Page 11 of Enchanting the Alpha (Mystic Hollow #1)
ELEVEN
T he next hour passed in a whirlwind of introductions. Romi moved through the room, demonstrating techniques and encouraging collaboration between witches and shifters. She couldn’t help stealing glances at Xabir, who’d taken up a position near the window. His presence drew others naturally, but she caught him watching her more than once, his intense gaze making her magic flutter beneath her skin.
Her brother Thane materialized at her side, his sandy blonde hair slightly disheveled as always. His deep blue eyes twinkled with their usual mischief. “You know, if you keep looking at him like that, you’re going to start floating.”
“I’m not-” she started to protest, then noticed her feet were indeed hovering slightly off the ground. She quickly anchored herself. “Don’t you have some tea to blend?”
“Just saying.” He grinned. “The sexual tension in here is thick enough to cut with a ceremonial dagger.”
Before she could retort, something shifted in the magical atmosphere - a discordant note in the harmonious energy of the room. At first, Romi attributed it to her own flustered state. Then the laughter started.
A witch near the aromatic herbs doubled over, tears streaming down her face as uncontrollable giggles burst forth. The effect spread like ripples in a pond - more guests succumbing to fits of hysterical laughter. Decorations began to malfunction, enchanted ribbons tangling themselves into knots, and tea blends sparking with unstable magic.
“I can’t stop laughing!” one guest gasped between fits. “What’s happening?”
“My tea is making everything spin!” another called out in panic.
Fear spiked through Romi as she recognized the darker undertones in the magic - this wasn’t a simple malfunction. But panic wouldn’t help. She caught Clover’s eye across the room and saw her cousin had reached the same conclusion.
“Looks like someone’s tea got a bit too happy!” Romi announced cheerfully, though her heart raced. “Not to worry - nothing a little calibration can’t fix.”
She moved through the chaos with practiced grace, her own magic reaching out to stabilize the erratic enchantments. Clover worked the other side of the room while Thane cracked jokes that helped ease the growing tension.
“You should have seen Romi’s first attempt at happiness tea,” he called out. “The whole family spoke in limericks for a week!”
A warm presence appeared at her back - Xabir, lending his strength without words. His magic brushed against hers, steady and protective, helping to contain the magical disruption. Arlo, his second-in-command, slipped quietly around the edges of the room, keen eyes taking in details others might miss.
“Minor magical hiccup!” Romi assured the crowd as the effects began to fade. “Now, who’s ready for some proper tea tasting?”
Gradually, the party resumed its celebratory tone. Witches and shifters returned to their crafting, and Romi noticed new bonds forming as they helped each other recover from the magical mishap. She kept her smile bright, but worry gnawed at her thoughts. Someone had deliberately tampered with her spells.
“A word?” Xabir’s quiet request drew her attention. He guided her to a private corner, his hand warm against the small of her back. “That wasn’t a simple accident.”
“No,” she agreed softly. “But I can’t prove anything, and accusations would only make things worse.”
“Arlo’s investigating.” His thumb traced small circles against her back, probably unconsciously. “And I’d like to help protect your café from further... incidents.”
Romi looked up at him, struck by the intensity in his gaze. “Why?”
“Because this matters to you.” His voice dropped lower. “And you matter to me.”
Her heart performed another acrobatic routine. Before she could respond, Clover called for everyone’s attention - it was time for the tea tasting.