The Dragon’s Aide (Charmed Away Temp Agency #2)

Chapter 3

CHAPTER THREE

Spellbound Corps was enormous. Sixty floors at the highest, with several buildings surrounding it, each with their own branch of the company. It would be easy to get lost in a place like this. Thankfully, the hydra receptionist on the main floor was polite and called up to legal to notify them of his arrival. She also told him exactly which elevator bank to use and which elevator to avoid, so he wouldn’t be dumped straight onto the top floor. It took a few minutes, given how many people had to stop to get on and off on the journey, but eventually Isaac made it to the legal floors where he would be working.

It wasn’t really surprising that there was another receptionist just past the elevator bank. Given how huge this company was, there had to be a fleet of receptionists and secretaries to keep everything running. The legal office receptionist was a young demon woman with deep red skin and a bright smile. Isaac warmed to her immediately when she introduced herself.

“I’m Jade, the receptionist for the legal department. You must be Isaac. If you have any questions on where to find things, I’ll be happy to help you.”

“I appreciate that,” Isaac replied honestly. “This place is vast.”

She giggled and nodded in understanding. “It is, but you get used to it. And there are directories by each elevator bank showing what departments are in what building. You’ll figure it out. If you’ll wait just a moment, I’ll let Mr. Van Buren know you’re here.”

Nerves danced along Isaac’s skin, both excitement and apprehension. He looked forward to getting some actual hands-on experience in a legal office, but Morana’s warnings still rang in his head. Van Buren wasn’t an easy man to work with, and Isaac needed to be on his toes during his time here. Isaac brushed off her concern, telling her it was good practice to work with difficult lawyers since he’d likely have similar encounters in the future, but he was still nervous. He sucked in a breath and banished the uneasy feelings, looking at the bright side. It wasn’t forever, and he’d learn a lot. Hopefully, anyway.

“Isaac Silverbreeze?” a gentle voice spoke behind him. Isaac spun around, taking in the young man standing a few feet away. He had golden curls and a soft smile, nothing like the photo online. This man was supposed to have a temper? Was there some kind of mistake?

“Mr. Van Buren?”

The young man laughed, shaking his head. “No. I’m Avery Hawksley. I used to work at Charmed Away, and I’ve got experience working with Maverick. I offered to show you the ropes since he’s busy right now.”

Hawksley… Isaac recognized that name, but he couldn’t place where he knew it. He didn’t recognize the man who shook his hand, so it must not have been very important. Isaac brushed it off and offered Avery a smile.

“I appreciate any advice you can give me. I think I should check in with Mr. Van Buren first–”

Avery put up a hand to stop him, his smile kind. “Normally, I’d say that was a good idea, but I cleared it with Maverick. I told him I’d show you around first before introducing you. He’s got a lot on his plate and doesn’t really have time for pleasantries at the moment.”

Isaac could understand being busy, but it felt weird not to introduce himself to the man he’d be working for right away. Still, if Avery was telling him to wait, he couldn’t exactly argue. He was here to help. Hopefully, Avery wasn’t the type of person to lead him astray.

“Come with me. I’ll show you around and introduce you to the people you’ll probably need to know.”

Avery led him through the legal floors, making introductions along the way. Everyone seemed happy to see the smaller man and made comments on his books. Once they had a moment between introductions, Isaac couldn’t help but ask, “They keep mentioning books. Are you a writer?”

A flush worked its way into Avery's cheeks, and he kept his eyes averted as he led them to the breakroom. “Yes. I published my first novel a little less than a year ago.”

Isaac’s eyebrows flew up. He didn’t know of many authors, much less human authors. It was a difficult career path, but if he was already published, he must be good. “Anything I’ve ever heard of?”

“Um…”

Avery looked almost embarrassed to tell Isaac the name of his book, which was weird. Didn’t most authors love gushing about their works?

“Have you ever heard of The Incubus’s Assistant?”

Isaac’s jaw dropped. “Holy crap. Yes! You wrote that book?”

Avery was blushing now, but it made more sense now that Isaac knew which book he wrote. That book was… hot. Really hot. Isaac had a copy that permanently lived on his night stand, and the spine was broken in a few places that he couldn’t help but reread over and over again. That book made him blush, and he didn’t write the thing.

“Yes… I published under my unmated name. My mate suggested it as a sort of pen name.”

Isaac was practically buzzing with excitement now. He had so many questions. Not all of which were probably appropriate for a legal office. He was fanboying a little, but he couldn’t help it. He was getting a tour of the office he would be working in by his favorite author. How cool was that?

“I loved that book! My roommate bought it for me for my birthday and I couldn’t put it down! What are you doing here? Is this where you got your material from?”

Avery flushed harder and Isaac belatedly realized that was an inappropriate question. He didn’t need to know if Avery did the scenes or anything. He was just curious.

