Page 39 of A Roar for Magic

“I’m right.” Romi held up the black dress. “Now put this on before your magic teaches the whole closet to tango.”

Thirty minutes later, Clover had to admit her cousin’s choice had been perfect. The dress hugged her curves without being overtly sexy, the fabric soft against her skin. Romi had styled her hair in loose waves and applied subtle makeup that made her green eyes pop.

“There.” Romi stepped back, admiring her work. “Now you look like a witch who’s ready to embrace romance instead of running from it.”

“I still don’t know if I can?—”

“Don’t.” Romi’s voice turned serious. “Don’t let fear of what might go wrong stop you from discovering what might go right. Sound familiar?”

Clover’s eyes stung. “Using my own words against me is cheating.”

“No, it’s karma. And speaking of karma...” A knock at the door made them both jump. Clover’s magic immediately surged in recognition of the tiger energy waiting outside.

“Remember,” Romi whispered, gathering her things, “stop thinking and start feeling.” She pressed a quick kiss to Clover’s cheek. “And text me later with all the details!”

“Romi!”

“What? I’m invested now.” Her cousin slipped out the back door with a wink, leaving Clover to face her date alone.

Taking a deep breath, she opened the door – and nearly passed out. Rook filled her doorway like some fantasy come to life, his charcoal suit perfectly tailored to his powerful frame. The way his eyes darkened as he took her in made her magic dance beneath her skin.

“You look...” His voice carried that tiger-deep rumble that never failed to make her pulse skip.

Before she could respond, he pulled her into his arms, claiming her lips in a kiss that had her magic surging to meet his. Her hands found his shoulders as his arms wrapped around her waist, and everything else faded away – all her doubts, all her fears, all her careful walls crumbling under the rightness of being held by him.

When they finally broke apart, she had to grip his jacket to stay upright. “Hi,” she managed.

His answering smile held promises that made her shiver. “Hi, yourself.” His thumb brushed her cheek. “I’ve been thinking about kissing you all day.”

“Just today?”

“Every day.” The simple honesty in his voice made her heart flip. “Ready?”

TWENTY-THREE

The drive to Rook’s home passed in charged silence, anticipation humming between them like electricity before a storm. Clover’s magic reached instinctively for his tiger energy, creating little sparks that danced in the air.

When they pulled up to his cabin, her eyes widened. The alpha’s residence managed to be both imposing and welcoming – a sprawling two-story structure of dark wood and stone that somehow avoided looking pretentious. Warm light spilled from large windows, and a wraparound porch practically begged for morning coffee conversations.

“This isn’t what I expected,” she admitted as he helped her from the car, his hand warm at the small of her back.

“No security gates and guard towers?” His eyes crinkled with amusement.

“Something like that. Though I suppose the wards make up for it.” She could sense the layers of protection magic woven through the property – subtle but incredibly strong.

“You can feel those?”

“They’re singing to my magic.” She closed her eyes, letting her power brush against the defenses. “Beautiful work. Almost like a symphony.”

When she opened her eyes, she found him watching her with that soft expression that made her heart flutter. “They like you,” he murmured. “The wards. They’re reaching back.”

Inside, her breath caught. Candles – many from her own shop, she noted with a surge of pleasure – cast golden light over a beautifully set table. Fresh flowers filled crystal vases, their scent mingling with something mouth-watering from the kitchen. A fire crackled invitingly in the hearth, and soft music played from hidden speakers.

“You did all this?” She turned in a slow circle, taking in the cozy sophistication of his home. Comfortable furniture in rich leather and soft fabrics. Bookshelves filled with an eclectic mix of business texts and magical tomes. Family photos arranged with obvious care.

“I wanted tonight to be special.” He moved to the kitchen with easy grace, and something in Clover’s chest tightened at the domestic sight of him rolling up his sleeves. “Though I should warn you – my mother and grandmother are already planning a family dinner. Apparently, they’re tired of waiting for me to make it official.”

Anxiety fluttered in her stomach, but Romi’s words echoed in her mind:Don’t let fear of what might go wrong stop you from discovering what might go right.

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