Page 24 of Enchanting the Alpha

“The lanterns were an accident.”

“Sweetheart,” India patted his cheek, “when an alpha loses magical control because of a kiss, that’s not an accident. That’s fate.”

“Can we discuss something else?” Xabir tried to sound stern, but it was difficult with Luca making kissing noises from behind his coloring book.

“Of course,” his mother agreed. “We could discuss grandchildren. I think Romi would make an excellent mother-”

“More sauce?” Xabir interrupted desperately.

Petra cackled. “Look how red he’s getting! I haven’t seen him this flustered since he had a tail for three days.”

“She’s good for you,” India said softly, her eyes gentle. “The way she challenges you, makes you laugh. Your father would have adored her.”

The simple statement hit home in a way all the teasing hadn’t. “I know,” Xabir said quietly. “She’s... special.”

“Then don’t waste time,” his mother advised. “The right mate doesn’t come along every day.”

“Especially one who can handle your grumpy alpha moods,” Petra added. “And make heart-shaped lanterns appear with just a kiss.”

“That was my magic, not hers,” Xabir said without thinking, then groaned as his sister’s eyes lit up with unholy glee.

“I KNEW IT!”

He gave a loud sigh. Great. His family would only get worse now.

TWENTY-SIX

Dawn painted the sky in soft pastels as Romi juggled the morning rush at Witch’s Brew Café, her coffee cup tattoo tingling as she crafted each drink. Three staff members had called in sick, leaving her, Clover, and Thane to handle the crowd.

“Extra shot of inspiration in the rose petal latte,” she called out, delivering a steaming cup to a frazzled witch hunched over spellbooks. The witch’s tired eyes brightened immediately.

“Romi, you’re going to work yourself into exhaustion,” Clover warned, expertly catching a wobbling tray.

“I’m fine.” Romi tucked a stray curl behind her ear, trying not to notice how her skin tingled every time she glanced toward the corner where Xabir sat working. He had a perfectly good office at the Lupo Hotel - twice the size of her café - yet here he was again, his presence both distracting and thrilling.

Thane appeared beside her. “I’ll take the espresso station. You handle the pastries before they start serenading us again.”

“That was one time,” Romi protested, but gratefully stepped aside. “And everyone said the croissants had lovely voices.”

“Until they started that dramatic opera about butter.” Thane’s eyes sparkled with mischief. “Though I have to admit, their harmonies were impressive.”

“Says the man who once accidentally turned all the teacups into tap-dancing penguin figurines.”

“Those penguins had style,” Thane defended, then lowered his voice. “Speaking of style, a certain alpha seems very interested in your barista technique.”

Romi refused to look over her shoulder where she could feel Xabir’s gaze like a physical touch. “He probably just likes the atmosphere.”

“Right, because the powerful Alpha of the Western Lupo Pack regularly chooses tiny café tables over his executive office.” Thane snorted. “It couldn’t possibly be because he’s trying to impress someone.”

“Don’t you have espresso shots to pull?”

“Just saying, sister dear, I’ve never seen him smile so much. It’s almost unsettling.”

Romi grabbed a fresh cup, crafting Xabir’s favorite blend - midnight jasmine and moonflower nectar. She approached his table, trying to ignore how her heart stuttered when he looked up from his laptop, his hazel eyes warming as they met hers.

“Thought you might need a pick-me-up,” she said, setting down the cup. “Though I have to wonder why you keep choosing our cramped tables over your fancy office.”

“Maybe I enjoy the view.” His voice dropped lower, sending shivers down her spine that had nothing to do with magic.

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