Page 12 of Enchanting the Alpha (Mystic Hollow #1)
TWELVE
A s Romi moved to join her cousin, she cast one last look at Xabir. His eyes hadn’t left her, and the heat in them made her wonder if maybe Thane had been right about that sexual tension after all.
Whatever - or whoever - had tried to disrupt her party had failed. If anything, the shared experience had brought her guests closer together. And if it had also brought her closer to a certain alpha shifter... well, that was just an unexpected bonus.
Whiskers landed on her shoulder, bumping his head against her cheek in approval. Another heart-shaped smoke ring drifted upward, this one trailing sparkles that matched her mood perfectly.
The tea tasting transformed the café’s atmosphere. Enchanted teacups floated between guests, each one trailing wisps of magical steam in different colors. Clover had outdone herself with the blends - lavender dreams that actually showed you glimpses of peaceful visions, happiness-inducing citrus that made everyone’s aura glow with joy, and a particularly popular rosemary remembrance tea that helped recall forgotten happy memories.
“This is incredible,” Valerie Sterling exclaimed, her olive skin taking on a slight green tint from the magical energy. “The way the chamomile interacts with the moonflower essence... pure genius!”
Her twin brother Jett nodded enthusiastically, his silver hair ruffling in a breeze that seemed to follow him. “And the air circulation spell keeps each aroma distinct. Brilliant touch, Romi.”
Romi beamed at the praise, though her attention kept drifting to where Xabir stood with Arlo, their heads bent in serious discussion. As if sensing her gaze, Xabir looked up, catching her eye. The corner of his mouth twitched - almost a smile. Progress.
“You’re staring again,” Thane singsonged under his breath as he passed by with a tray of cookies that changed flavors with each bite.
“I am not,” Romi protested, quickly looking away. “I’m just... monitoring guest satisfaction.”
“Really?” He grinned. “Because from where I’m standing, it looks like you’re trying to mentally undress our distinguished alpha.”
Heat rushed to her cheeks. “Thane!”
“What? I’m just saying what everyone’s thinking. Even Madame Zephyrine’s been making predictions about your future together.”
Before Romi could respond, a commotion near the tea blending station caught her attention. Harry Noble, the jovial owner of The Arcane Brewpub, had somehow managed to create a tea blend that made the drinker speak in rhyming couplets.
“Oh dear, what have I done? This tea’s effects are rather fun!” He chuckled, his bright orange eyes twinkling. “Though I must say with some dismay, it wasn’t meant to work this way.”
“Here, try this.” Romi quickly mixed a counteracting blend. “It should help.”
“My thanks to you, that’s just what I-” He took a sip and cleared his throat. “Ah, much better. Though I might have to experiment with that rhyming effect for open-mic nights at the pub.”
The incident drew Xabir closer to her station. “Your quick thinking prevented another potential chaos,” he observed, his deep voice sending pleasant shivers down her spine.
“Well, I’ve had plenty of practice fixing magical mishaps.” She gestured to Whiskers, who chose that moment to sneeze another sparkly heart. “Some more entertaining than others.”
Xabir’s expression softened as he watched the tiny dragon-cat’s antics. “The transformation suits him.”
“Don’t let him hear you say that. His ego’s big enough already.” Romi gathered her courage. “Would you like to try making your own blend? I promise not to let you accidentally enchant yourself into speaking Shakespeare.”
“That would be... acceptable.” Was that amusement in his voice?
She guided him through the process, trying to ignore how right it felt to work beside him. His movements were precise and controlled, his shifter magic a steady presence that complemented her more spontaneous energy.
“A touch more moonflower,” she suggested, reaching past him for the jar. Their fingers brushed, sending sparks of electricity through her arm. Xabir inhaled sharply, his eyes darkening.
“Romi...” The way he said her name made her knees weak.
A high-pitched squeak from across the room shattered the moment. Tahlee had dropped a tray of empty cups, though thankfully the protection spells caught them before they hit the ground.
“Sorry!” she called out, blushing. “Got distracted by... um, the view.” She cast a meaningful glance at Romi and Xabir.
Clover swooped in to help, but not before shooting Romi a look that clearly said “we’re discussing this later.”