get a big jolt.”
“Always a plus in a job interview.” She looked out the wall of windows, over the city,
and wondered if she’d be living there when this interview was over.
* * *
BY the time Meriel’s assistant came to collect her, Molly had made a friend in the receptionist,
Kelly. Kelly had given her a few tips. Nothing that would be considered oversharing,
but it was helpful all the same.
The assistant pushed a door open after tapping on it. Everyone inside the room stood.
The power there stirred her own, calling to her magick. Molly put a hand on her belly
a moment before stepping in totally.
“Please, Molly, do come in.” A red-haired witch, no doubt Meriel Owen, moved in her
direction, holding a hand out. Molly took it, liking the strong, efficient shake.
“Thank you. I’m Molly Ryan. It’s very nice to meet you.”
“Meriel Owen, and the pleasure is ours.” She indicated the others in the room. “This
is Dominic Bright. He’s my husband and my bond-mate.” A bond-mate was what Full Council
witches had. Their sort of magickal other half and the person whose magick unlocked
their full potential.
There were other introductions but Molly really sort of forgot them once Meriel pointed
out the blond male with the wide shoulders and the wary gaze.
“Gage Garrity. He and Lark run the Hunter team together.”
When he turned to focus on her, Molly’s knees went a little weak. For long moments
she was surprised at herself. She didn’t get weak-kneed over most anything and certainly
not a man.
But as men went, the one looking her over with nearly amber eyes was a fine, fine
specimen. Broad-shouldered. His shirt stretched over his upper body, only highlighting
the power that lay beneath. She was sure he’d have a narrow waist and flat belly.
She didn’t need to see him standing to know that. She also bet he had a nice butt.
Still, he probably called women
babe
and peed on the seat.
Meriel clearly wielded the power in the room, but she did it well. She leaned toward
Molly, her fingers clasped loosely on the table. “So we’ve checked you out and know
your background and experience. I’m not exaggerating to say we’re all very impressed.
But
part of her identity.
That put her off balance a little. She liked being in control. Knowledge meant control.
But at the same time, she found herself eager to learn.
The building the Owen offices were in had heightened security around it. Molly hadn’t
expected that. But she supposed, once they became known, they’d be a target. It also
indicated that Owen had plenty of money to do that. She hoped that was a sign of stability.
She could feel the wards. Something she’d never actually experienced before. But they
seemed to recognize her magick. She’d ponder that later when she had the time to do
so.
She walked through two separate security checkpoints. One with a metal detector. Her
bag had been searched and before they let her in the building they called up and made
sure she truly did have an appointment. She’d also been told that there were spells
cast to dampen the ability of other witches to use their magick while on Owen property.
The guard had said it by rote, not asking if she was a witch or not.
The one who searched her last had her wait while he called yet another to escort her
inside. Her escort was armed and no-nonsense and used a key to get them up to the
clan’s reception floor, leaving her at check in.
“Ms. Ryan, someone should be with you shortly. Can I get you something to drink while
you wait?” The receptionist smiled her way. It was a business smile. A little wary
at the edges. Remote.
“I had a latte already. I’m afraid if I drink any more coffee I’ll start bouncing
off the walls.” Molly smiled, genuine and warm.
The receptionist relaxed, as Molly had intended. “I hear you. Meriel loves her coffee
extra strong, so you probably would get a big jolt.”
“Always a plus in a job interview.” She looked out the wall of windows, over the city,
and wondered if she’d be living there when this interview was over.
* * *
BY the time Meriel’s assistant came to collect her, Molly had made a friend in the receptionist,
Kelly. Kelly had given her a few tips. Nothing that would be considered oversharing,
but it was helpful all the same.
The assistant pushed a door open after tapping on it. Everyone inside the room stood.
The power there stirred her own, calling to her magick. Molly put a hand on her belly
a moment before stepping in totally.
“Please, Molly, do come in.” A red-haired witch, no doubt Meriel Owen, moved in her
direction, holding a hand out. Molly took it, liking the strong, efficient shake.
“Thank you. I’m Molly Ryan. It’s very nice to meet you.”
“Meriel Owen, and the pleasure is ours.” She indicated the others in the room. “This
is Dominic Bright. He’s my husband and my bond-mate.” A bond-mate was what Full Council
witches had. Their sort of magickal other half and the person whose magick unlocked
their full potential.
There were other introductions but Molly really sort of forgot them once Meriel pointed
out the blond male with the wide shoulders and the wary gaze.
“Gage Garrity. He and Lark run the Hunter team together.”
When he turned to focus on her, Molly’s knees went a little weak. For long moments
she was surprised at herself. She didn’t get weak-kneed over most anything and certainly
not a man.
But as men went, the one looking her over with nearly amber eyes was a fine, fine
specimen. Broad-shouldered. His shirt stretched over his upper body, only highlighting
the power that lay beneath. She was sure he’d have a narrow waist and flat belly.
She didn’t need to see him standing to know that. She also bet he had a nice butt.
Still, he probably called women
babe
and peed on the seat.
Meriel clearly wielded the power in the room, but she did it well. She leaned toward
Molly, her fingers clasped loosely on the table. “So we’ve checked you out and know
your background and experience. I’m not exaggerating to say we’re all very impressed.
But
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