Page 88 of Wicked Witchmas: Elara & Tripp

“Why?”

Elara’s suspicions were stirred, and Tripp’s gut clenched. He had no good reason for digging deeper into her life.

“I don’t know. Perhaps it was my obsessive need to discover everything about you,” he said. “I truly don’t know, flitter-mouse. Not any more than I knew to come to Witchmere, following the trail of your spirit’s essence.”

With a thoughtful frown, she held out her hand, and he placed his in hers, palm to palm. “Tell me the truth,” she said.

The compulsion was more than he could bear, and he repeated everything he’d said to this point.

“Is there anything you haven’t told me about your investigation or why you chose me?”

“No.”

Shifting her grasp, she squeezed his hand. “I’m satisfied it’s the truth.”

“I’m not,” Rupert snapped. “You’re not thinking straight, Elara. You’re thinking with your?—”

“Careful,” Tripp warned, refusing to let anyone insult her.

“I intended to say ‘heart, not head,’” the Titan said, but his anger had lessened. Summing him up, Rupert asked, “You do realize I’m more powerful than you, son, yes?”

“I do.”

“And still, you would stand up to me to defend Elara’s honor?”

“I would.”

Her parents shared a speaking glance.

“All right. We accept you as her protector.”

Elara, ever contrary, scowled. “What? You can’t make a declaration and expect everyone to bow to your demands.”

Tripp laughed and caught her as she stomped by him. Swinging her around, he touched his forehead to hers. “He’s not demanding anything, flitter-mouse. He’s accepting your choice and giving his blessing.”

Though her scowl eased, she still wasn’t thrilled. “I don’t need anyone to accept my choices. They’re mine.”

“I won’t disagree.” He kissed the tip of her nose. “You and I will always make our own decisions.”

“Always.” Wrapping her arms around his neck, she tugged his head down until their lips were a whisper apart. “You’re mine, and I’m yours.”

“Always,” he agreed, sealing it with a kiss.

When they parted, one of the two boot jewels they’d been unable to label shone brightly.

“Elara, look!”

Her cry of excitement was contagious, and he laughingly swung her around. “Only one more to go!”

“What’s this?” Mae’s confusion was endearing, and they took pity on her to explain. When they were finished, she tucked her arm through Elara’s. “You’ve named all but the one, and the stone matching your relationship with us is still in flux. What can we do to help?”

The light turned solid.

“I think you just did, Mom,” Elara said in awe.

“Splendid! Let’s have tea.”

Tripp remained behind as Mae led Elara towardWily Witches.

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