“Um… Some. Not all of it. I worked as a temp for years, and I got a lot of stories from the people I worked with. I’m here because my mate works upstairs. He put another desk in his office so I could stay close.”

“Aww. That’s so sweet! I’m so glad the company allowed you to do that.” Isaac had heard good things about this company, but he didn't know they were so kind as to let mates work on their own ventures in the office. That was pretty much unheard of in any other office.

“Ah, well, you see–”

“Avery,” someone whispered harshly down the hallway. “The dragon is on the move!”

Avery looked past Isaac’s shoulder with a frown. “Oh. I should check to see if Maverick needs anything. Come on. I’ll show you where you’ll be working while I’m at it.”

Isaac made a mental note to ask Avery more about his books later. Now really wasn’t the time, but he had so many questions.

They returned to the main room that was filled with leather chairs, a sort of waiting area maybe. It was busy, people passing through to different hallways that branched off the main room, but it was easy to spot the man in question. It was like he had a force field around him. People scattered when he got close or turned abruptly in another direction and scurried off. He was just as gorgeous as his company picture, tall and imposing, with a narrow-eyed expression and an air of irritation surrounding him. Isaac had to resist the urge to fan himself. There was just something about the grumpy giants that did something to him.

Avery didn’t avoid Mr. Van Buren like everyone else did. He walked straight up to the man, his smile unwavering. “Maverick? Did you need help with something?”

Mr. Van Buren looked down at him with a frown. “I need documents delivered, and–” His gaze flicked to Isaac for half a second before the man did a double take. “What happened to your hair?”

Surprised, Isaac reached for it automatically. “What do you mean? Is there a flat spot or something?”

He’d been meticulous about his hair that morning, making sure it was styled just right, but he’d ridden the subway to get here and it was crowded. Someone could’ve smushed it. Isaac looked around for a mirror, but Mr. Van Buren spoke before he could find one.

“It’s pink!”

Blinking rapidly, Isaac turned back to the giant man. “Oh. Yes, it is. Is that a problem?”

“Of course not,” Avery interjected before Mr. Van Buren could reply. “There are no regulations on hair color in the employee handbook. I’ve read it myself.”

Mr. Van Buren didn’t look pleased about that, shooting Avery an irritated scowl before turning his glare back to Isaac. Smoke seemed to billow from his nostrils and a muscle in his jaw twitched. He gave Isaac a once over before spinning on his heel and storming off with a growl. Isaac watched him go with his jaw hanging open. Did that really just happen?

“I’m sorry,” Avery grimaced. “He’s been really busy lately, and it’s made him a little short-tempered. I promise, there’s nothing wrong with your hair. I think you look great.”

Isaac touched his hair self consciously. Granted, bubble gum pink was a surprising color, but it was fun, and when you’re often stuck in boring suits with the temp jobs you’re given, there isn’t much else you can do to stand out. He’d dye it back once he graduated. Maybe. He really liked it pink.

“If you’re uncomfortable working with him…” Avery trailed off.

Isaac shook his head, forcing out a smile. “No. I’m fine. As long as it’s not against the rules or anything. I should probably get to work. I don’t want to make him any angrier. He was saying something about documents delivered?”

Avery blew out a breath and dipped his chin once before leading Isaac down the one hall they hadn’t gone down yet. There was only one door down this hallway, leading to a huge corner office with an amazing view of the city. Two walls were all windows except for the door that led to an actual terrace on the rooftop of the building right next to this one, with grass and everything. The office itself was masculine, with dark woods and leather. Bookshelves lined one wall, stacked full with legal reference books, and in the middle was a massive wooden desk, absolutely covered in files and paperwork. Mr. Van Buren sat behind it, glaring at whatever he was working on. Isaac’s fingers twitched, the urge to sort and fix the issue like a nagging in his brain, but he kept himself in check, standing politely by the door while Avery gathered the files from the outbox on Mr. Van Buren’s desk.

“Did you need anything picked up on my way back?” Avery asked him.

“No,” Mr. Van Buren growled. Avery didn’t even blink at the man’s rude tone. He took the files and gestured for Isaac to leave first, leading the way back to the main area of the law office.

“You’ll learn pretty quickly how to handle his moods. He’s temperamental, but not unfair. If you do the job efficiently, he’s a good man to work for. I’ll give you the rundown of his schedule while we deliver these, alright? Then I’ll introduce the two of you properly.”

Joy. Isaac could already tell Morana’s warnings were definitely too kind. He straightened his spine, sucking in a breath and letting it out slowly. If it were any other job, he might consider bowing out. He wasn’t the kind of guy to take abuse. But this was the dream, and he wasn’t going to let one grouchy dragon get in his way. He’d be the best damn legal assistant Mr. Van Buren could ever ask for, and he’d do it with pink hair and a smile. That’ll show him.