Page 47 of Enchanting the Alpha

“We’ve shown that unity is stronger than division,” Xabir said. “Let’s work together to heal these divisions.”

For a moment, Bastian remained in wolf form, muscles trembling with barely contained rage. Then he too shifted back, his expression defiant despite his defeat.

“You may have won this battle,” he spat, pushing away from Xabir, “but I’m not done yet.” He stalked toward the door, his henchmen following quickly behind.

The café erupted in excited chatter as soon as he left. Patrons rushed to help clean up the mess from the fight while discussing what they’d witnessed. The air hummed with a new energy – not of fear or division, but of shared purpose.

Xabir caught Arlo’s eye across the room and nodded slightly. His second-in-command understood immediately.

“Keep tabs on Bastian,” Xabir instructed quietly. “He’s not backing down, and we need to make sure he doesn’t stir up more trouble.”

“Consider it done,” Arlo replied with a slight smirk. “Though I have to say, watching you two work together was impressive. The pack’s been talking – they’re starting to see the benefits of this unity you’re pushing for.”

“It’s not just us,” Xabir said, his gaze finding Romi across the room where she was already organizing repairs to the damaged café. “It’s everyone who’s willing to choose cooperation over conflict.”

The fragment of the ancient tome sat secured in a magical containment field, its dark energy safely contained. They’dneed to study it further, figure out exactly how deep Bastian’s involvement went. But for now, they’d achieved something significant – proof that witches and shifters could face challenges together and emerge stronger.

As if reading his thoughts, Romi looked up and met his eyes. Her smile held equal parts determination and hope, reflecting everything he felt in his own heart. They still had obstacles to overcome, but tonight had shown that their path forward was the right one.

Unity, after all, had prevailed for the moment.

After the magical cleanup crew finished repairing the last of the battle damage, the café’s atmosphere transformed. Enchanted lanterns once again cast warm pools of light across newlyrestored furniture, and the scent of Harry’s specialty calming tea blend wafted through the air.

“Are you sure about continuing?” Xabir asked Romi quietly, his hand resting protectively at the small of her back.

“More sure than ever.” Determination sparked in her eyes. “We can’t let Bastian’s drama stop us from bringing people together. Besides—” She gestured to where Arlo was already organizing teams for magical charades. “I think everyone could use some fun after all that excitement.”

Felix Embers bounced over. “Did someone say fun? Because I’ve enhanced the magical obstacle course with some special dragon-approved challenges!”

“Nothing too explosive,” Neve warned from her position near the enchanted refreshment table. “We’ve had quite enough property damage for one evening.”

“Spoilsport,” Felix muttered, though his grin remained undimmed. “Fine, I’ll stick to minor fire illusions. Mostly.”

Madame Zephyrine drifted past, silver hair flowing ethereally. “The stars suggest great success for those who dare to cross boundaries tonight.” She paused, purple eyes twinkling.“Though perhaps that’s just the influence of Pippin’s enthusiasm with the party favors.”

Indeed, the tiny pixie was flitting between tables, leaving trails of sparkles that transformed into miniature firework displays. Several guests already sported magically-enhanced accessories – wolf shifters with temporary fairy wings, witches with gently glowing auras, and at least one very confused warlock whose beard now changed colors.

“The archive records will certainly be interesting tonight,” Bella Swift commented, her hawk-sharp gaze missing nothing as she documented the proceedings. “First a magical duel, now unprecedented levels of inter-species mingling? Fascinating.”

Clover, who had been setting up the enchanted board games, came over to squeeze Romi’s hand. “Don’t worry about the duel. If anything, it’s made everyone more determined to prove Bastian wrong about witch-shifter cooperation.”

She had a point. Around the café, magical barriers that had existed for generations were dissolving faster than sugar in hot tea. Valerie and Jett had set up an elemental magic station where shifters and witches worked together to create dazzling displays. The normally serious Isolde Frost was teaching a young wolf shifter how to enhance his natural abilities with ice magic, while Harry Noble’s magical mixology contest had witches and shifters competing in cheerfully chaotic teams.

“Look,” Romi nudged Xabir, pointing to where Thane was attempting to teach Maya. The spell went slightly sideways, resulting in both of them sporting matching neon blue eyebrows, but their laughter suggested neither minded much.

“They’re not the only ones finding common ground,” Xabir observed. Captain Juno Waterfall, despite maintaining her professional alertness, appeared to be in an intense discussion with several witches about combining shifter combat skills with protective spells.

Otis Quill had emerged from his archives to witness the historic evening. “Remarkable,” he murmured, carefully documenting everything in a floating notebook. “The magical resonance patterns when different species work together... I’ve never seen anything quite like it.”

“Speaking of working together,” Arlo called out, grinning mischievously. “The magical scavenger hunt needs demonstration teams. Perhaps our illustrious alpha and his enchanting witch would care to show everyone how it’s done?”

Romi raised an eyebrow at Xabir. “What do you say? Ready to show them that witches and shifters make the perfect team?”

“Always. Though I’m a bit concerned about whatever Felix added to the obstacle course portion.”

“Oh, that reminds me!” Felix perked up. “Quick warning – if anyone’s allergic to spontaneous floating or temporary dragon scales, maybe skip station three...”

Whiskers zoomed past, trailing silver sparkles that formed surprisingly detailed score predictions. The tiny familiar had appointed himself official scorekeeper, though his point system seemed to heavily favor couples who displayed “romantic potential.”

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