Page 38 of Enchanting the Alpha

Near midnight, they claimed another private nook in the garden. The party showed no signs of winding down – if anything, the mixing of communities had energized everyone. Thane and Maya had progressed to sharing what appeared to be increasingly outrageous stories, while Clover and Oakes had moved their intense discussion to a more private corner.

“Quite a success,” Xabir said, offering her a glass of champagne. His other hand settled possessively at her waist, keeping her close.

“Mmm.” She leaned into him, savoring his warmth. “Though I notice you didn’t rush to rescue Arlo from his dance floor mishaps.”

“He’ll survive.” Xabir pressed a kiss to her temple. “I had more interesting concerns.”

“Like what?”

His smile held heat and promise. “Making sure everyone knows exactly who my heart belongs to.”

Her magic sparked at his words, making the nearby roses burst into sudden bloom. “Flirt.”

“For you? Absolutely,” he grinned, turning her to face him fully. “I really like you, Romi Weir. My enchanting, impossible, perfect witch.”

Joy burst through her chest like fireworks. “I really like you too.” She rose on tiptoe to kiss him softly. “My protective, thoughtful, absolutely incredible alpha.”

Above them, the enchanted lanterns shifted into a shower of falling stars as if the sky itself celebrated their connection. For once, Romi didn’t try to rein in her magic’s romantic tendencies.

Some moments deserved all the sparkle in the world.

THIRTY-NINE

Romi paced the length of Neve and Madame Zephyrine’s sitting room, leaving a trail of magical sparkles in her wake that transformed into miniature constellations before fading away. “The breathing exercises helped, but yesterday I tried to make a simple protection ward and ended up creating a rainbow shield that sang show tunes.”

“Did it at least have good pitch?” Madame Zephyrine’s eyes twinkled as she adjusted the floating teacups circling her head.

“Perfect harmony, actually. Though I’m not sure ‘Don’t Rain on My Parade’ was the most appropriate choice for a protection spell.”

Neve smiled, stirring another drop of calming essence into her tea. “Your magic has always had a flair for the dramatic. But something tells me that’s not what’s really bothering you.”

“What gave it away?” Romi dropped onto a cushioned window seat, absently catching a teacup as it drifted past. “Was it the impromptu fireworks display when Xabir kissed me at the café this morning? Or maybe the way all the coffee started brewing heart-shaped steam clouds?”

“I was thinking more about how your magic keeps creating romantic scenarios,” Neve said diplomatically. “Themoonlit garden that appeared in your storeroom yesterday was particularly lovely.”

Heat crept into Romi’s cheeks. “That wasn’t intentional. I was just thinking about Xabir and...” She broke off, realizing her mistake too late.

“Mmm.” The elder witches exchanged knowing looks.

“It’s not – we’re not – I mean, yes, we’re together, but—” Romi’s magic betrayed her by creating little hearts that popped like soap bubbles, releasing the scent of roses. “Oh, stop that,” she muttered at her own fingers.

“Your magic seems quite certain about your feelings,” Madame Zephyrine observed.

“My magic needs to mind its own business.” Romi took a hasty sip of tea. “Besides, Xabir and I are good as we are. The attraction, the dating, the...” She cleared her throat. “Everything. It’s perfect. Why complicate it?”

“By admitting you’re in love with him?” Neve asked gently.

Romi’s teacup rattled in its saucer. “I didn’t say that.”

“You didn’t have to.” Madame Zephyrine gestured to where Romi’s magic had unconsciously created a perfect image of Xabir’s smile in sparkling lights. “Your heart speaks clearly, even when your words don’t.”

“That’s...” Romi waved the image away. “That’s just attraction. Chemistry. Extremely hot chemistry that makes me forget my own name sometimes, but still just?—”

“The kind of chemistry that makes you create entire moonlit gardens when you think of him?” Neve’s voice held amused affection. “Or perhaps the kind that has you planning future menu items around his preferences?”

“Those dragon pepper scones were a business decision,” Romi protested weakly. “The fact that they’re his favorite is pure coincidence.”

“Of course.” Madame Zephyrine’s tone could have dried the ocean. “Just like it’s coincidence that your magic creates heart-shaped steam clouds only when he visits.”

---