Page 7 of Enchanting the Alpha

The town park sprawled before her, transformed by magical decorations. Enchanted flower arrangements bloomed in impossible colors, their petals shifting through rainbow hues. Several picnic blankets already dotted the grass, loaded with food and surrounded by chattering groups of witches and shifters.

SEVEN

Romi was shocked by how many had turned out with such short notice. Thane must’ve had this in the works before she even arrived in town.

She spotted Xabir immediately - it was impossible not to. He stood talking with Thane near the activity area, and Romi’s mouth went dry. Dark jeans hugged his long legs, and his fitted gray Henley showed off shoulders that seemed designed to make witches forget basic spell components. His dark hair caught the sunlight, and when he turned, catching sight of her, his hazel eyes warmed in a way that made her stomach flip.

“You can do this,” she muttered to herself. “You’re a successful businesswoman who definitely knows how to talk to attractive men without tripping over your own feet.”

She managed exactly three steps before stumbling over an exposed tree root.

Strong hands caught her before she could fall, and she found herself pressed against a very solid chest. Xabir’s scent surrounded her - pine needles and mountain air with a hint of wild magic that made her magical core hum.

“Careful.” His voice rumbled through her, and was it her imagination or did his hands linger longer than strictly necessary? “These roots seem to have a mind of their own.”

“My hero.” She smiled up at him, gathering her courage. “Though if you wanted to get your hands on me, you could have just asked.” She gave him a wink.

His eyes widened fractionally, and - yes! - a slight flush colored his cheeks. Score one for the witch.

“I’ll keep that in mind.” His lips quirked up, and oh, that wasn’t fair at all. “Though I should warn you, I take everything very seriously. Including flirtation.”

Heat bloomed in her chest. Before she could respond, Thane’s voice rang out across the clearing. “Teams for the scavenger hunt! Partner up, everyone!”

“Well?” Xabir offered his arm with exaggerated formality. “Care to be my partner, Miss Weir?”

“I suppose you’ll do, Mr. Lupo.” She slipped her hand into the crook of his arm, pretending her pulse didn’t race at the contact.

The first clue led them to the Ancient Grove where massive oaks thrummed with centuries of accumulated magic. Romi moved carefully between the trees, her magical senses alert for any sign of their target. She was acutely aware of Xabir moving beside her, his presence like a warm current of electricity.

“You know,” she said casually, “most witches would be nervous traveling through an enchanted forest with a powerful alpha shifter.”

“And you’re not?” His voice held genuine curiosity.

“Please.” She shot him a teasing look over her shoulder. “I’ve seen you smile at my enchanted cupcakes. Your big bad wolf act doesn’t fool me.”

That startled a laugh out of him - a real one that transformed his whole face. Romi’s heart did something complicated in her chest.

“Those cupcakes were exceptional,” he admitted. “Though I maintain my fearsome reputation around everyone else.”

“Your secret’s safe with me.” She winked. “I won’t tell anyone you have a sweet tooth that rivals a pixie’s.”

They found the shimmering oak, its bark gleaming with hidden symbols. Standing close together to combine their magic, Romi tried to focus on the spell rather than the solid warmth of his chest against her back or the way his breath stirred her hair.

The next challenge took them to the Misty Meadow where illusions danced and shifted around them. Romi pulled out a vial of purple liquid, holding it up to the light.

“Vision-enhancing potion,” she explained. “Though I should warn you, side effects may include temporary sparkly vision and an irresistible urge to sing show tunes.”

Xabir took the vial, arching an eyebrow. “Are you trying to trick me into embarrassing myself?”

“Would I do that?” She batted her eyes innocently. “Besides, you seem like you’d have a lovely singing voice.”

He chuckled, taking a careful sip before passing it back. Their fingers brushed, sending tingles up her arm. “No show tunes yet.”

“Pity. I was looking forward to a duet.”

The potion revealed a clearing where a sprite waited with their next challenge. The tiny creature’s wings shimmered like soap bubbles as she flitted around them.

“Answer my riddle to pass,” she sang. “What shines without fire and dances without legs?”

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