Page 26 of This Witch Is Not Wicked

“She didn’t know I couldn’t swim,” I said.

“I got him back out,” Enid added like that was the problem.

“She saved my life, and what can I say? It was love at first sight.” I reached for Enid and pulled her into me. She resisted a bit, but I yanked her, and she bumped into my chest as I awkwardly put my arm around her, her entire body stiff.

Everyone continued to stare, and I really wished someone would say something. Anything.

“I just want to make sure I understand.” Cillian paused. “You’re courting the woman who tried to kill you?”

Maybe I didn’t want anyone to speak after all.

My father ran a hand over his thinning gray hair. “Let’s all calm down. This is clearly a shock, but Nevan is a grown man, and he is capable of making his own choices.” Father elbowed my mother. “You wanted Nevan to find someone, and he has. Let’s be happy for the new couple.”

No one looked happy. In fact, I wasn’t sure I’d ever seen my family so thoroughly disturbed.

“Would you like to join us for dinner, Enid?” Niamh asked.

Oh, godwitches, I couldn’t imagine this night getting any worse. “No,” we both burst out at the same time.

Mother’s gaze snapped to me.

“Enid has plans.”

I elbowed her, and she cleared her throat. “Yes, I have to feed the crocodiles.”

I internally groaned. Why couldn’t she just say one normal thing in front of my family?

“Feed the crocodiles?” Mother asked with alarm. “What do you feed them?”

She gave a small shrug. “Whatever Vine catches for them. It keeps them from eating your people.” She paused. “Vine also sometimes eats the crocodiles, which also helps your people.”

Fucking fuck.

Mother’s face paled.

“Okay,” I said with a laugh. “Well, I will see you later tonight.” I shoved Enid toward the door. “After you’re done . . . feeding the crocodiles.” That was a sentence I never thought I’d say.

Enid opened her mouth to speak, and panic jolted through me, then she closed it and nodded. Thank the godwitches.

“It was lovely to officially meet you!” Niamh called as I pushed Enid out the door. It slammed, and I pressed my back against it.

“What in the actual fuck?” Cillian asked. “Nevan, I know you’ve basically been holed up in your lab for years, but there are other women out there. Ones who don’t feed crocodiles and shove people into bogs for fun.”

He had a fair point. I sat down, pushing my plate away, appetite gone.

“The heart wants what it wants,” Niamh said, a slight reprimand to her voice.

“You’re just saying that because you fell for the grumpiest man ever.” Cillian tipped his head toward Wolfe, who just crossed his arms, not arguing.

“I did, and I’m eternally grateful for it.” Her gaze softened as it landed on Wolfe, and his lips twitched. “Giving this grumpy, closed-off guard a chance was the best thing I ever did.”

Cillian just rolled his eyes, but Mother relaxed back into her chair.

“Well, I would love to get to know Enid,” she said. “Get to know you two as a couple.”

“Y-yes, absolutely.” Absolutely not.

“You’ll both plan to be at our next family dinner?”