Page 20 of Enchanting the Alpha (Mystic Hollow #1)
TWENTY
T he enchanted lanterns in Witch’s Brew Café cast a warm, honeyed glow across scattered papers and magical artifacts crowding Romi’s desk. Her coffee cup tattoo tingled as she sketched another idea for bringing witches and shifters together, though her mind kept wandering to the kiss she and Xabir had shared at the Twilight Markets. Her lips curved remembering how the lanterns had shifted to heart shapes - his magic, not hers.
“Focus,” she muttered to herself. “Community unity first, daydreaming about stupidly attractive alphas second.”
Whiskers puffed a heart-shaped smoke ring, followed by one that looked suspiciously like Xabir’s profile.
The café’s bell chimed - not its usual musical trill, but a thicker resonance that made her magic hum in respect. She glanced up to find Neve Aspen and Madame Zephyrine, the most venerated witch elders in Mystic Hollow, entering alongside Bella Swift and Felix Embers, influential shifter elders.
It made her a little nervous, considering the power in the café at that moment. Their presence commanded attention, their combined magical energies filling the space with an aura of authority.
Romi straightened instinctively. A visit from all four elders meant serious business. “To what do I owe the honor?”
“We’ve come to discuss something,” Neve said, her silver hair shimmering with magical energy as she took a seat across from Romi. The other elders arranged themselves around the table, their expressions both serious and kind.
Bella Swift’s emerald eyes held centuries of wisdom as she spoke. “The growing relationship between you and Xabir represents something significant for our communities.”
“More than you might realize,” Felix added, his usual playful demeanor tempered by the gravity of the moment. Despite his eternally youthful appearance, his eyes reflected decades of experience guiding the shifter community.
“The divide between witches and shifters runs deep,” Madame Zephyrine said, her amethyst eyes holding Romi’s gaze. “But we’ve observed how naturally you and Xabir bridge that gap. Your magic and his alpha energy intertwine harmoniously - something many thought impossible.”
“The younger generation looks to both of you,” Bella said softly. “They see the Western Lupo Pack’s alpha and a powerful witch building something real together. It gives them hope.”
Romi’s coffee cup tattoo warmed at their words. “Xabir and I... we’re just getting to know each other. I’m not sure what we have yet, but it’s definitely personal and not political.”
“Exactly!” Felix bounced on his toes, nearly setting his spiky red hair aflame in his excitement. “That’s what makes it perfect. You two could bridge the divide between our communities.”
“Your connection with Xabir is strong,” Neve added, her voice gentle but firm. “It could inspire others to follow suit.”
“We’ve seen how well you work together,” Bella said. “It’s time to harness that synergy.”
Before Romi could protest further, a car engine purred to a stop. Her magic sparked beneath her skin as Xabir emerged from his car in the parking space outside the entrance. The four conspirators exchanged meaningful looks.
“We’ve watched generations of witches and shifters maintain their distance,” Neve began, amusement dancing in her eyes. “Though some of us have been watching you and Xabir with particular interest.”
“The way your magic intertwines with his alpha energy is quite spectacular,” Madame Zephyrine added with a knowing smile. “Especially those heart-shaped lanterns at the market.”
Bella nodded, her emerald eyes twinkling. “The younger ones can’t stop talking about it. The mighty Alpha Lupo losing magical control because of a kiss? Quite the romantic statement. Not that we’re here to pressure you,” Bella added quickly, shooting Felix a look.
“Oh no, not at all,” Felix grinned, still bouncing. “We’re just four extremely powerful, magical elders who happened to stop by simultaneously to discuss your love life. Totally casual.”
Romi couldn’t help laughing. Trust Felix to acknowledge the absurdity of the situation. “And here I thought you were just planning another meditation class. Though I notice none of you have apologized to Mrs. Pembroke for the teapot incident.”
“She made excellent Earl Grey!” Felix protested. “And her handle was very becoming.”
“The point is,” Neve interjected, “your connection with Xabir brings out something unique in both of you. The younger witches and shifters see it too.”
“They’re starting to question the old barriers,” Bella added. “Yesterday, I overheard two young shifters asking if they could take magical brewing lessons at your café.”
“And my young witch apprentices keep finding excuses to visit the Lupo Hotel,” Madame Zephyrine said with a meaningful look. “Particularly when holding council meetings.”