Estrella blinked rapidly, taking in Florencia’s exuberance at the ass crack of dawn. “To my knowledge the bond could be both—broken or silenced. The only one who would know for sure is the person who did it.”
Gods-dammit. “There’s no way to find out without asking her?”
Estrella looked at me shrewdly. “If your witch were actually trained she could probably figure it out, but I’m not going to advise her to go rooting around in your soul when she doesn’t know what she’s doing. Reach out again and ask.”
“She doesn’t want to hear from me.”
“Try anyway. She owes you an explanation or at least a yes or no answer. What she did in either option is deep, dangerous magic. If the Witch Councils found out, they could bind her magic if she can’t prove her life was at risk.”
“Isn’t that more reason for her to go into hiding?”
“You don’t need her to answer you to report her. It’s very likely she needed the assistance of other witches. If she went to the Witches’ Council, there should be a record. If she did something that big without their guidance or permission, they will do a much better job of finding her than we can in here.”
“Do you think the Councils would listen to us?”
“That I don’t know. I suppose it would depend on who received the inquiry. As long as you don’t get a bigot, you should be fine.”
“And how are we supposed to avoid that?”
Estrella shrugged. “I can’t help you with that. My mother was shunned from her coven for procreating with a shifter, and they certainly don’t want to hear from me.”
“Could Protector Logan send them a message?” Florencia asked. “She’s a full witch, isn’t she?”
“She’s from a bound bloodline, though. I can’t imagine they would be interested in helping her.”
“Find another witch the Councils would find more palatable,” said Estrella. “Your options are limited. You must work within these confinements.”
It wasn’t the answer I wanted, but it was one I could move forward with, however unhappily. “I’ll talk to Yelena and Logan about it. Thank you.”
“You’re most welcome, panther. My thanks as well for assisting Florencia.”
“Anytime.”
“I’m on night shift again tomorrow.” Florencia beamed. “In case you wanted the middle-of-the-night company again.”
“I’ll be there.”
With a wave, I took my leave of them and diverted upstairs to Yelena’s suite. The lioness was at her vanity when I entered, her curls still bundled in silk and her face not yet painted. I liked when she was soft like this, so different from the aura she presented the rest of the world.
Did you have an enlightening night?
Not as much as I’d hoped. Do you have contacts at the Witches’ Council?
Yelena turned from the mirror toward me, her head tilted curiously.I don’t think so, but I’ll ask the other Protectors.
I slipped into my house cat form and hopped up on her vanity while Yelena began her makeup and told her everything Estrella and Florencia had told me.
A yawn swept over me and Yelena reached out to scratch behind my ears. “Get some sleep. I’ll bring up your inquiry with the Protectors.”
Without another word I dropped to the floor and crossed the short distance to the bed. Seth and Haru were stretched out in their wolf and panther forms next to Logan, her arm draped over Seth. I wiggled my way between them, and Logan woke just long enough to kiss my forehead and drag me closer.
Snuggling in, I sat with everything I had learned. I didn’t want to report Rachel, but maybe it was the only way to protect Logan. With the bond in limbo, I wasn’t sure which way the Councils would fall on the matter. If the bond was merely silenced, they might view a report as a betrayal of my mate, but if she had broken it, Logan would take precedence the moment Ibonded her. I wanted this beautiful omega to be mine in all ways, but I wasn’t going to let that selfish desire put her in danger if I could help it.
I scent marked her cheek and tucked my head beneath her chin, purr rumbling. She waseverythingto me, and just like Yelena, I protected what was mine.
“Can I just drain myself and get recharged afterward?” I asked as Yelena led me to meet Shakti in the basement.
“You don’t want me to play with you in front of her? You seemed fine with Kendrick.”