Page 35 of Enchanting the Alpha

“They’ll have to do better than vague threats.” Xabir pulled her closer, his voice dropping to that protective alpha rumble. “No one’s separating us.”

Her answer was to kiss him, quick but fierce, before turning back to her brother. “We need to talk to Otis. Maybe he can trace this scroll’s origin. It feels fresh.”

As they headed for the archives, Xabir kept Romi close, his alpha instincts on high alert. Someone was trying to destroy everything they’d built – not just their relationship, but the unity they were creating between witches and shifters.

But looking at Romi, determination bright in her eyes as she studied the threatening scroll, Xabir knew one thing with absolute certainty: whoever was behind this had severely underestimated the power of a witch and her alpha working together. They would solve this mystery, protect theircommunity, and prove that love was stronger than any dark magic.

THIRTY-FIVE

The Lupo Hotel’s rooftop garden sprawled beneath a tapestry of stars, transformed into a magical wonderland for the evening. Romi’s enchanted lanterns drifted through the air like captured moonbeams, casting pools of silvery light across intimate seating nooks tucked between aromatic magical blooms. Crystal arbors dripped with night-blooming jasmine and luminescent moonflowers, creating secluded havens perfect for stolen moments.

Her magic danced through her fingertips as she adjusted the positioning of a particularly rebellious lantern. “What do you think? Too much sparkle?”

“Never.” Xabir’s deep voice carried a note of something that made her pulse quicken. He stood closer than strictly necessary, his presence magnetic. “Though I’m more interested in the sparkle in your eyes.”

Heat bloomed in her cheeks. “Smooth talker.”

“Only for you.” His fingers brushed her arm, sending electricity skittering across her skin. “The garden looks magical. Like something from a dream.”

He wasn’t wrong. Crystalline fountains burbled softly, their waters shimmering with captured starlight. Plush seating areasnestled within magical garden nooks offered privacy, sheltered by curtains of iridescent butterfly wings that fluttered gently in the evening breeze. The dance floor gleamed like black marble with veins of silver, ready to illuminate beneath dancers’ feet.

“I still can’t believe you’re opening the hotel for everyone to gather,” Romi said, watching enchanted roses bloom in shades of midnight blue and silver. “A pack social is usually shifters-only. Won’t some object?”

“Let them.” His voice carried that alpha resonance that never failed to make her take notice. “Times change. Besides—” His hand settled at the small of her back, warm and possessive. “I have my priorities straight.”

The intensity in his gaze made her breath catch. Before she could respond, Whiskers zoomed past, trailing silver sparkles that formed unmistakable heart shapes in the air.

“Subtle, Whiskers. Real subtle.”

The tiny familiar just winked, adding a few twinkling cupids for good measure.

Xabir’s low chuckle rumbled through her. “Smart dragon.”

Footsteps on the stairs interrupted whatever moment might have been building. Arlo appeared, his usual sardonic smile in place.

“Hate to break up the romance, but your guests are arriving.” His eyes gleamed with mischief. “Including a rather impressive array of beauties from the bear sleuth. I suppose I should go make sure they find their way around.”

“Try not to start an interspecies incident,” Xabir warned.

“You wound me.” Arlo pressed a hand to his chest. “I’ll have you know I’m the very soul of diplomacy.”

“Diplomacy?” Xabir’s dry tone made Romi laugh.

“I prefer to think of it as... international relations.” Arlo smirked. “Speaking of which, I spotted some very diplomatic opportunities downstairs.”

“Go.” Xabir’s command held equal parts affection and exasperation. “Try not to get yourself mauled this time.”

Arlo huffed as he descended the stairs. “In my defense, how was I supposed to know she was the alpha’s sister?”

Once he’d gone, Xabir turned back to Romi. “I should change before guests arrive up here. Save me the first dance?”

“Only the first?” She meant it teasingly, but his expression turned serious.

“Every dance,” he said softly. “For as long as you’ll have me.”

THIRTY-SIX

An hour later, Romi descended the grand staircase in a dress that caught the light and wove it into the fabric. Her magic had cooperated for once, weaving subtle illumination through her hair like a crown of constellation points. The main ballroom hummed with energy as witches and shifters mingled, their magical auras creating fascinating light shows where they intersected.

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