Page 36 of Enchanting the Alpha

She spotted Clover near a window, engaged in what appeared to be an intense discussion with the tiger pride’s alpha, Oakes Meyer. Her cousin’s usual serene expression had shifted to something more complex – frustration mixed with stubbornness. Before Romi could investigate further, movement caught her eye.

Thane stood by the refreshment table, demonstrating something to a striking woman Romi recognized as Maya, one of Xabir’s most trusted pack members. Her brother’s animated gestures suggested he was recounting one of his more spectacular magical mishaps while Maya’s bright laughter carried across the room.

“Your brother works fast.” Xabir materialized beside her, in a devastating tailored black suit that emphasized his powerfulbuild. His presence drew admiring glances, but his attention remained fixed solely on her. “Maya’s one of our best trackers. And apparently equally skilled at encouraging terrible jokes.”

“Oh no.” Romi watched Thane mime what appeared to be an explosion. “Please tell me she doesn’t like puns.”

“Loves them.” Xabir’s hand settled at her waist, proprietary but gentle. “They’re perfect for each other.”

“Speaking of perfect...” She turned to face him fully, taking in how his eyes darkened as they swept over her dress. “You clean up nicely, Alpha.”

“And you—” His voice dropped to that low rumble, “you take my breath away.”

Heat bloomed in her cheeks. “Flatterer.”

“Truth teller.” He offered his arm. “Shall we head upstairs? I believe I was promised a dance.”

The rooftop garden had filled with guests, the magical atmosphere even more enchanting under true starlight. Neve and Madame Zephyrine held court near a crystal fountain, their silver hair glowing in the enchanted lighting. Felix bounced between groups with his usual enthusiasm, while Bella observed everything with keen interest, occasionally making notes in a small book.

The orchestra struck up a waltz, strings singing sweetly in the night air. Xabir turned to her with a slight bow that somehow managed to be both courtly and predatory. “May I have this dance?”

She placed her hand in his, shivering at how her magic leaped to meet his alpha energy. “Fair warning – I’m terrible at following.”

His smile held heat and challenge. “Then lead, little witch. Show me what you’ve got.”

They moved together as if they’d been dancing for years instead of minutes. Her magic swirled around them, makingnearby lanterns pulse in time with the music. She caught glimpses of other couples joining them – Thane attempting to teach Maya some complicated swing move, Clover allowing the tiger alpha to lead her in an elegant fox trot while maintaining what appeared to be an intense negotiation.

“Your magic is showing off again,” Xabir murmured as they turned. The lanterns had shifted into slowly rotating galaxies of light.

“It likes you.” She glanced up to find his eyes dark with something that made her pulse race. “Can’t blame it, really.”

His hand tightened possessively at her waist. “Good. Because I find myself increasingly fond of both witch and magic.”

They moved across the floor in comfortable silence, letting the music carry them. Romi found herself relaxing into his hold, savoring the way their energies harmonized. His alpha power hummed beneath the surface, strong but controlled, while her magic danced and sparked between them like playful starlight.

“We have an audience,” he said after a while, amusement coloring his tone.

THIRTY-SEVEN

Romi glanced over to find all four elders had gathered near the refreshments, watching them with varying degrees of subtlety. Felix was practically vibrating with excitement while Bella maintained a more dignified interest. Neve and Madame Zephyrine exchanged knowing looks.

His breath tickled her ear. “I’m more concerned about what has Clover so intense with Oakes.”

Romi followed his gaze to where her cousin still conversed with the tiger alpha, their heads bent close together. “Should we be worried?”

“Oakes’s honorable, if intense.” His thumb traced small circles against her back. “Though perhaps we should be more concerned about your brother’s romantic prospects. Maya can be... challenging.”

“Perfect for him then.” Romi laughed as Thane executed a particularly dramatic spin that nearly sent both him and Maya into a fountain. “He needs someone to keep him on his toes.”

“Speaking of keeping on toes...” Xabir steered them toward one of the more private garden nooks. “I have something for you.”

The secluded spot was framed by archways dripping with enchanted wisteria, their blooms giving off a soft pearlescent glow. Butterfly curtains shimmered around them, offering the illusion of privacy while still allowing glimpses of the starlit sky above.

Xabir withdrew a small package wrapped in paper that seemed woven from moonbeams. “This is for you.”

“Xabir...” She took it carefully, magic tingling as it recognized the powerful enchantments layered within. “You didn’t have to?—”

“I wanted to.” His voice held that alpha resonance that brooked no argument. “Open it.”

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