Page 8 of Enchanted Hero (The Secret Enchanters #1)

H e’d expected to be pleased. Contented. Satisfied even. Yet he never expected the triumph once Everleigh Lacey signed the paper that officially made her his.

Well, not technically his. Technically, she was part of Stone Holdings, or actually she was a consultant for Stone Holdings.

And yet, she affected him just as much as the first time he saw her, boldly trying to sneak into a home with better protection than the White House and more secrets than the Pentagon.

Normally, he would’ve blocked any intruder’s efforts, but he wanted to know more about her.

When he met her, that desire only intensified.

He’d meant what he said about wanting to help her company.

Despite her beliefs, he was not in the habit of stealing companies.

He had more than enough businesses vying for his investment.

He’d only become interested in her tiny company when one of the relics she’d found turned out to actually be real, as in supernatural.

Just like him.

Everleigh may have a general belief in the supernatural, but she had no idea of the true extent of it.

For thousands of years, the Incantare had co-existed with ordinary humans.

There were a few thousand of them, spread throughout the world, although they had a central location hidden deep on an island in the ocean.

Completely human in appearance, his people had special abilities, which varied by individual.

All could manipulate matter, perform telekinesis and talk telepathically with each other.

They were not immortal, yet they lived far longer than ordinary humans, healing quickly from most wounds.

Some could control forces of nature, such as fire – or a tornado – while others could take flight and even read human minds.

They had other powers, some more, some less.

Children inherited abilities even if only one parent was Incantare.

As leader of his people, Alexander was the strongest. He could do almost anything.

His people were as varied as ordinary humans, and most led relatively quiet lives, careful to keep their secret. Alexander was the most powerful and well-known, which meant he had to be extra vigilant to protect them from exposure.

Fortunately, his power was great.

If an ordinary human activated a true relic, it would threaten everything.

Somehow New Age Treasures obtained such an item, an old book that contained power if invoked in the right way.

Alexander had to retrieve it and ensure they had no other pieces.

When he learned of the company’s precarious situation, buying it seemed the obvious choice.

Even if he’d been right about the competitors, Miss Lacey was understandably furious. He should have released her, but something about her intrigued him. Not that he ever would have sold those ridiculous products, of course, yet the bluff worked.

What would she say if she knew the ring he’d shown her held actual magic?

His.

Yet now he had his own mystery to solve.

His interest wasn’t just because of what she might’ve seen during the tornado, but something stronger, something with the power to unbalance a man who could control the elements.

Instincts demanded he stay near her, and in his world, one didn’t ignore instincts.

Now he had time to learn why she affected him, and what he was going to do about it.

“Everything will be fine.” He kept his voice low. “It’ll be a bit of a transition, but the sooner you accept, the easier it will be.”

She paled, but stood up tall. “I’ll never accept what you did to me. If you want this company to run smoothly, be a silent partner.”

“Like I said before, I’m going to be very involved.”

Confusion and suspicion tangled in her eyes. Of course, she couldn’t understand his motives for taking such a personal role in her business. Now that he had control, he would both find the relic and discover what she knew about the tornado. He had no reason to stay after that.

Somehow he knew he would.

“You’ll still have plenty of freedom,” he promised. “We’ll run it together.”

“I was doing fine on my own.” She glared at him. “If you could just disappear things would be great.”

“I’d rather not disappear right now.” Of course, he literally could, yet that would beget a conversation he was not ready to have. “If you stop fighting me, I can be a valuable friend.”

“You’ll never be my friend,” she retorted, and he fought the urge to assert his power. As leader of his people, few outright challenged him.

“Why don’t we share the news with the employees?

Then you can give me a tour.” As soon as possible, he needed to find the relic and neutralize the threat to his people.

Yet when she bit her bottom lip, thoughts of relics dissipated, replaced by unbidden visions of kissing those plump lips.

