Page 40 of Enchanting the Alpha

The table settings sparkled—her grandmother’s enchanted silverware paired with delicate china plates rimmed in silver.

“You’re being ridiculous,” she muttered, moving the vase two inches to the left. “It’s a working dinner. To plan game night. It’s not a night of seduction.”

Whiskers, perched on the windowsill, made a sound suspiciously like a snicker. A trail of silver sparkles formed a heart in the air.

“Nobody asked you.” But Romi smiled, her magic humming beneath her skin with anticipation. “And stop with the hearts. We’re way past the need for matchmaking.”

Whiskers responded by adding tiny cupids to his sparkly display.

“I preferred you as a plain cat.” She smoothed her dress—a casual but flattering wrap style in deep purple—and checked her reflection. “At least then you pretended to ignore my love life.”

A knock at the door sent her pulse skittering. She opened it to find Xabir on her doorstep, and her breath caught. He’d changed from his usual business attire into dark jeans and a steel-gray sweater that made his eyes look particularly intense. His smile, warm and intimate, made her magic spark beneath her skin.

“Hi.” Her voice came out softer than intended. “Come in.”

“You look beautiful.” He bent to kiss her softly, his hand settling naturally on her waist. The touch sent little shivers of electricity through her. “And your cottage smells amazing.”

She leaned into him, savoring his warmth. “Thanks. I’m trying a new recipe. I hope you like salmon.”

“I like everything you make. Though I’m more interested in the chef than the menu.”

Heat bloomed in her cheeks. “Smooth talker.”

“Only for you.” He followed her to the kitchen, keeping close. “Need any help?”

“You can open the wine.” She stirred the sauce, adding a pinch of enchanted thyme that made the pot hum with satisfaction. “Though fair warning—the corkscrew has attitude problems. It likes to play hard to get.”

Xabir chuckled, reaching around her to grab the corkscrew. The casual intimacy of the gesture—the way he bracketed her against the counter, his chest warm against her back—made her magic surge with pleasure.

“Attitude problems?” His breath tickled her ear. “Sounds familiar.”

She elbowed him playfully. “Are you calling me difficult, Alpha?”

“I would never.” But his grin held pure mischief. “Though your familiar seems to be editorializing.”

Whiskers had created an elaborate scene in sparkles above them—tiny figures that looked suspiciously like Romi and Xabir, dancing under a shower of hearts.

“Ignore him. He’s going through a romantic phase.” She turned in Xabir’s arms, reaching up to straighten his collar. “Ever since the transformation, he’s appointed himself our official cheerleader.”

“Smart dragon cat.” Xabir caught her hand, pressing a kiss to her palm that made her toes curl. “Though we hardly need encouragement.”

Their eyes locked, the air charging with possibility. Before she could respond, the timer chimed.

“Saved by the bell.” She ducked under his arm, trying to calm her racing heart. “Help me set the table?”

They moved around her kitchen in comfortable synchronization, stealing touches and trading smiles. The enchanted candles adjusted their glow to create intimate pools of light as they settled at the table.

“This is wonderful,” Xabir said after his first bite. The silverware glowed a pleased golden color. “You didn’t have to go to all this trouble.”

“I wanted to.” She took a sip of wine, gathering her courage. “Actually, I wanted to talk. You know, now that we’re seeing each other so much. Maybe share more of myself. If you’re interested, that is.”

His expression softened. “I’m always interested in anything that has to do with you. And getting to know you on a deeper level is exactly what I want.”

She grinned. “You really are smooth. I guess I was just thinking about my life before versus now. When I first moved back here and bought the café from Clover, everyone had their theories about the divorce.” She traced the rim of her wine glass with a wry smile. “The truth is, I married someone who looked good on paper. My ex was respected in the magical council, organized, successful. Everything my parents thought I neededseeing how they had the same type of marriage, only theirs was built on love.”

Xabir’s fingers tightened around his wine glass. “But he was not whatyouneeded.”

“Not even close.” She shook her head. “He lived by schedules and protocols. Couldn’t understand why I’d want to host community gatherings or experiment with new spells. Six months in, I realized I’d settled for someone who didn’t understand me at all—not my personality, not my magic, not my heart. He didn’t know me, didn’t want to know me, and wasn’t willing to try. He wanted me to fit into a role that I wasn’t right for.”

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