Page 94 of Wicked Witchmas: Elara & Tripp

The movement beneath them knocked Tripp and Elara to the ground. Layer after layer of earth piled on, killing the toxic smell and covering the river of lava prepared to erupt.

He almost rubbed his eyes in his disbelief.

“Tripp?”

“I see it, too.”

“The stone?” she asked.

“No, the volcano went back to sleep.” But he dragged his gaze away to look at her boots. “Thank Messia!”

“No, thank me,” Hermes said, approaching in his cocksure, arrogant way. Tucked within the crook of one arm was a tiny black kitten. He handed it to Elara after Tripp helped her to her feet. “Hex 2.0.”

Her china-blue eyes were liquid pools of love.

“Cindy Lou Who gets her Christmas after all,” Tripp murmured.

Laughing, she rubbed her nose against the creature.

“Still want a Max?” he asked, stroking the kitten’s dainty head.

“Absofreakinglutely!”

“No kids, but enough animals for a petting zoo?”

She grinned. “It’s like you know me.”

“Better than you can ever imagine,” he agreed. Tripp offered a hand to Hermes. “I should break your pretty face, but I’m feeling a little euphoric at the moment.”

“It’s the sulfur. Your generosity will pass.” Gesturing to the boots, Hermes said, “I’ll need those back now.”

“No! I earned them. Get yourself a different pair.”

“Sorry, kid, but their return isn’t up for debate.”

Tripp eased the kitten from her grasp. “Please, for the love of Witchmere and my glorious, glorious shoulders, give him those fucking boots.”

Sitting, she removed them, giving the fatal footwear one last hug and stroking the jewels. “Be kinder to the next owner,” she said to the blasted things before handing them to Hermes.

Tripp fought a laugh and lost. “Snow’s coming in. You’ll need to conjure another pair, or your feet will freeze.”

“Or I can climb on your back, and you can carry me home.” She shot him a flirty smile. “It will give me time to admire your glorious, glorious shoulders.”

Hermes worked a single lace free of its mooring and attached a multifaceted amethyst.

“Here, love. A gift to remember me by.”

“Oh, I doubt I’ll forget, but thank you.” She held up the stone, admiring it in the fading light. “Who will get them next?”

“Not sure. They’ll find their rightful owner after their magic is restored to full strength.”

He leaned in and kissed her cheek. “Take care of yourself, love. If you need me, call out my name, and I’ll be there.” With a wicked glance for Tripp, he leaned closer to Elara. “But don’t mistake us during sex and scream my name, or it might get awkward.”

“Too bad the volcano isn’t still active. I’d take great delight tossing you in,” Tripp said dryly.

“That’s my cue to leave!” Hermes smiled down at the kitten. “That’s one lucky p?—”

“Hermes!”

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