Page 12 of Enchanting the Alpha

“Don’t let him hear you say that. His ego’s big enough already.” Romi gathered her courage. “Would you like to try making your own blend? I promise not to let you accidentally enchant yourself into speaking Shakespeare.”

“That would be... acceptable.” Was that amusement in his voice?

She guided him through the process, trying to ignore how right it felt to work beside him. His movements were precise and controlled, his shifter magic a steady presence that complemented her more spontaneous energy.

“A touch more moonflower,” she suggested, reaching past him for the jar. Their fingers brushed, sending sparks of electricity through her arm. Xabir inhaled sharply, his eyes darkening.

“Romi...” The way he said her name made her knees weak.

A high-pitched squeak from across the room shattered the moment. Tahlee had dropped a tray of empty cups, though thankfully the protection spells caught them before they hit the ground.

“Sorry!” she called out, blushing. “Got distracted by... um, the view.” She cast a meaningful glance at Romi and Xabir.

Clover swooped in to help, but not before shooting Romi a look that clearly said “we’re discussing this later.”

THIRTEEN

The rest of the evening passed in a blur of successful tea blending, laughter, and growing camaraderie between witches and shifters. As the last guests departed, Romi found herself both exhausted and exhilarated.

“Despite the earlier excitement, I’d call this a success,” Clover declared, helping to clear away empty cups that still sparkled with residual magic.

“Agreed,” Thane chimed in, gathering scattered enchanted ribbons that still changed colors with each touch. “Though next time, maybe fewer magical mishaps? My strategic skills can only cover so many unexpected surprises.”

“Your strategic skills?” Romi raised an eyebrow. “Is that what we’re calling your running commentary now?”

“Hey, those jokes kept people laughing for the right reasons.” He winked. “And don’t think I didn’t notice certain people watching you all evening.”

Clover shot him a quelling look. “Let’s finish cleaning up. Some of us have herb shops to open in the morning.”

After the others left, Romi found herself alone with Xabir in the softly lit café. Whiskers had curled up on top of a floating recipe book, tiny snores sending up puffs of glittery smoke.

“Arlo found traces of foreign magic near the herb station,” Xabir said quietly, his presence solid and reassuring beside her. “The magical signature is... strange. Almost like it’s been deliberately obscured.”

“I noticed that too.” Romi absently traced the coffee cup tattoo on her wrist. “The spell patterns don’t match anything I’ve encountered in Mystic Hollow. They almost remind me of magic from the eastern territories, but that doesn’t make sense.”

“Let me help investigate.” His hand covered hers, stilling her nervous movement. The touch sent warmth spiraling up her arm. “You shouldn’t have to handle this alone.”

“I’m not alone.” She met his gaze, surprised by the intensity she found there. “I have good friends here. And apparently a very protective alpha in my corner.”

His lips twitched. “Is that a problem?”

“Was that a joke?” She brightened. “Did the mighty alpha just make a joke?”

“I have been known to possess a sense of humor.” The warmth in his eyes made her heart flutter. “On rare occasions.”

“Well, now, I’ve seen everything.” She grinned. “Next you’ll be telling me you know how to dance.”

“I am... proficient in several styles.”

“I don’t believe it.” The words slipped out before she could stop them.

To her surprise, Xabir waved his hand. Soft music filled the air - not from the café’s enchanted sound system, but from his own magic. He pulled her close, one hand settling at her waist while the other clasped hers.

“I believe this is considered empirical evidence,” he murmured as they began to move.

Romi’s witty response died in her throat as they swayed together. His magic wrapped around them like a cocoon ofstarlight, making the floating lanterns dim to a romantic glow. Every point of contact between them sparked with energy.

A knock at the door startled them apart. Otis Quill stood outside, his owl-like eyes gleaming behind enchanted spectacles. Romi quickly let him in, trying to calm her racing heart.

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