Page 22 of Enchanting the Alpha

“This is deliberate,” Xabir growled, examining the tracks. “Too obvious.”

A small crowd had gathered, angry voices rising as witches and shifters cast suspicious glances at each other.

“Who would do this?” a witch demanded. “It’s unprovoked!”

“Those tracks could have been planted!” a shifter shot back.

Romi stepped forward, her evolving magic responding to her determination. “Everyone, please! Let’s not jump to conclusions. Xabir and I will investigate this together.”

She focused her power, letting it flow more naturally this time as she began repairing the garden’s enchantments. Beside her, Xabir used his enhanced senses to track the magical traces.

“Working together,” she said softly, “we can fix this. Show everyone this is a setup.”

His hand brushed hers as they worked, sending a spark of connection through her magic. “We’ll find who’s responsible. Put an end to this division.”

As they restored the garden, Romi thought about what Neve and the others had said. Maybe they were right. Maybe her connection with Xabir could help bridge the divide between their communities.

For now, though, she focused on the task at hand, letting her magic twine with his alpha energy in a dance of restoration. Whatever challenges lay ahead, they would face them together.

TWENTY-FOUR

Xabir paced his office at Lupo Hotel, the scent of witch magic still clinging to his clothes from helping Romi repair the garden. His alpha instincts bristled at the thought of someone deliberately causing trouble in his territory. Worse, they’d used shifter tracks to cast suspicion on his kind.

“The magical signature doesn’t match any of our pack,” Arlo said from his position by the window. His second-in-command’s usual playful demeanor had given way to focused intensity. “I checked myself.”

Wesley leaned against the desk, his tactical mind clearly working through scenarios. “Could be someone trying to drive a wedge between communities. The timing’s suspicious, right after you and Romi started seeing each other.”

Xabir’s jaw clenched. He and Romi had managed to repair the garden’s damage, but the incident had already sparked whispers of distrust again between witches and shifters. “We need to know if this is personal or political. Are we dealing with someone who wants all-out war, or just someone desperate to maintain separation?”

“Not many shifters still hold those old prejudices,” Wesley said, then paused. “Though Monroe Presley has been vocal about ‘maintaining traditional boundaries’ lately.”

Arlo snorted. “That old wolf? He barely has enough power to shift properly anymore.”

“His grandson Bastian’s shown some of the same attitudes,” Wesley added. “Made some disparaging comments about witches at the last pack gathering.”

The memory of Bastian’s sneer when discussing witch magic made Xabir’s alpha energy surge protectively. “Neither has caused trouble before. They’ve kept to themselves, only voicing opinions but nothing more.”

“Want us to look into them?” Arlo asked. “Discreetly?”

Xabir nodded. “Watch, but don’t engage. If they’re behind this, I want proof before making accusations.”

“Speaking of watching...” A familiar mischievous glint entered Arlo’s eyes. “How was your date with our lovely local witch?”

The sudden topic shift didn’t fool Xabir - he caught the knowing looks his friends exchanged. Still, thinking about Romi eased some of the tension in his shoulders. “It went well.”

“Just well?” Wesley pressed, grinning. “Because I heard the lanterns at the market turned into hearts. Somehow I doubt that was Romi’s doing, Mr. Perfect Control.”

Heat crept up Xabir’s neck. “Did you two have actual business to discuss, or did you just come to gossip?”

“We’re looking out for you,” Arlo said, his tone shifting to something more serious. “Romi’s special. And you’re not the only one who’s noticed.”

A low growl rumbled in Xabir’s chest before he could stop it. “Meaning?”

“Meaning I overheard three shifters and a warlock discussing whether she was seeing anyone,” Wesley said carefully. “And Felix’s nephew was asking about her at the last council meeting.”

Xabir’s alpha energy crackled, making the lights flicker. The thought of other men pursuing Romi made his wolf want to stake a very public claim.

“She’s not interested in them,” he said, but his claws had partially extended, leaving tiny scratches on his desk.

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