Page 13 of Enchanting the Alpha

“My apologies for the late hour,” Otis said, though his knowing look suggested he wasn’t sorry at all. “But I’ve found something else concerning in the archives.”

He placed another ancient tome on the counter, its pages covered in shifting runes. “The magic used today... it’s sophisticated. Whoever did this knows how to mask their magical signature completely. They’ve made it appear to originate from somewhere far outside Mystic Hollow - perhaps even from multiple locations at once.”

“Is that even possible?” Romi leaned in to examine the complex patterns.

“With enough skill and preparation, yes.” Otis adjusted his spectacles. “But it means we’re dealing with someone who really doesn’t want to be found.”

“Or someone who wants us looking in the wrong direction entirely,” Xabir added, his alpha power a protective presence at Romi’s back.

Whiskers chose that moment to wake up, stretching his tiny wings. He glided down to land on Xabir’s shoulder - something he’d never done with anyone besides Romi. The small dragon-cat bumped his head against Xabir’s jaw before settling in like he belonged there.

“Traitor,” Romi muttered, but she couldn’t help smiling at the sight.

“I think,” Xabir said, reaching up to scratch Whiskers behind the ears, “we make quite an effective team.”

The warmth in his voice wrapped around her like an embrace. Whoever was behind the sabotage had clearlyunderestimated one crucial detail - sometimes the best magic came from unexpected combinations.

As if agreeing, Whiskers puffed another heart-shaped smoke ring. This one drifted between Romi and Xabir before dissolving into a shower of silver sparkles that lingered in the air like promises of things to come.

FOURTEEN

Xabir stared into his craft beer at The Arcane Brewpub, watching magical bubbles form intricate patterns in the amber liquid. The usual evening crowd buzzed around them, their chatter mixing with the sound of Harry Noble’s latest experimental brew singing sea shanties from behind the bar.

“Let me get this straight.” Arlo leaned back in his chair, amusement dancing in his eyes. “The mighty Alpha of the Western Lupo Pack called an emergency meeting because he can’t figure out how to ask a witch on a date?”

“I know how to ask her.” Xabir’s fingers tightened around his glass. “I need... suggestions for the actual date.”

“The great strategist needs dating advice?” Thane grinned as he slid into the seat beside them. “You’re the alpha, Xabir. Are you being messed with by my sister?”

Xabir growled softly. “I’m beginning to regret this.”

“No, no, this is pretty funny.” Thane waved to Harry for another round. “You need help wooing my sister. I’m legally obligated to participate in this conversation.”

“I don’t need help wooing-” Xabir stopped as both men raised their eyebrows at him. He sighed. “Fine. But if either of you mentions this to anyone else...”

“Your reputation for stoic alpha-ness is safe with us,” Arlo promised, then immediately turned to wave at Wesley, Petra’s husband, as he entered the pub. “Hey, Wes! Over here! Xabir needs dating advice!”

Wesley’s quiet chuckle carried across the room as he joined them, sliding into the fourth chair. “I wondered how long it would take you to ask for help. Petra’s been taking bets on-” He caught Xabir’s glare. “I mean, Petra’s been... concerned about your happiness.”

“I appreciate everyone’s concern,” Xabir said dryly. “But I simply want suggestions for an appropriate first date.”

“I got it!” Arlo straightened. “Take her dragon racing. Nothing says romance like the threat of imminent death while traveling at high speeds.”

“She has a cat with tiny dragon wings,” Wesley pointed out. “Maybe something less... combustible?”

“Moonlight picnic in the enchanted grove?” Thane suggested. “Classic, romantic, minimal chance of death.”

“Boring. By the end of the date she’ll have fallen asleep,” Arlo countered. “You need something exciting. Like... underwater cave exploration in the Luminous Lagoon. The bioluminescent merfolk put on amazing shows this time of year.”

“She gets seasick,” Thane said. “Dad’s boat still has the stains.”

Xabir pinched the bridge of his nose. “Perhaps we should-”

“Sky diving?” Arlo interrupted. “But with magic instead of parachutes. Nothing brings people together like placing your life in each other’s hands while plummeting toward earth.”

“What is your obsession with near-death experiences?” Wesley asked.

“They’re memorable.”

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