Page 75 of Wicked Witchmas: Elara & Tripp

“His deepest feelings weren’t in question. The only person he was hiding from was himself.” Hermes shot a pointed look at Tripp. “It’s the actions associated with the love that matters.”

“The commitment,” Tripp concluded, wanting to smack himself on the forehead. Theduhmoment almost laid him low. “But we’re determined to save this town. How much more committed can I be?”

His mother angrily threw her hands up and exited the room with her husband on her heels.

He scrubbed his hands over his face. “I’m too tired to figure out what I said wrong. A little help here, please.”

Elara took pity on him. “You had the first part correct, but the second isn’t about commitment to the town. It’s the commitment to your happiness and maybe someone else’s.”

“That feels more like selfishness to me.”

“Your mom wants to see you settled, Tripp. You avoid it for several reasons.” She ticked items off using her fingers. “Yourpast traumas. A rebellious nature. Fear of losing the next great love of your life?—”

“Youare that love, and yes, I fear losing you.”

Her insides turned gooey. “I fear losing you, too.”

Another stone put on a spectacular light show.

“We’re making progress!” Hermes was as giddy as a small child opening presents. “Keep going, kids! I—” He mimed a lip-zip when Tripp shot him a death glare.

“Talk to Harrison,” Elara urged. “Maybe bring Brelenia and your dad with you. Resolve a few issues. I need to find mine and do the same.”

“I’m not sure I’m comfortable with you wandering off on some quest alone,” Tripp admitted. His underlying worry was evident in the tightness around his mouth and dark, worried eyes.

“I’ll admit I do better with you as a mediator, but if I promise to take Hermes with me and keep my cool, would it put your mind at ease?”

“My mind will never be at ease with Hermes around,” he replied dryly.

“Ouch! I’m offended, cousin. Oops. My bad.” Halting his snarky dialogue, Hermes mimed a second lip-zip.

Elara lost it. Hearing an ancient deity use the modern term “my bad” was too much for her, and laughter bubbled up and out. Both men stared with wonderous smiles on their faces. The instant she sobered, they snapped out of the enchantment. Hermes frowned, and Tripp scowled. He must’ve realized what she had: their reaction wasn’t normal.

“What was that?” she asked curiously. “Why were you in a trance? The boots?”

“Actually, it may be the Titan-water nymph duo,” Hermes said, scratching his chest. “You cast an enchantment with your laughter, like you did earlier with your anger.”

“She did?”

“I did?”

Elara shared a worried look with Tripp. They were on the same page. “What does it mean? I can’t allow emotion to show, or I risk influencing people against their will?”

“Something like that,” Hermes replied grimly. “We need to speak with Brelenia and my father.”

“That’s a huge nope on your dad.” She shook her head and held up a hand. “Didn’t Zeus hate the Titans? Weren’t they a risk or something?”

“No, and yes. But that explanation is much too long to get into.”

“I’ll get my mother, Hermes. We’ll begin there.” Tripp rose and exited the room, leaving her alone with his cousin.

“I thought he hated the idea of you and me together,” she said, attempting to keep it light.

“With good reason.” Winking, he settled on the bed, tucked his arms behind his head, and closed his eyes. “I miss my life as Hex. Want to come pet my fur?”

“Oh, for the love of frog guts! What iswrongwith you?”

“Too many things to list on those delicate fingers of yours,” he said with a laugh.

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