Page 50 of Wicked Witchmas: Elara & Tripp

“The attraction is present,” he countered. “I like you more than anyone I’ve met while living here.”

She processed his comment, then nodded. “You’ve found me every lifetime, according to you and Hermes. But we can’t get to the love part because someone is always delivering me a pair of cursed shoes, starting the clock.”

The idea they were being sabotaged never crossed his mind before she oh-so-innocently voiced it. If an outside interferencewas disrupting the Fates’ design, could he appeal to a higher power to sort it out? Would they give him the required time or magic to prevent Rainier’s explosion? It bore looking into.

A phone on the counter heralded an incoming text, and Elara released him to check the message.

“Anything important?” Tripp asked, sensing her unease.

“There’s been a town meeting called atWily Witches. You and I are being ordered to attend.”

“Ordered? Who would dare?”

“According to Payton, your mother dared.”

Holding back the litany of swear words struggling to escape, he nodded. “Do you wish to walk or teleport?”

Her eyes rounded. “I’ve never… I mean, I want to, but… My magic, it’s…”

“Elara.”

She pressed her fingertips to her mouth and waited.

“If you’d like to try it, I’m happy to transport you wherever you wish,” he assured her.

“Truly?”

He smiled at her childlike wonder. “Truly.”

“What do I do?”

“You hold on to me until I tell you to let go,” he replied.

A wry smile curled her lips. “I think I can do that.”

Tripp sensed her meaning was far, far deeper, but he ignored it. Standing, he drew her to her feet and into his arms. “Ready?”

“Mmhmm.”

“Take a deep breath and clear your mind. When we arrive, you may feel discombobulated or dizzy. It’s normal for the first time.”

“Okay.”

In his mind’s eye, he envisioned the alleyway beside the coffeehouse. Long ago, the alleys of Witchmere were enchanted, allowing for quick travel without revealing the supernatural.If non-magical pedestrians were about, they wouldn’t see the instantaneous comings and goings of the residents.

“You can open your eyes now, flitter-mouse.”

Tripp was unprepared for the impact when she did. The lazy way she lifted her lids and the unsuppressed excitement glowing from those blue orbs packed a powerful punch, making it difficult to look away. His desire to kiss her was overriding his ability to think straight.

“None of that,” his mother called from the alley entrance. “We’ve important matters to attend, darling.”

He briefly considered stealing Elara away to an undisclosed location to spend time alone with her. They’d yet to experience a day of peace and quiet or simply exist in the moment. All the external factors were pushing them farther apart instead of allowing them to bond, and Tripp couldn’t help feeling it was the opposite of what they were meant to experience.

Facing her, Tripp grimaced. “None of that? Wasn’t your whole goal to find me a mate, Mother?”

“Don’t be cheeky, darling. That mountain is about to erupt, and I’d prefer not to have another disaster on my hands.”

“Then stop sending lethal boots to women I care about,” he snapped.

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