A Human’s Guide to Surviving Magical Mishaps by Kit Bryan
Rule 70- Admitting when you're being unreasonable is like defusing a bomb; it's terrifying, but if you don't, things might explode in your face.

George waited for us outside, mostly because four people was already a lot to fit in the small room and if a fight did break out he would be the most at risk as a human male.

"Did you guys get anything useful out of her? I could hear her talking but not what she was saying through the door." He admits, not even pretending that he wasn't trying to eavesdrop. Ashton doesn't answer. He's still fuming mad. "We did not really learn anything about the third criminal that we did not already suspect. We did however learn the woman's name. She is called Ailsa Dianthe." Fin tells George who immediately pulls out a notepad and writes it down. "Anything else?" He asks eagerly.

"She has a concerning interest in Katerina." Ashton practically hisses the words. George finally takes notice of Ashton's expression and notices how he is clutching my hand tightly.

"What did she say to you?" He demands, all seriousness now. I shrug.

"She wanted to know my name and to confirm that I'm human and not something else. I didn't know that 'something else' was an option. We are totally going to talk about that later by the way." I swing Ashton and I's joined hands a little so that he would know the statement was directed at him.

"She also asked about my relationship with Ashton and when I answered she got really angry and started accusing me of lying to her. That was basically when the conversation ended." I explain. George frowns.

"I don't like this. I'll be talking to your dad about it but I'm sure he will agree with me when I say you won't be talking to her again. She can talk to your fae or to a police officer if she has something to say." He says firmly. I frown. It's not like I particularly WANT to talk to her again, but if it's the only way we can get information I don't mind it. All she did was yell and complain at me. It's not like I was in danger or anything.

"I agree. You will not speak with her again." Ashton says in a tone that allows for no disagreement. I really didn't think it was that big a deal but the guys are all very stressed out about it. I glance at Fin to get his opinion. "Fin?" I prompt. He shakes his head.

"It is not good that she was so focussed on you. I will not go against Ashton's wishes." He states clearly. Message received, Fin will always side with Ashton. Why isn't there anyone on my side here. I still think that I could get Ailsa to tell us more. But I won't push it for now. Maybe if a few days pass and we still haven't found any leads I can come back here. Without the overprotective men hovering over me.

We report back to my dad and to no one's surprise, he agrees with Ashton and George that I should stay away from Ailsa.

“Are there any types of reports that we should be looking for to search for the final fae criminal?” My dad asks, suddenly very eager to be helpful. He might not like Ashton much but when it comes to being protective of me they are definitely on the same page. As such, dad is eager to find alternative ways of locating the fae that don't involve me having to talk to the fae woman again.

"We have confirmed that the fae specialises in the use of a toxin or poison. I do not know much about it though. So I suggest you look out for cases of strange deaths or anything that could possibly include the use of poison." Ashton concludes.

"I'll have George look into it." Dad promises.

"I'd bet money that he already is. We were talking about it on the way back to his desk." I point out.

"Fair enough. Did you have any plans for the rest of your day?" Dad asks. I shrug, and glance over to Ashton and Fin. Do they have anything they want?

"Actually, I do have a request.” Ashton says. I'm a little surprised. Usually he talks to me about his plans before anyone mentions anything to my dad. Hopefully whatever he's about to suggest is something that dad will approve of. "Was there something you wanted to do today?" I wait for his answer and Ashton nods.

"Yes. I was wondering if you would take me shopping and assist me in purchasing a phone." He concludes.

"A phone? Why do you want a phone? Who are you planning to call?" I ask, confused.

"You." He answers, not helping my confusion.

"Why would you need to call me? My job is to keep an eye on you and help you. There's no reason to call me when I'm already going everywhere with you." I point out. Ashton shakes his head.

"It was my mistake to allow you to come with me when I was searching for the fae woman and you were injured. I will not allow that to happen again. Next time I will send you away sooner and as such I may need to be able to contact you." He explains and I cross my arms over my chest.

"Excuse me? You only caught the fae woman because I was there, you would have been busy being all mind controlled without me. Now you're trying to get rid of me because of a tiny scratch on my arm!" I hiss the words at him, part angry, part incredulous. He literally could have been killed if I wasn't there and now he wants to just ditch me! I might not be super strong or fast but considering he still can't even work a toaster without some kind of supervision I don't think he's quite ready to go off on his own without me yet.

"It is not that I do not appreciate your assistance. I merely want to make sure that I do not place you in harms way again." Ashton says, trying to placate me. It doesn't work.

"Fine, we can go get you a phone." I grumble. I wave goodbye to my dad, too cranky for a hug and march my way over to the stupid stairwell. The guy can't deal with an elevator but he wants a phone? Fin follows behind us this time. He didn't complain about the elevator but he doesn't seem especially eager to take it again either.

"Kat, why are you so upset with me?" Ashton asks, walking quickly to keep pace beside me.

"I'm not upset." I respond automatically as we enter the stairwell. Ashton grabs my hand to stop me and tugs me around to face him.

"Katerina, you know I cannot lie to you. It hardly seems fair for you to lie to me." Ashton says disapprovingly and I frown. He's not exactly wrong. I sigh.

"It's like you're trying to get rid of me. Do you not want my help anymore?" I admit quietly. Ashton stares at me in horror and even Fin's eternal calm breaks as he looks on in shock.

"That is not what I was intending at all! I just do not want you to get hurt again!" He objects vehemently. He adjusts his grip on my hand until he's bowing over it again.

"I would like to make myself clear. Katerina I truly do appreciate the assistance you gave in capturing the fae woman and your help in trying to interrogate her. You did not need to answer her questions and I know that you did so for my sake." he states firmly. I shrug.

"I wanted to help.” I answer awkwardly, very aware of Fin's gaze on us. Ashton shakes his head and does not release my hand.

"I understand that. But while you were only minorly injured, it was still a very dangerous situation. You could have been killed. I promised I would keep you safe and I failed to do so. I just want to make sure that you do not take unnecessary risks because you are concerned about leaving me alone. I care about you too much for that." He insists. I can feel myself losing my grip on my anger. How can I be mad at someone who is so sweet to me? Besides, he hasn't said that he's leaving me behind, just that he wants a phone for emergencies which honestly is pretty reasonable. Damn, am I being the unreasonable one? I think I am. Now everything is all awkward. I search around for something to say to break the tension. My eyes fall on the stairs and I chuckle awkwardly.

"Well, at least I can help you with avoiding the elevator." I joke.