Page 21 of Enchanting the Alpha

“I need help,” she managed between surges. Sweat beaded on her forehead as she fought to contain the wild magic. “Neve might know what’s happening.”

“Can you walk?” When she nodded, he kept one arm around her waist, supporting her. “Whiskers, go alert Neve we’re coming.”

Her familiar zoomed out the door, leaving a trail of smoke rings. As they stepped outside, Romi’s uncontrolled magic made the enchanted street lamps pulse like disco lights.

“At least it’s festive,” she joked weakly, trying to lighten the mood despite her growing alarm.

Xabir’s lips twitched, but his eyes remained concerned. “Only you would worry about atmospheric aesthetics during a magical crisis.”

“Hey, if I’m going to lose control of my powers, I might as well make it look good.” She stumbled slightly as another surge hit, and his arm tightened around her. The cobblestones beneath their feet briefly turned iridescent before returning to normal.

“Show off,” he murmured affectionately, though she could feel the tension in his body. His alpha energy continued trying to stabilize her magic, creating an interesting light show as their powers interacted.

They made their way through Mystic Hollow’s winding streets, leaving a trail of magical anomalies in their wake. Garden gnomes started tap dancing, mailboxes sprouted wings, and one unfortunate fire hydrant began reciting Shakespeare.

“Neve’s going to have fun fixing all this,” Romi said, watching a row of trash cans transform into a barbershop quartet.

“I’m more concerned about you.” Xabir’s voice rumbled with protective worry. “This isn’t like usual magical surges.”

“No,” she agreed as her power flared again, turning a nearby bench into a giant origami swan. “This feels different. More intense. Like my magic is trying to... change?”

Xabir stayed close, his alpha energy repelling the worst of it.

“I’ve been pushing myself lately,” she admitted as they hurried along. “Trying to expand my abilities. But this feels different.”

“Could someone be influencing your magic?” His voice held a protective growl that made her heart flutter despite her concern.

“Maybe. Everything’s been so tense lately between witches and shifters...”

They reached Neve’s sanctuary, a serene structure woven from trees and magical light. The elder witch answered their knock immediately with Whiskers at her feet.

“Romi, Xabir, welcome.” Neve’s silver hair gleamed in the magical illumination. “Please, come in and tell me what brings you here at this hour.”

TWENTY-THREE

Inside, surrounded by ancient books and artifacts, Romi explained about the magical surge. Neve listened intently, her eyes reflecting deep wisdom.

“Your magic is evolving, dear one,” she said after examining Romi’s aura. “Growing beyond its current limits. This surge indicates significant change, but it can be dangerous if not properly guided.”

“How can I control it?” Romi asked, unconsciously leaning into Xabir’s supportive presence. “I don’t want to risk hurting anyone.”

“With training and focus, you can harness this new power.” Neve’s gaze flickered between them thoughtfully. “And perhaps... with the right partner to help ground you.”

Before Romi could process that suggestion, a magical alert chimed through the sanctuary. Neve’s expression darkened as she consulted a scrying mirror.

“There’s been an incident at the park,” she said grimly. “Someone has sabotaged Felicia’s enchanted garden. They’ve left shifter tracks, but...”

“But what?” Xabir asked, his posture tensing.

“The magical signature doesn’t match. It’s as if someone wanted it to look like shifters were responsible.”

Romi exchanged worried looks with Xabir. “We should check it out,” she said.

“How do you feel?” He was more concerned about her.

She rose from her chair. “I’m better. Let’s go.”

They hurried to the park, finding Felicia’s beautiful garden in disarray. Magical plants drooped and withered, protective enchantments sparked erratically, and prominent shifter tracks crossed the damaged areas.

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