Page 25 of Enchanting the Alpha (Mystic Hollow #1)

TWENTY-FIVE

X abir’s wolf preened at the memory of Romi’s blissful expression as she’d savored his mother’s dessert. “I’m not ambushing her with a family dinner.”

“It’s hardly ambushing when she’s already part of the family,” India sniffed. “But fine, come alone. Seven o’clock. Don’t be late.”

At 6:59, the family estate welcomed him with warmth and the scent of his mother’s cooking. He found his mother in the kitchen, Petra leaning on a counter stealing tastes of sauce while little Luca colored at the table.

“Unca Xabir!” Luca launched himself into Xabir’s arms. “Did you bring Romi? She promised to show me how to make dragon-shaped cookies!”

“Not tonight, pup.” Xabir ruffled his nephew’s hair, ignoring his sister’s knowing smirk.

“But she makes the best cookies,” Luca pouted. “And she lets Whiskers play with me. And she smells pretty.”

“Does she now?” Petra’s eyes danced with mischief. “What else do you like about Romi, baby?”

“She makes Unca Xabir smile! Like, real smiles, not his grumpy alpha face.”

Xabir shot his sister a look that promised retribution, but Petra just grinned. “Out of the mouths of babes.”

“She does bring out your softer side,” India agreed, setting a steaming dish on the table. “And such a talented witch. Did you know she’s developing a new line of enchanted coffee blends? Very innovative.”

“And beautiful,” Petra added innocently. “I saw at least three shifters watching her at the market yesterday. That warlock from the council seems quite interested too-”

A low growl escaped before Xabir could stop it, making Luca giggle and India hide a smile.

“Darling, if you’re going to be territorial every time someone admires her, you’ll give yourself an ulcer,” his mother said. “Though I must say, your father was the same way when we were courting.”

“We’re not- I’m not-” Xabir stopped, recognizing the trap as both women’s eyes lit up.

“Not what?” Petra asked sweetly. “Not completely, utterly smitten? Because that kiss at the market suggests otherwise. The whole town’s talking about those heart-shaped lanterns.”

“The lanterns were an accident.”

“Sweetheart,” India patted his cheek, “when an alpha loses magical control because of a kiss, that’s not an accident. That’s fate.”

“Can we discuss something else?” Xabir tried to sound stern, but it was difficult with Luca making kissing noises from behind his coloring book.

“Of course,” his mother agreed. “We could discuss grandchildren. I think Romi would make an excellent mother-”

“More sauce?” Xabir interrupted desperately.

Petra cackled. “Look how red he’s getting! I haven’t seen him this flustered since he had a tail for three days.”

“She’s good for you,” India said softly, her eyes gentle. “The way she challenges you, makes you laugh. Your father would have adored her.”

The simple statement hit home in a way all the teasing hadn’t. “I know,” Xabir said quietly. “She’s... special.”

“Then don’t waste time,” his mother advised. “The right mate doesn’t come along every day.”

“Especially one who can handle your grumpy alpha moods,” Petra added. “And make heart-shaped lanterns appear with just a kiss.”

“That was my magic, not hers,” Xabir said without thinking, then groaned as his sister’s eyes lit up with unholy glee.

“I KNEW IT!”

He gave a loud sigh. Great. His family would only get worse now.