As he wrapped up with work, there was a knock at the door. He wasn’t expecting any visitors, and they usually had to be buzzed in, so maybe it was a neighbor? Trev opened the door to find a man and woman, both wearing black suits.

“Trevor Montgomery?”

“Vanderpol-Montgomery,” he corrected, mostly because he had done the paperwork. These two gave him such a bad feeling with their blank expressions. Trev added, “Who’s asking?”

“No questions. You need to come with us.”

Raising a brow, he folded his arms. “Nah, I don’t think I will.”

Chapter 28

Leanne was driving when Trev’s protective charm activated.

She was on her way home already, thinking of stopping at the supermarket to pick up a few last-minute items for the holiday feast since they were hosting Junie, Noodles, and Blair, but then the backlash of energy swept toward her, and she stepped on the gas. It wouldn’t do her any good if she got into a police chase, but she didn’t give a damn. This was a speed first, ask questions later situation.

From the way her spell had snapped, her husband might freaking disappear if she didn’t arrive in time. As it was, she nearly chewed her lower lip off as she waited for the gate arm to raise and allow her access to the parking lot. She left her car half sideways in the parking spot.

Leanne pulled off her heels and raced upstairs, unable to wait for the elevator. But shit, what if I miss them? What if they’re dragging him into the—no, I’ve got this.

Her hands shook as she keyed the pin. When she dashed into the condo, she stopped short, silently stunned and desperately circling for a reasonable explanation—only there was nothing she could say that would negate what she—and Trev—were seeing. A bright protective shield shimmered around him, activated the moment council enforcers tried to take him against his will. Steely-eyed agents in black suits conferred nearby, probably discussing Trev’s fate.

Fuck. FUCK. Looks like this is happening now.

She shut the door behind her and called Gladys. “We need an emergency council meeting. The agenda has just been moved up.”

“What’s wrong?” the older witch asked immediately.

“I have two heavies in my apartment, and I’m not losing this fight. But it needs to go through official channels. Right now, I haven’t violated any of the tenets. Technically, they did by pushing the matter, and my magic reacted. If they’d left well enough alone, the breach wouldn’t have occurred, but the time for this bullshit has passed. You want me on the new council? Get them all online. Now.”

“I’ll send word,” Gladys said. “You should have a link in your inbox within ten minutes. Can you keep things calm for that long?”