Page 65 of A Roar for Magic

“Oh, you missed the best part.” Romi joined them, dragging Xabir along. “Felix Ember, one of our dragon shifter elders asked if your scents would make him sneeze fire. Banner’s face was priceless.”

“Speaking of priceless...” Sabine appeared with a glass of champagne in hand. “Remember when I offered you money to date my grumpy brother, Clover?”

Rook’s eyebrows shot up. “You what?”

“She turned me down flat.” Sabine grinned. “Said if she was going to date a broody tiger, it would be on her own terms.”

“Smart woman.” Xabir wrapped an arm around Romi’s waist. “Though now that they have things figured out, you better watch out, Sabine. Romi’s got her eyes on you. Soon she’ll be setting you up on all kinds of double dates.”

“Triple dates,” Romi corrected. “Once we find her perfect match.”

Sabine rolled her eyes. “I don’t need help finding?—”

“Yes, you do” came the chorus from everyone, including Poe.

“You’re all terrible.” But Sabine laughed. “Almost as terrible as how disgustingly cute these two have become. Remember when Rook used to actually growl at people?”

“Now he practically purrs.” Banner joined their group, Weston close behind. “It’s disturbing. He smiled at an intern yesterday. The poor kid nearly fainted.”

“I do not purr.” Rook’s protest might have held more weight if he weren’t currently nuzzling Clover’s hair.

“You purr.” Clover turned in his arms to face him. “It’s kind of adorable.”

His mock glare dissolved into another smile as she rose on tiptoes to kiss his chin. “Betrayed by my own mate.”

“Get used to it, dear.” Ilaria’s voice carried warmth and mischief as she and Azella approached. “The women in this family have always been good at keeping our tigers in line.”

“Thank the stars for that.” Azella hugged Clover. “Welcome to the family, sweetheart. Try not to let him work too hard.”

“I don’t—” Rook started.

“You absolutely do,” everyone chorused again.

Clover laughed at his put-upon expression, pressing closer as his arms tightened around her. These people—this family—had become hers too, their acceptance and love wrapping around her like a warm blanket.

“Just wait.” His eyes sparkled with something that made her magic tingle in anticipation. “The real entertainment’s about to start.”

Before she could ask what he meant, he clinked a glass for attention. The crowd quieted, turning toward them expectantly.

“Thank you all for coming tonight.” Rook’s arm slipped around her waist, warm and steady. “This spa represents a new chapter for Katz Corp—one that combines innovation with tradition, science with magic.” His eyes found hers. “None of it would have been possible without the brilliant witch who helped create our signature scent line.”

Clover’s cheeks heated as appreciative murmurs rippled through the crowd. Under the crystal lights, she caught Banner’s knowing smirk and Sabine’s delighted grin.

“To show our appreciation,” Rook continued, “every guest will receive a gift set of our exclusive candles designed by Clover herself. Additionally, anyone who presents a receipt from eitherWeaver’s Botanicals or Spellbound Lights will receive a twenty percent discount on any spa service.”

Surprise stole Clover’s breath. She hadn’t known about the discount offer. Around them, excited chatter broke out as attendees discussed which of her shops to visit first.

“You sneaky tiger.” She whispered against his chest. “You’re going to overwhelm my poor shops.”

“Good thing I already arranged for Halle to have extra help.” He brushed a kiss across her forehead. “I take care of what’s mine.”

“Yours, huh?”

“Mine.” His tiger rumbled possessively. “Just like I’m yours.”

The rest of the evening passed in a whirl of congratulations and laughter. Clover found herself drawn into countless conversations, but Rook never strayed far. His hand would find hers, or his arm would slip around her waist, keeping them connected even as they mingled separately.

When they got back to Rook’s cabin, which was soon to be their full-time home, Clover led him by his tie to the bedroom.

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