Page 11 of Novice Girlfriend

I cleared my throat and nodded. “After one summer where Teddy and I got to travel and really bond great, I jumped a big level like Link. We harvested all summer so I was loaded for the school year. I was pumped and ready to go.”

“Smart.”

“In theory, but just like anything else, you can go too far,” I explained. “You’ve felt it when you’re full of too much now. You get a bit all over the place and—you know now.”

“Yeah, I didn’t feel that,” she hedged.

“Because it became your new norm fast,” I told her. “You did too many heavy workouts…” No, I knew the right analogy and changed the tone of my voice. “You didn’t sleep too often besides from exhaustion because you weren’t safe and forgot what normal sleep was. It became all you know.”

She swallowed loudly and gave a slow nod.

“You’ve adjusted to this higher level, and just like with not sleeping as you should, things go to shit,” I continued. “For me, I’d pushed too much for so long I didn’t get it until magic was basically leaking out of me. I’m a higher level than the average witch or warlock adult.”

“I’ll take your word for that,” she muttered. “I’m not knowledgeable enough.”

I smiled. She was so sweet and fair like that. “Kelton’s mom is pretty average.”

Her eyes flashed shock. “Oh, you’re way more powerful than her.”

“Exactly. So you were around a lot of average people at the factory. That works in your favor and how they can easily clean up your mess.”

She studied me for several moments. “But you did what I did, right?’

“I did. Not so big but—yeah, I did. I went to do something basic and my power was at like—my voltage was cranked too high. I was running like a nuclear power plant. I just didn’t have the reactor core covered like I should have.”

She frowned, worrying her lower lip in a way that made me want to kiss her to stop, but also… I just always wanted to kiss her.

“I don’t get it,” she admitted, sounding so frustrated with herself.

“The blunt version?” I was glad when she nodded. “You leaked radiation into the simple magic you were doing and contaminated everything. You’re oozing too much power with what you’re taking in from the treats and more. We’ve gotta figure out another way for you to empty out better than filling forty vessels a week.

“You need more healthy in and out. The magic you’re doing is stressful with all the sessions that put pressure on you. The magic to make money for jobs. The magic that isn’t fun enough for you. You need nature, and… It’s not a filter but yeah, a cleaning system almost for your power plant. I was a huge coal power plant and melted down. I had to change to solar so I was cleaner.”

“A very, very astute way of putting things into perspective, Mr. Green,” Mrs. Reid said from my left. “You are the gem that the headmaster told me, and now I understand why he has such high hopes for your future.”

I held Bevin tightly when she went to scramble off of me. I chuckled when she gave me a hurt look. “You would fall. We’re not naked and she’s seen worse. You’re not in class, but out by your lake on your land with your boyfriend. She came out here to find you because she cares that much.”

“Astute indeed,” Mrs. Reid chuckled. “And correct.”

Bevin relaxed and let me stand and safely set her on her feet, mumbling a thank-you… While still hiding a bit behind me.

Seriously, I was so in love with this woman.

“It’s always easier to explain when it’s something you’ve experienced,” I said, addressing what Mrs. Reid had said. “But I’m no slouch. I believe you’re better read-in on the way our society and the council have failed orphans. The way they’ve left them as easy pickings to be taken advantage of by the evil that’s been left unchecked.”

Anger filled her eyes because we both knew I was taking a direct shot at her husband.

I felt bad when I felt nerves pouring off of Bevin. My heart melted and I backed down because she didn’t interject and would clearly support me.

But I shouldn’t make her. I shouldn’t make her ever have to choose.

“I’m just glad they’re working on it now,” I continued. “Even the situation with the Shaws. Those of us with large familiars have few options and get trapped easily. Villains aren’t born; they’re made. Your husband and others believe that, and I have faith they’ll take into consideration that those villains were trapped and made.”

“Indeed,” she said cautiously, studying me carefully. “Though you clearly have vast knowledge on the topic. I think it wise you and your friends who have that insight file a formal request to speak to the council. They’re going to start hearing the evidence and making decisions on these cases with the Shaws soon. You will want to give your input before that.”

I dipped my head to her. She was giving me the help without betraying her husband. I appreciated that.

Fuck, I understood Councilman Reid gave his best and truly cared. I’d seen it. The man was drowning and didn’t have the right help. He knew he was fighting a battle that would probably get him killed. I respected the hell out of him.