Page 54 of Enchanting the Alpha

He’d fallen completely in love with her fierce heart and gentle strength, the way she faced down dark magic to protect others, how her laugh made flowers bloom and pastries sing.

She cared for him deeply - he could scent it in every happy spark of her magic, see it in the way she leaned into his touch, hear it in the soft catch in her breath when he kissed her. But she hadn’t said the words yet. After her divorce, he understood her caution with her heart. Still, his wolf whined hopefully every time she came close, wanting to hear those three words in her voice.

“The stars absolutely align for an autumn ceremony,” Madame Zephyrine declared from her corner table, not bothering to look up from her tea leaves. “The veil between realms will be thinnest then. Perfect for ancient blessings.”

“You’re all ridiculous,” Thane declared, though he couldn’t quite hide his grin. “And some of us would like to enjoy our coffee without planning my sister’s hypothetical wedding.”

Xabir carefully kept his expression neutral as the good-natured wedding planning continued around them. Let them dream - he had his own plans involving a star sapphire ring and love charms, though he wasn’t ready for that news to reach Romi’s ears just yet. For now, he was content watching her magic dance with happiness as she worked, knowing that someday soon, he’d make all their speculations reality.

“Ignore them,” he murmured, stealing another kiss. “They’re just jealous.”

“Of your smooth moves?” Her eyes danced with mischief. “Or my excellent taste in alphas?”

“Both, obviously.” He captured her hand, pressing a kiss to her palm that made her magic skip and dance.

She hadn’t said “I love you” yet, but that was okay. He could be patient. For now, he had her smile, her trust, and the promise of forever in every spark of her magic. His wolf could wait as long as necessary for the words, content in knowing their hearts were already perfectly aligned.

FIFTY-ONE

Dawn painted Mystic Hollow Central Park in shades of rose gold as Xabir supervised the setup of the Mystic Market Food Fair. Enchanted stalls materialized along winding paths, their magical displays shimmering in the early morning light. The air buzzed with possibility—and no small amount of tension.

“Those enchantments need reinforcing.” Xabir pointed to a wobbling display of floating pastries. “We can’t risk any instability today.”

Bella Swift adjusted her spectacles, her hawk-shifter eyes tracking the erratic movement. “Already on it. Though I must say, the combination of witch and shifter magic creates some... interesting effects.”

“Interesting isn’t what we’re aiming for.” Xabir ran a hand through his hair. “We need perfect control. One mishap could undo weeks of progress.”

“Such faith in us, Alpha.” Bella’s eyes twinkled as she strengthened the containment spell. The pastries settled into a gentle orbit. “There. Stable as a mountain.”

Xabir moved between the stalls, checking each magical barrier and safety measure. The fair represented more thanjust food—it symbolized the possibility of unity, of witches and shifters working together to create something beautiful. They needed this win.

His phone buzzed with a message from Romi:Running late. Whiskers decided the ceremonial ribbon would make an excellent toy.

A smile tugged at his lips as he pictured her tiny feline familiar wreaking havoc. His reply was swift:Take your time. Everything’s under control here.

Felix materialized beside him, grinning. “Young love. Makes even the sternest alpha go soft.”

“Shouldn’t you be setting up your fire-grilled specialties?”

“All done!” Felix gestured proudly to his stall where blue flames danced beneath copper pots. “My famous Dragon’s Breath Chili is ready to unite communities through the power of shared suffering.”

“Keep the heat levels legal this time.”

“You’re no fun.” Felix pouted. “Though I suppose watching Captain Waterfall breathe actual fire last month was a bit much.”

The morning progressed in a flurry of activity. Neve and Madame Zephyrine arrived to add their protective enchantments, while Clover set up a display of magical herbs and spices. Thane darted between stalls, his natural charm smoothing over any friction between witch and shifter vendors.

When Romi finally arrived, Xabir’s breath caught. She wore a dress the color of summer twilight, her hair crowned with tiny stars that winked in and out of existence. Whiskers perched on her shoulder, looking entirely too pleased with himself.

“Sorry, I’m late.” She reached his side, cheeks flushed. “Someone thought playing ‘catch the ribbon’ was more important than punctuality.”

Whiskers huffed, trailing heart-shaped sparks.

“The ribbon survived, I hope?” Xabir’s hand found the small of her back, a touch that felt both natural and electric.

“Mostly.” She produced a slightly singed length of silver silk. “Though it might have developed some interesting magical properties in the process. Watch.” She held it up, and the ribbon rippled like moonlight on water.

“Perfect for the opening ceremony then.”

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