The urge to stake a claim rose, an intense desire as never before, and he had to forcefully squelch it, even as suspicions formed as to what it meant.

He hid his satisfaction as she gave an almost imperceptible shiver.

Despite her words, she was as affected as he.

Yet she notched up her chin. “I’ll lead the way.

” Like a commanding general, she marched to the door, her back as straight as a two by four.

Still, she couldn’t hide the soft femininity gracing her every line, the long hair skimming down her back, tracing her slender waist and gently flaring hips.

She was beautiful and sassy and strong, and her boldness captivated him.

They traveled to the break room, where employees feasted on fluffy pancakes, cream-filled brioche and crispy potatoes from one of his five-star restaurants.

Happy employees were productive employees, and his company regularly won awards for both employee satisfaction and productivity.

Spending a little extra money created a better environment that more than paid off in dividends, and more importantly, spread good in the world.

Despite Everleigh’s assertions, he cared greatly about others, human and Incantare alike.

The employees quieted at their arrival. Expectant expressions greeted them, as Everleigh held up a hand. “We have news.”

“Good news.” The employees visibly relaxed, even as Everleigh tightened. She was going to have to get used to his presence in her company.

In her life.

“Mr. Stone has agreed to let everyone keep their jobs.”

Sighs of relief filled the air, amidst loud cheers and boisterous hugs.

He smiled, and even Everleigh relaxed ever-so-slightly.

“Of course, I would love everyone to stay.” He stepped forward.

“I admire your expertise and look forward to working with all of you. Yes, there will be changes, but I hope you find them positive. For instance, as of now, everyone has a fifty percent raise.”

More cheers arose, from everyone except Everleigh and the blond secretary, Chloe. He frowned. Normally he couldn’t sense a person’s emotions unless he concentrated, but the young woman was so frightened, it was apparent across the room. Later, he would do what he could to help.

He turned back to the crowd. “As I said before, we provide daily lunch for all employees. There will be extra weeks of time off, gym benefits and an employee shareholder program. And, no, I don’t expect you to increase your workload for any of it.

The company budget has just gotten a huge influx of capital.

In return, I ask that we work together to propel New Age Treasures into an international juggernaut. ”

This time the cheers were even louder. Sam, the man who had comforted Everleigh earlier, stepped forward. “What about Everleigh? Are you staying?” He put his hand on her arm.

Mine.

Something red hot and fiery streaked through his veins. Alexander opened and closed his palms, grasped power that threatened to soar out of control. “As I promised, Miss Lacey is hearty and whole.”

Sam stared at him, then slowly removed his hand. Alexander’s anger slipped away. What was wrong with him? He was here to safeguard his people, not stake a claim.

And yet the urge was almost irresistible.

His suspicions on what it meant deepened.

Unlike ordinary humans, his people did not do casual relationships.

They did not break up and they did not divorce, as least not once they found their destined one.

They recognized the person who was perfect for them, who complemented their very soul.

The draw was usually immediate and striking, irresistible and irreversible.

Could it be?

Everleigh glared at him before turning to Sam. “I–” She took a deep breath. “I’m staying.”

Applause rang from the audience. “Miss Lacey has agreed to stay indefinitely,” Alexander added.

“What?” Everleigh turned to him. “Not indefinitely. It was five years.”

“Didn’t you notice the renewal clause?”

Her lips parted. He ignored the urge to kiss them.

He addressed the employees before she could give her opinion on his methods.

“For now, your jobs won’t change, yet I predict rapid growth.

Many of you will see promotions in your future.

Of course, I’m not expecting anyone to work nights and weekends.

” He slid a glance to Everleigh. “Well, not most of you anyways.”

She looked like she was about to kick him.

“Any questions?”

They had various queries about the new company and its direction. They wanted to know how things would change in the near and distant future. All were easily answered, until…

“Did you see the hero?”

The breath caught in his throat. “I’m sorry?”

“The hero.” The woman blinked. “The one from your party. Did you see him?”