Page 5 of Enchanting the Alpha

They made their way through the crowd to inside, some giving the shifter a distrustful look, where Xabir immediately understood Thane’s pride. Self-stirring spoons clinked melodiously against copper pots while enchanted sugar cubes performed acrobatics in crystal bowls. Recipe books floated at eye level, their pages turning gently. Even the air sparkled, infused with tiny motes of magical light that responded to patrons’ movements.

But what caught his attention most were the protective wards. Subtle but strong, they formed an intricate web of magical security that impressed even his shifter senses along with the scent of fresh bread. The craftsmanship spoke of both power and precision.

“The wards are exceptional,” Xabir noted, his alpha instincts automatically analyzing the security measures.

“That’s all Romi,” Thane beamed, absently doodling something in the small notebook he always seemed to carry. “She’s been obsessing over the protective enchantments for weeks. I kept telling her to take a break, but you know how it is when you’re passionate about something. Speaking of Romi...” he continued, a mischievous glint entering his eyes. “She’s single, you know.”

Xabir shot him a warning look. “Thane.”

“What? I’m just saying. The alpha of the local pack and a powerful witch working together? Think of the community unity that could create.” His foot tapped rapidly against the floor as he spoke - a habit Xabir had noticed when Thane was particularly excited about an idea.

“I’m here as alpha and CEO to support a new business venture,” Xabir said firmly, though his wolf stirred with interest at the topic. “Nothing more.”

“Of course, of course.” Thane held up his hands in mock surrender, but the grin didn’t leave his face. He pointed through the front window toward a small stage set up across the street in the park. “Oh look, there she is now.”

The crowd’s murmur quieted as a woman stepped up to the platform. Thane and Xabir stepped outside and his carefully maintained composure slipped for a fraction of a second. His wolf surged forward with such force that he had to grip the edge of the building to maintain control.

Romi Weir radiated magic, but not in the overwhelming way some witches did. Her power rolled off her in gentle waves like summer sunshine. Her light brown hair cascaded in loose waves around her shoulders, and her eyes... there was mischief there, and warmth, and something that made his wolf want to howl with sudden, fierce longing.

Mate, his wolf whispered with absolute certainty.Ours.

FIVE

Xabir forced himself to breathe evenly, grateful for centuries of alpha training in maintaining control. But his enhanced senses couldn’t help cataloging every detail about her – the graceful way she moved, the musical lilt of her laugh as she joked with the crowd, and the subtle floral scent that wrapped around her magical signature.

“Welcome, everyone, to the grand re-opening of Witch’s Brew Café!” Her voice rang clear and confident through the air. “Today marks the beginning of a new chapter for Mystic Hollow where magic and community come together.”

As she spoke about her vision for the café, Xabir found himself drawn in by more than just her words. Every gesture was graceful yet practical, every smile genuine. This wasn’t some superficial society witch playing at running a business. This was someone with real passion and skill.

“And now,” Romi’s eyes sparkled with excitement, “I’m thrilled to announce our grand re-opening event - the first-ever Enchanted Archery Contest! We’ll need volunteers for our first demonstration...”

“Xabir Lupo’s an excellent archer!” Thane called out, his natural performer’s voice carrying easily through the crowd. “Best shot in the pack!”

Romi’s gaze found him in the crowd, and the full force of her attention hit him like a Mac truck. His wolf practically preened under her consideration.

“Is that so?” she asked, her eyes twinkling with challenge. “Would you honor me by being my teammate in the demonstration, Mr. Lupo?”

Every instinct he possessed urged him to accept while years of careful control warned him to maintain professional distance. The moment stretched between them, charged with possibility.

“Please?” she added, and somehow that simple word bypassed all his carefully constructed walls.

“I’d be delighted,” he heard himself say, his voice rougher than usual. A murmur rippled through the crowd, reacting to his shifter nature. Several pack members who Xabir had to order to attend looked at him in surprise – their typically reserved alpha volunteering for a public demonstration was unprecedented.

They took their positions in the grass several yards in front of the first target. The bow in his hands hummed with magical energy, responding to both his shifter nature and Romi’s witch magic. Standing this close to her, his senses were overwhelmed by her presence – the subtle floral notes in her scent, the steady rhythm of her heartbeat, the way her magic seemed to reach for his own power.

“Ready when you are,” she said, nocking an arrow. Was he imagining the slight tremor in her voice?

Their first arrows flew true, striking the target simultaneously. A spectacular light show erupted, painting the evening sky in swirling colors. To his shock, Xabir found himself grinning – actually grinning – at their success.

“Great shot!” Romi beamed at him. “Your aim is impeccable.”

“Your magic adds a unique edge to our performance.” Their eyes met, and for a moment, the rest of the crowd seemed to fade away. His wolf strained toward her, recognizing something his human side was just beginning to understand. There was a pull here, a connection he hadn’t expected but couldn’t – and didn’t want to – ignore.

The next target activated, this one designed to create musical notes when struck correctly. Without discussion, they moved in perfect sync. Their arrows hit home, releasing a haunting melody that drew appreciative gasps from the crowd.

With a smile gracing her lovely face, Romi gave him a quick nod of approval and stepped back onto the stage.

Xabir could only stand back and stare.

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