Page 15 of Enchanting the Alpha (Mystic Hollow #1)

FIFTEEN

“ T hen what?” Xabir asked quietly.

“Lunch at The Luminous Pearl - you know, that new restaurant under the lagoon? The glass dome lets you watch all the bioluminescent sea life while you eat. The chef does this thing with enchanted seafood that makes the fish flavors change with each bite.”

“That’s... actually perfect,” Wesley said, looking impressed.

“I’m not done.” Thane grinned. “End the day at the Twilight Markets when they open at sunset. The floating lanterns, the street performers, the magical vendors - it’s like a festival of everything she loves about Mystic Hollow. Plus, there’s this vendor who sells enchanted ice cream that tastes like your happiest memory.”

Silence fell over the table as Thane finished speaking. Arlo whistled low.

“Damn,” he said. “That’s good. Though I still think dragon racing-”

“No,” the others said in unison.

Xabir sat back, turning the suggestion over in his mind. It was perfect - personal without being overwhelming, magical without being flashy, and most importantly, completely focused on Romi’s interests and passions.

“Thank you,” he said quietly to Thane. “That’s... exactly what I was looking for.”

“Just remember,” Thane’s tone shifted to something more serious, the usual mischief in his eyes replaced by brotherly concern. “Romi’s might be bubbly and fun, but she’s been hurt. She deserves someone who’ll put her happiness first.”

“I understand.” Xabir met his gaze steadily. Their growing friendship made the moment more meaningful - no longer just an alpha and a consultant, but two men who cared about Romi’s happiness.

“Good.” Thane raised his glass, his usual smile returning. “To new beginnings - may your first date involve zero death-defying stunts.”

“You’re no fun,” Arlo grumbled but clinked his glass with the others.

As their conversation drifted to other topics, Xabir found himself planning the details of the date in his mind. He could already picture Romi’s face lit by sunrise, imagine her delight in crafting something unique together. For the first time in years, he felt a flutter of nervous anticipation in his chest.

Now he just had to ask her.

“Don’t worry,” Wesley said quietly beside him, reading his expression. “The asking is the easy part. It’s the falling that’s terrifying - but trust me, it’s worth every second.”

Xabir nodded, his alpha power humming contentedly beneath his skin. He had faced down rival packs, navigated corporate takeovers, and maintained peace in a town full of various magical beings. He could definitely handle asking one witch on a date.

Probably. Maybe. Hopefully.

“Another round?” Harry called from the bar where his latest brew had moved on to sea shanties in three-part harmony.

“Keep them coming,” Xabir muttered. Just in case.