he cares, and yet he does shit like that.”
“Yes, which he realized was a massive mistake and part of why he was so upset,” she murmured as she pulled out my desk chair and sat down. “But what was the rest of what he said? I know him to be incredibly accurate, though I’m having trouble accepting you said all you did.”
I sighed and went into my idea about how to use Craftsman’s blunder and give idiots something to talk about or openings to try something. It was easier for us to handle threats if we gave them openings instead of never knowing where all of the problems could come from.
I shrugged after explaining where my head was. “Basically, I took the opening. He set me up perfectly, and his utter disbelief and serious anger sold it. Yeah, I shit all over him and his perfect Dr. Craftsman image, but he honestly deserved that for the dick moves he’s been pulling.”
“The hobgoblins are going to have a field day with him when they return back to campus,” Izzy said, beaming as if she was ready to grab popcorn and enjoy the show.
That actually perked me up some. They were going to freeze him out and make his life miserable. Nice.
“Your plan has merit and is smart, given the opportunity presented itself,” Dean White agreed. “I’ll speak with Craftsman so he gets off his warpath, and Edelman, so he knows this is a bit of trying to pacify the elites. The rest, I will speak with Geiger on as I think we need to keep the circle small on that. He’s currently digging into McGrath’s past and investigating what you learned.”
“What’s up with Instructor McGrath?” Izzy asked, glancing between us.
Dean White’s eyes flashed shock. “You didn’t warn Ms. Kincaid?”
“We don’t include Izzy in a lot as she gets dragged into the fighting and dirty stuff then.”
“Agreed, but that sort of filthy scum won’t be deterred when we close this first direct line to you. He will start on the next easiest access to you.” She gave a pointed look to Izzy… My roommate who was also taking his class.
I felt all the blood leave my face. “Izzy, I’m so fucking sorry. I didn’t even think of it. I’m so used to dealing with pervs solo that I didn’t—”
“Hey, it’s cool,” Izzy forgave. “Mel told me she needed to talk to me about something after dinner, so I think she realized whatever Dean White did. We’re not perfect, right? Didn’t this just happen and it’s what you guys were upset about at lunch?”
I nodded, knowing she’d already put that together. Izzy was easygoing but incredibly intuitive. She paid attention, was detailed oriented, and from what I’d heard Natalie say, was picking up how to read auras fast. So she might not have the juice she wished, but she was still gifted, as that was pretty hard for a witch or warlock to get down.
“Okay, so read me in, and we’ll figure something out. You can put that aura muting rune on me or whatever since we’ll have to assume a warlock who teaches here knows how to read them.”
“He does,” Dean White confirmed. “I pulled his file after your messages. His level is passable to teach at Artemis, so it’s not his best ability, but passable here is much better than the average warlock. Be on your guard. He is extremely gifted in potions. He has to be to teach the subject here. It also means that is probably what he will use on you.”
I sighed as understanding filled me. “To test me. He’s going to start there and use some sort of potion on me to test what I am.”
“Yes, and I fear it will trigger your PTSD,” she said gently.
I swallowed loudly. Yeah, it would, and throw me back to Mason drugging and abducting me for sure. He almost killed me using too much of a fairy knockout potion and type of date rape drug so he could get me pregnant and force me to mate. Using any potions on me against my will would absolutely trigger me.
Fuck.
“What do we do? There’s got to be a way to fight that, right?”
“Yes, and I’ll get right to work on it, but I wanted to warn you so you’re on guard more than normal. The hobgoblins will help. I’m also going to speak with Katrina Calloway as she’s impressive in potions as well and knows about you.”
Izzy was still glancing between us