“That’s not a solution. The only reason the council hasn’t already stepped in is because technically no rules were broken. Nobody informed him of anything. So they’ll probably debate the issue internally before reaching a formal decision.”

In such cases, generally the council ruled to protect witches. That was why the council existed, after all, but it occurred to Leanne that using magic against mundanes—even if it was to protect witches—was no different than the hunters severing a witch’s connection to magic and making them forget that part of their life entirely. Actually, she thought it could be argued that it was worse since mundanes had largely stopped believing in magic altogether.

Witches going underground made sense before, during all the purges. If they hadn’t hidden, they would’ve been annihilated by a fearful, superstitious populace. But it had been hundreds of years, and maybe it was time they rejoined the world officially. From certain comments Ethel had made, Leanne suspected they weren’t the only supernatural community currently lurking in the shadows either.

I’ve been tapped to join the council. I just need to shield Trev until my term starts, then I can change things from within.

Finally, she said, “For now, I need protective charms. Nothing that will hurt another witch but strong enough to keep them away from Trev.”

Vanessa raised both her perfectly shaped brows. “You’re all in with this one? I thought he was convenient.” She stretched the word out, smirking like she received dividends for messing with people.

I made her feel like I was leaving her behind. This is the least I deserve.

“I don’t know, but what I am sure of is that he doesn’t deserve to live out the remainder of his days as a chipmunk. He fell into this mess trying to help me, and frankly, he’s been a godsend. He keeps Junie in check, handles my socials, plus he cooks and cleans.”

“And fucks like a champion?” Vanessa guessed.

Leanne groaned. “I’m pretty sure I never said that.”

“You used the words ‘surprisingly awesome,’ and I speak fluent Leanne.”

“Whatever. Do you think the rest of the coven will help me with the protective charms? They’ll be stronger if we work together.”

“Damn, you’re really worried about this little fixer-upper.”

“Don’t call him that,” Leanne snapped.

Vanessa held up a hand, smiling so wide that it showed off her white teeth and her dimples. “You’re in so deep that you can’t even see the shore. Of course we’ll help you. Even if we don’t understand your choices, we’ve got your back.”

“Are you feeling better?” Leanne asked.

“Much. People act like it doesn’t happen, but friends tend to drift when one of them couples up. I don’t want that to happen to us.”

“It won’t,” Leanne said fiercely.