Or witches who wanted to study law like Jasmine had because clearly we needed more witches able and willing to fight for each other.
“And before anyone gets any other disgusting ideas about Bevin’s eligibility now that the rumors were cleared up, she’s in a committed relationship. Part of Conrad’s stupid plot was to tell everyone that Bevin is a goddess witch and he was her priest. He confessed after Bevin’s security apprehended him.
“Conrad Hanson confessed toTaylor Reidthat he thought it would help him take over his father’s seat and line him up to take the head council seat from Councilman Reid.” Jasmine smirked snitching that. “That if he was the priest of a goddess witch—the foretold one from a top-tier family even—that it would help his chances.
“So before the next flurry of crazy and lies, let me be clear—Bevin Millen has been checked for the mark of a goddess witch. She does not have it. A powerful witch does not make one a goddess witch. No one would immediately jump to that if she was a warlock. This is more sexism. More than that, please thinklogically, and if the daughter of Charles Shaw had the mark—”
“She would never have left that house alive,” someone cut in. “He would have hidden her forever or killed her and taken her magic. But I thought that was what Bevin said he was trying to do?”
“We have no comment on that as the new head of the Shaw family has cleared up that situation,” Jasmine said. “But you’re right that Charles Shaw would never have let her go. Never let her be known and free at college. Mate her to slime like Gregg Haddock? No, he would have—horrible things. It’s just notlogical, and that’s why Conrad Hanson’s plan was so stupid.
“He’s a narcissist who overinflates his ego. Plain and simple. And we’re done letting people just say what they want because it comes with real consequences.” She glanced down at her papers. “Yes, Bevin was seen at dinner with Sergey Koval and he made his interest known.However, they realized how that would look and invite trouble they could not handle.
“Mr. Koval also realized given his predicament being the bastard of two warring top-tier families, he could never have any sort of normal relationship nor life while they controlled him. So he was a good person and admitted he couldn’t handle the stacked deck at nineteen and not risk Bevin. As such, they are just friends. He was tutoring Bevin for a bit, but that contract has ended.
“Yes, Bevin also went out to dinner with Kelton Rose and I believe there was a picnic, but nothing beyond that given they were both focused on their studies where their focus should be. After what has happened and what Charles Shaw did to Kevin Rose, it’s more than understandable that both Kelton and Bevin have decided to only be friends.
“I cannot believe I’m here commenting on the college gossip and listing dates like this is newsworthy, but after stating it plainly, there shouldn’t be any more misunderstandings. Or again, we will take legal action.” She let out a slow breath and hesitated which wasn’t like her. It worried me.
And it worried Winter from the way he frowned when I glanced at him.
“Bevin is in arecentrelationship with Winter Green. He’s a good man and treats her well. I’d prefer him to not be four years older, but that’s the big sister in me talking, not her legal presentation. Winter is who she chooses to be with and by all accounts is exactly what she needs after her traumatic and abusive upbringing. That’s all we will say on the topic.”
People had a lot to say about that in the cafeteria and it got my hackles up.
I stood and focused on that guy who had taunted me about being back on the market. “You are not good enough forme, you pissant. You’re not just an idiot that makes me worry you were inbred, but lacking in basics.” I gestured over my body. “Youthink you deserve to even have a chance with the head of a top-tier family.”
I laughed when he blinked at me and shared glances between his friends.
“Millen is a top-tier family,” I purred. “I’m the head of it. My sister Clare had to receive my permission to take the name because I’m the head of the family.”
“The Millens died out,” one of his friends argued.
“Ummm, I’m right here. Granddaughter of Henry Millen,” I drawled.
“One last point I would like to make before we conclude this press conference and hopefully get on with our days so most of this can be put behind us,” Jasmine said firmly. “The Millen family was andisa well-respected top-tier family.”
I gestured to the screen as if to sayta-da!
“None of what Bevin did to become a Millen was on awhim,” Jasmine continued. “The trust and foundation for it all was set up when she was a young child. Henry Millen never changed his name because he hoped one of his children or grandchildren would be a Millen through and through instead of a Shaw. It was clear Bevin was born a Millen.
“Not just in her distinct amethyst eyes that turn pink when doing magic, but in her attitude towards social justice and that we are all in a symbiotic relationship as a society. The first head of the High Council said the Millen family was a keystone species. Others thrived because of them and their ability to always keep on the path of decency and morality.
“I think that accurately describes Bevin Millen as even her pranks for the Wicked Challenges have taught valuable lessons. She saved witches in the attack on Morrigan at great risk to herself, receiving commendations from the High Council. Henry Millen was smart to see his granddaughter would become a keystone species of our society if freed from the Shaw family.
“And we have the proof.” She held up what looked like Grandfather’s journal. “He wrote extensively about his hopes for Bevin to lead the top-tier families back onto the right path instead of the one they were on that could ruin our society. He always planned for her to become the head of the Millen family and rise from the ashes which the Shaws created burning their legacy.”
I was sure there was more she was going to say, but I wanted to piggyback on that sentiment while I had the attention of the cafeteria. “How many of you ladies would willingly mate into any of the top-tier families, especially to the head of any of them? The future heads?”
I felt my point was made when three different tables of women burst out laughing to say the idea was that insane.
I smirked as I focused on the two tables of top-tier men who always picked those tables like they were better tables somehow and worthy of them. “Yeah, see, none of us want you. That’s why we have to be forced, threatened, and beaten to have it happen.”
I hurried to continue when a few opened their mouths.
“Now, how many would rather be adopted into a top-tier family without all of the bullshit of their current families?” I asked, glancing around. “No being sold like mares. Or stud horses for control? No, just being decent people living inrealityof what our society truly is and giving back. Sounds nice, right?”
“Sign me up twice and I’m not even top-tier,” Gloria said with a snort.
