Page 42 of Just a Beta (Betas in Waiting)
Meritha paused, reached into her pocket, and pulled out a black card.“Here you go.This is a Van Housen Bank credit card.It will keep folks from getting to your bank account directly.It will be visible to you here or on a chosen computer with a biometric lock.We have one of those set up for you already.”
Echel frowned.“How?”
Meritha stood up and wiggled her fingers in the air.“Magic.”She smiled.A shower of glitter left her fingers.
Samsor blinked.“You are...”
“A very good banker.”She winked.
She got up, and they went to the outer offices.
Meritha provided the laptop and smiled.“Okay, take this home, and let you be the first thing that it sees.It makes things go faster.I made yours extra bitchy, so be warned.”
“Okay.Um, why?”
“To make sure you stay aware of spending.She’s going to keep on top of you in the kindest way until you get a little stupid, and then off she goes.”
“She?”
“Henrietta.It’s the AI I developed for this purpose.”
Emhara looked at her and realized this is what sisters were supposed to feel like.
Meritha nodded.“Here is my personal number, Emhara.We need to unlock what you picked up from Win.”
Emhara blinked.“Oh, yeah.It’s just in there.”
“We will jiggle it loose.Don’t worry.”
Emhara grinned.“That would be good.”
“There are healing spells in there, and that will be handy for you.A thick skin is nice, but being able to work from the inside out is better.”She looked at the deltas.“The guys have you, so you are in good hands, so to speak.Invite me over, and I will be there.”
Duran looked at her.“You are a mage?”
Meritha laughed.“Yes.We all have specialties.I know what mine is, I know what Mikhaela’s is, but Emhara has been a mystery.Well, until now.Now I know.”
Duran asked softly, “What is she?”
Meritha smiled.“What soothes her soul, gives her comfort and determination in equal measure.”
Emhara smiled.“Art.Drawing.”
“Correct.I feel the same about money.”
Emhara suddenly understood.“Oh, wow.So, I will be able to use it.”
“The spellbooks in your head will show you what to do, the how is what will manifest in your hands and body when you are ready to use it.”
“So, Henrietta?”
“Is a spell.A sprite.She will be on your side, but she wants you to be successful, so she will nag you at every opportunity.Let me know if she ever feels mean, and I will rein her in.”
“Okay.Thank you so much.I know you didn’t have to take me into this bank, but thank you.I feel my money is safe here.”
“Yup.Now, take your black card to Halor Denith and make that hostess pay.”
“Would you come with me?”
