Page 22 of Enchanting the Alpha (Mystic Hollow #1)

TWENTY-TWO

T hey managed to review exactly three proposals before Romi’s magic decided to show off, creating tiny sparkles that danced around them like fallen stars. Xabir joined in by letting his alpha energy wrap around her in a way that made concentration impossible.

“This is your fault,” she informed him as another shower of magical sparkles rained down. “I used to be very professional before you came along.”

“Lies,” he said, pulling her closer. “I’ve heard stories about the singing teapots incident.”

“That was Thane’s fault and you know it.” She tried to focus on the proposal in front of her, but her magic sparked again, stronger this time. The golden light that usually manifested as gentle sparkles suddenly blazed like a miniature sun.

Their laughter mingled in the warm air, and Romi’s magic hummed contentedly. Until suddenly it did more than hum - it surged through her veins like lightning, making her gasp.

“Romi?” Xabir’s tone shifted from playful to concerned as her magic continued to build.

“Something’s wrong.” She gasped as power surged through her veins, wild and untamed. The café’s lanterns flickered violently, and several coffee cups began floating without her intent. “I can’t control it-”

Xabir’s arms wrapped around her as another wave of magic pulsed outward. Books flew off shelves, chairs danced across the floor, and Whiskers had to dodge a rogue sugar shaker.

“Focus on me,” Xabir murmured, his alpha energy trying to stabilize her magic. “Breathe with me.”

She gripped his arms, trying to ground herself in his steady presence. But her power kept building, making the entire café vibrate with magical energy. A nearby table transformed into a flock of origami cranes that took flight around the room.

“I need help,” she managed between surges. Sweat beaded on her forehead as she fought to contain the wild magic. “Neve might know what’s happening.”

“Can you walk?” When she nodded, he kept one arm around her waist, supporting her. “Whiskers, go alert Neve we’re coming.”

Her familiar zoomed out the door, leaving a trail of smoke rings. As they stepped outside, Romi’s uncontrolled magic made the enchanted street lamps pulse like disco lights.

“At least it’s festive,” she joked weakly, trying to lighten the mood despite her growing alarm.

Xabir’s lips twitched, but his eyes remained concerned. “Only you would worry about atmospheric aesthetics during a magical crisis.”

“Hey, if I’m going to lose control of my powers, I might as well make it look good.” She stumbled slightly as another surge hit, and his arm tightened around her. The cobblestones beneath their feet briefly turned iridescent before returning to normal.

“Show off,” he murmured affectionately, though she could feel the tension in his body. His alpha energy continued trying to stabilize her magic, creating an interesting light show as their powers interacted.

They made their way through Mystic Hollow’s winding streets, leaving a trail of magical anomalies in their wake. Garden gnomes started tap dancing, mailboxes sprouted wings, and one unfortunate fire hydrant began reciting Shakespeare.

“Neve’s going to have fun fixing all this,” Romi said, watching a row of trash cans transform into a barbershop quartet.

“I’m more concerned about you.” Xabir’s voice rumbled with protective worry. “This isn’t like usual magical surges.”

“No,” she agreed as her power flared again, turning a nearby bench into a giant origami swan. “This feels different. More intense. Like my magic is trying to... change?”

Xabir stayed close, his alpha energy repelling the worst of it.

“I’ve been pushing myself lately,” she admitted as they hurried along. “Trying to expand my abilities. But this feels different.”

“Could someone be influencing your magic?” His voice held a protective growl that made her heart flutter despite her concern.

“Maybe. Everything’s been so tense lately between witches and shifters...”

They reached Neve’s sanctuary, a serene structure woven from trees and magical light. The elder witch answered their knock immediately with Whiskers at her feet.

“Romi, Xabir, welcome.” Neve’s silver hair gleamed in the magical illumination. “Please, come in and tell me what brings you here at this hour.”