Page 3 of Enchanting the Alpha

“Romi Weir! By the sacred springs, you’re finally back!”

Felix Embers, a dragon shifter elder, slowly made his way toward her with a grin on his elderly face.

“Felix!” Romi laughed as he swept her into a bear hug. He might be older, but he was still strong. “Still keeping everyone on their toes, I see.”

“Someone has to keep this town entertained.” He stepped back, eyes twinkling. “Though I hear you’ll give me competition once you get that café up and running again.”

“Speaking of which...” Romi glanced down the street toward Witch’s Brew. “Is Clover-”

“Waiting impatiently for you,” Felix finished. “I hear she’s been reorganizing the herb shelves for the third time today.”

After promising Felix she’d catch up properly soon, Romi headed toward her bungalow first to drop off her luggage.

Thane had sent her all the details of her new home. It sat on a quiet street lined with maple trees whose leaves sparkled with more than just sunlight. The front garden burst with magical blooms - moon flowers that glowed softly in the growing dusk, whisper-willows that swayed without wind, and a patch of giggling daisies that actually giggled as she passed.

Inside, Thane had already set up the basics - furniture arranged exactly as she’d requested, kitchen equipment ready for use, and yes, normal non-enchanted cabinets. A note sat on the counter in his messy scrawl: “Welcome home, little sister. Try not to blow anything up on your first day.”

Next, she moved on to the café. The cobblestones hummed with magical energy under her feet, welcoming her home. She passed Twinkle’s Trinkets, where Pippin the pixie waved enthusiastically while arranging a window display of color-changing jewelry. The air smelled of fresh bread from The Arcane Brewpub, mingled with the distinct scent of magical herbs from Weaver’s Botanicals.

Witch’s Brew Café stood at the corner of Moonstone Avenue and Spellwright Street, its Victorian facade as elegant as ever. New enchanted ivy climbed the walls, its leaves chiming softly in the breeze. The front windows sparkled with protective wards, and the sign above the door shifted between different magical scripts.

Clover waited behind the counter, her emerald eyes bright with unshed tears. She wore her usual practical attire - a flowing blouse and fitted black pants, with her signature vine tattoo visible around her ankle.

“You’re here.” Clover rushed forward to embrace her cousin. “Finally here as the owner.”

The counter was polished, the magical brewing equipment clean and organized, and the shelves were stocked with both mundane and mystical ingredients. Yet Romi could already see the changes she wanted to make, the ways to blend the traditional with the new.

“Let me handle something,” Clover said, glancing at her cell phone. “I’ll be back in a few.”

THREE

Left on her own, Romi glanced around the room, letting the feel of home envelope her.

“This café will be more than just a business,” she declared to the empty room, her voice firm with conviction. “It’ll be a place where everyone belongs, where all magic and every species in the community thrive together.”

As if in response, the enchanted lights brightened, casting a warm glow over the space. Outside, the sun had set completely, and the magical lanterns of Mystic Hollow began to illuminate the streets. Romi stood at the window, watching as witches, shifters, and other supernatural beings started their evening routines.

A soft knock drew her attention. Clover stood in the doorway, smiling. “Sorry! I’m back. Is everything okay?”

“Just getting a feel for the place.” Romi gestured around. “Making plans.”

“Good plans, I hope?”

“The best.” Romi’s eyes sparkled with determination.

Yes, there were challenges ahead. Yes, there would be obstacles to overcome. But standing there in the gentle glow of magical lanterns, surrounded by the pulse of ancient power thatran through Mystic Hollow’s very foundations, Romi knew she had made the right choice.

This wasn’t just a fresh start - it was coming home.

Clover pulled her in for a hug. “I am so happy you’re back, Romi.”

They held each other tightly. When they pulled apart, both wiped away tears while pretending not to notice the other doing the same.

“The café changes you’ve made in just a month look amazing,” Romi said, taking in the renovations.

“Wait until you see the new equipment.” Clover led her through the space, pointing out magical upgrades and sharing stories of regular customers. “And over here-”

“Pardon the interruption.” A tall, dignified figure emerged from the entrance. “But I believe proper introductions are in order.”

---