Page 14 of Enchanting the Alpha (Mystic Hollow #1)
FOURTEEN
X abir stared into his craft beer at The Arcane Brewpub, watching magical bubbles form intricate patterns in the amber liquid. The usual evening crowd buzzed around them, their chatter mixing with the sound of Harry Noble’s latest experimental brew singing sea shanties from behind the bar.
“Let me get this straight.” Arlo leaned back in his chair, amusement dancing in his eyes. “The mighty Alpha of the Western Lupo Pack called an emergency meeting because he can’t figure out how to ask a witch on a date?”
“I know how to ask her.” Xabir’s fingers tightened around his glass. “I need... suggestions for the actual date.”
“The great strategist needs dating advice?” Thane grinned as he slid into the seat beside them. “You’re the alpha, Xabir. Are you being messed with by my sister?”
Xabir growled softly. “I’m beginning to regret this.”
“No, no, this is pretty funny.” Thane waved to Harry for another round. “You need help wooing my sister. I’m legally obligated to participate in this conversation.”
“I don’t need help wooing-” Xabir stopped as both men raised their eyebrows at him. He sighed. “Fine. But if either of you mentions this to anyone else...”
“Your reputation for stoic alpha-ness is safe with us,” Arlo promised, then immediately turned to wave at Wesley, Petra’s husband, as he entered the pub. “Hey, Wes! Over here! Xabir needs dating advice!”
Wesley’s quiet chuckle carried across the room as he joined them, sliding into the fourth chair. “I wondered how long it would take you to ask for help. Petra’s been taking bets on-” He caught Xabir’s glare. “I mean, Petra’s been... concerned about your happiness.”
“I appreciate everyone’s concern,” Xabir said dryly. “But I simply want suggestions for an appropriate first date.”
“I got it!” Arlo straightened. “Take her dragon racing. Nothing says romance like the threat of imminent death while traveling at high speeds.”
“She has a cat with tiny dragon wings,” Wesley pointed out. “Maybe something less... combustible?”
“Moonlight picnic in the enchanted grove?” Thane suggested. “Classic, romantic, minimal chance of death.”
“Boring. By the end of the date she’ll have fallen asleep,” Arlo countered. “You need something exciting. Like... underwater cave exploration in the Luminous Lagoon. The bioluminescent merfolk put on amazing shows this time of year.”
“She gets seasick,” Thane said. “Dad’s boat still has the stains.”
Xabir pinched the bridge of his nose. “Perhaps we should-”
“Sky diving?” Arlo interrupted. “But with magic instead of parachutes. Nothing brings people together like placing your life in each other’s hands while plummeting toward earth.”
“What is your obsession with near-death experiences?” Wesley asked.
“They’re memorable.”
“So is food poisoning, but I wouldn’t recommend it for a first date.”
Xabir took a long drink of his beer, wondering if he could command them all to forget this conversation had ever happened.
“What about a cooking class?” Wesley suggested more seriously. “She loves creating new things, and you’d get to spend time learning something together.”
“Not bad,” Thane nodded. “But my sister needs something more personal for a first date. Something that shows you really understand her.”
The other men turned to him expectantly. Thane’s eyes lit up with an idea.
“Okay, picture this - a whole day together, but planned around who she really is. Start with breakfast at her favorite brunch spot, Bacon and Eggs, that she loves. She always says morning is when wild magic feels strongest.”
Xabir leaned forward slightly, his interest caught.
“After breakfast, take her to the hidden waterfall in Mystic Woods. The one where magic pools so thick, you can actually see it dancing in the air. She used to go there to practice spells when she was younger.” Thane’s voice grew softer. “She told me once it’s where she feels most connected to her magic.”