After the way Clem had outed the witch hunters, it should be a piece of cake. Leanne had mostly been on the outside for that, but she did appreciate how Clem risked everything for her sisters. She wouldn’t forget it in a hurry. For now, she had no clue how it would all shake out in the long run in terms of hunters becoming witches and how it all related to council matters. But that was for Gavin, Clem, and the council elders to figure out.

On the way over, she grabbed a box of wine at the market and carried it in, mostly because that was what the others expected. She could try harder, but why? They had her pegged a certain way and it was easier to meet those expectations than to deviate from them. Teeth clenched, she endured the ribbing that was still ongoing because of her runaway nuptials. And she still hadn’t clued in the rest of the coven regarding her plan.

Not sure if I will.

Though she trusted these witches with her life, she didn’t enjoy the prospect of them thinking less of Trev for agreeing to this plan. And she didn’t come off great either since she was using him for personal gain. Is that so bad when it’s mutually beneficial? We both get something we need from this arrangement. In all honesty, she was happier than she’d ever been in a relationship with none of the usual panic about him packing up suddenly after deciding she wasn’t worth the work. He needed what she could provide and vice versa.

That’s the definition of codependency.

Exhaling in an annoyed huff at her own thoughts, she hugged Vanessa first. “Let me get a load of the new hair.”

Today, Vanessa had complex, beautiful braids gathered on top of her head. It must have taken twelve hours. “Definite witch queen vibes, am I right?”

“All the way. You’re gorgeous.”

“Always am,” Vanessa said.

Leanne smiled, handing off the box wine to Danica, who ferried it to the kitchen. Everyone filled their plates with finger foods and raw vegetables, settling in for a good chat. They’d taken to parking their cars all around the neighborhood instead of right in front of the house. If they didn’t go in covertly, Hazel Jeffords would be at the door in twenty minutes. Not that Leanne disliked the old cat fancier, but she made it difficult to conduct coven business.

“It feels like ages since we were all together.” Margie crunched into a carrot stick after dipping it in ranch dressing.