Page 10 of Enchanting the Alpha

Floating lanterns bobbed near the ceiling, casting pools of soft light across carefully arranged workstations. Each table held an array of crafting supplies: ribbons woven with protection spells that changed color based on the maker’s mood, labels enchanted to display the drinker’s name in shifting calligraphy, and delicate bags that sealed themselves with a kiss of magic.

“This is either going to be brilliantly fun or spectacularly chaotic,” she muttered to Whiskers, who chirped in what she chose to interpret as agreement.

The bell above the door chimed - a melody that sparkled in the air. Xabir strode in, his commanding presence filling the room instantly. He wore a charcoal suit that fit his broad shoulders perfectly, with subtle silver threads woven through the fabric that caught the light like moonbeams. His hazel eyes met hers across the room, and Romi’s heart performed an acrobatic routine worthy of those enchanted sugar cubes.

“You’re early,” she managed, proud that her voice remained steady despite the flutter in her stomach.

“I wanted to see if you needed any assistance.” His deep voice carried hints of warmth that seemed reserved just for her. “Though it appears you have everything well in hand.”

“Almost everything.” Romi summoned her courage and crossed to where he stood. “But I could use some help testing these craft stations. You know, for quality control purposes.”

A hint of amusement touched his lips - not quite a smile, but progress. “Quality control?”

“Absolutely.” She guided him to a workstation, very aware of his solid presence beside her. “We can’t have the mighty Alpha of the Western Lupo Pack struggling with ribbon-tying spells, can we?”

“I assure you, I’m quite capable with my hands.” The low rumble in his voice sent shivers down her spine.

“Prove it.” Romi demonstrated the spell, her fingers dancing through the magical gestures perhaps a bit more elaborately than necessary. “Unless you’re afraid of a little crafting challenge?”

Something sparked in his eyes – a competitive spirit mixed with something deeper that made her pulse race. He moved closer, his chest nearly brushing her back as he reached around her to pick up a ribbon. His heat radiated through her thin blouse, and his scent - pine forests and mountain air with hints of alpha power - wrapped around her like an embrace.

“Show me again,” he murmured near her ear, and Romi momentarily forgot how to breathe.

The bell chimed again, breaking the moment as more guests began arriving. Madame Zephyrine glided in, her flowing purple robes adorned with constellation patterns that actually twinkled. The elder witch’s silver hair caught the light, creating an ethereal halo effect.

“Romi, your magic has truly transformed this place.” Madame Zephyrine’s eyes, deep violet and mysterious, took in the magical preparations - and the lingering proximity between Romi and Xabir. A knowing smile curved her lips. “It’s absolutely enchanting.”

“Thank you, Madame Zephyrine.” Romi stepped back from Xabir, though her skin still tingled where they’d nearly touched. “I’m thrilled you could join us.”

More guests filtered in - witches in elegant robes that shifted colors with their movements and shifters in tailored suits with subtle magical embellishments woven into the fabric. The air hummed with multiple types of magic mingling together, creating patterns of energy that danced just at the edge of visibility.

Clover swept in, her emerald eyes brightening at the festive atmosphere. She pulled Romi into a quick hug. “This looks amazing! Though your aura’s a bit...sparkly. Something to do with our distinguished alpha, perhaps?”

“Hush,” Romi whispered, fighting a blush. “Help me get everyone settled.”

ELEVEN

The next hour passed in a whirlwind of introductions. Romi moved through the room, demonstrating techniques and encouraging collaboration between witches and shifters. She couldn’t help stealing glances at Xabir, who’d taken up a position near the window. His presence drew others naturally, but she caught him watching her more than once, his intense gaze making her magic flutter beneath her skin.

Her brother Thane materialized at her side, his sandy blonde hair slightly disheveled as always. His deep blue eyes twinkled with their usual mischief. “You know, if you keep looking at him like that, you’re going to start floating.”

“I’m not-” she started to protest, then noticed her feet were indeed hovering slightly off the ground. She quickly anchored herself. “Don’t you have some tea to blend?”

“Just saying.” He grinned. “The sexual tension in here is thick enough to cut with a ceremonial dagger.”

Before she could retort, something shifted in the magical atmosphere - a discordant note in the harmonious energy of the room. At first, Romi attributed it to her own flustered state. Then the laughter started.

A witch near the aromatic herbs doubled over, tears streaming down her face as uncontrollable giggles burst forth. The effect spread like ripples in a pond - more guests succumbing to fits of hysterical laughter. Decorations began to malfunction, enchanted ribbons tangling themselves into knots, and tea blends sparking with unstable magic.

“I can’t stop laughing!” one guest gasped between fits. “What’s happening?”

“My tea is making everything spin!” another called out in panic.

Fear spiked through Romi as she recognized the darker undertones in the magic - this wasn’t a simple malfunction. But panic wouldn’t help. She caught Clover’s eye across the room and saw her cousin had reached the same conclusion.

“Looks like someone’s tea got a bit too happy!” Romi announced cheerfully, though her heart raced. “Not to worry - nothing a little calibration can’t fix.”

She moved through the chaos with practiced grace, her own magic reaching out to stabilize the erratic enchantments. Clover worked the other side of the room while Thane cracked jokes that helped ease the growing tension.

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