Page 32 of Enchanting the Alpha (Mystic Hollow #1)
THIRTY-TWO
R omi’s magic sparked visibly, reaching for his alpha energy with the familiarity of longtime lovers. Even in crisis, their powers sought each other, strengthening their connection. “No, it’s not. Someone’s interfering with the magical field.”
A crash from the kitchen made them both jump. Before Romi could move, Xabir caught her hand, bringing it to his lips briefly before taking the lead. “Stay close to me.”
She squeezed his fingers but didn’t argue, following close behind as they made their way to the kitchen. They found a mess of spilled potions and overturned equipment. The magical preservation spells on the ingredients had failed, causing several items to spoil instantly.
“This is deliberate sabotage,” Xabir growled, his protective instincts surging stronger as he scanned the room for threats. The thought of someone targeting Romi’s café, trying to undermine everything they’d built together, made his alpha side snarl with rage. “Someone’s trying to disrupt your preparations for game night.”
Romi pressed against his back, her magic flowing soothingly around them both. “But who would?—”
Another crash interrupted her, followed by a startled cry from the main room. They hurried back to find Mrs. Henderson sprawled on the floor. An energy-enhancement potion had spilled, causing her to become partially invisible.
“I can’t see my hands!” Mrs. Henderson’s disembodied voice wavered with panic. “What’s happening?”
“Stay calm, Mrs. Henderson.” Romi moved to help, but Xabir caught her around the waist, pressing a quick kiss to her shoulder.
“Let me check the area first,” he murmured against her skin. When she nodded, he expanded his senses, scanning for any lingering threats. Only when he was satisfied it was safe did he release her, though he stayed close as she knelt beside the partially invisible woman.
Romi’s magic flowed out to contain the spell, and Xabir’s alpha energy joined with it automatically, their powers dancing together with practiced ease. What had once amazed them now felt natural, like two pieces of a whole finally united.
“Everyone, please step back,” he ordered, his voice carrying the unmistakable authority of an alpha. The magical disturbance had drawn a crowd from passers-by seeing the flashing lights.
His gaze caught on Bastian Presley lurking near the door, watching the chaos with poorly concealed satisfaction. The young man had been vocal about his disapproval of witch-shifter cooperation, making no secret of his prejudices.
“Thane!” Xabir called out as Romi’s brother entered the café. “Help me clear the area.”
Together, they guided people away while Romi worked to stabilize Mrs. Henderson’s condition. But the damage was already spreading beyond the physical chaos. Whispers and accusations began circulating through the crowd.
“This is what happens when you trust witch magic,” a shifter muttered.
“Maybe if shifters weren’t so aggressive with their energy—” a witch shot back.
Xabir’s alpha presence filled the room. “That’s enough,” his voice carried absolute authority. “This was sabotage, not an accident. And pointing fingers only serves whoever’s trying to divide us.”
He watched proudly as Romi succeeded in reversing the invisibility spell, her power and control making his alpha side preen. After she helped Mrs. Henderson to her feet, he pulled her back against his chest, needing the contact to settle his agitated instincts.
“Thank you, dear.” Mrs. Henderson patted Romi’s hand, smiling knowingly at their obvious closeness. “Don’t let this discourage you. We need more unity in this town, not less.”
Xabir nuzzled Romi’s hair, inhaling her calming scent as his thumb traced circles on her hip. “We should check the security spells,” he suggested quietly. “See if we can trace who’s behind this.”
“Always so protective,” she teased, but her hands covered his where they rested on her waist.
Before he could respond, the café’s door chimed. Neve and the usual entourage entered. The four elders surveyed the scene with knowing looks.
“Well,” Felix bounced on his toes, his eternal enthusiasm undimmed. “Looks like someone’s trying to rain on our parade.” He winked at Xabir and Romi’s embrace. “Though clearly not all parades.”
“More like trying to prevent it entirely,” Bella observed, her emerald eyes sharp as she took in the damage.
Neve moved to examine one of the malfunctioning lanterns. “This magic... it’s strange. As if it’s been deliberately obscured.”
“Indeed,” Madame Zephyrine’s amethyst eyes narrowed. “The signature is masked, making it difficult to trace the source.”
Same thing his beta had discovered a while back.
“We came to show our support for game night,” Bella announced loudly enough for everyone to hear. “The four of us will be attending and participating fully.”
The effect was immediate. Whispers of excitement replaced the earlier accusations. If the most respected elders of both communities supported the event, others would follow their lead.
“Now then,” Felix clapped his hands, sending up a shower of magical sparks. “Let’s get this place cleaned up and properly protected. Can’t have any more mishaps ruining our fun.”
As the elders began setting up additional protective enchantments, Xabir pulled Romi into a quiet corner. He cupped her face in his hands, studying her features intently. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine.” She smiled up at him, her hands sliding under his jacket to rest against his chest. “Though I notice your alpha energy is doing that possessive swirling thing again.”
His lips twitched. “Can’t help it. Especially not after...” He trailed off meaningfully, remembering how thoroughly they’d explored that possessive instinct the night before.
“Mm.” Her magic sparked playfully against his skin. “Is that your way of suggesting another thorough investigation of alpha traits, Alpha Lupo?”
A growl rumbled in his chest as he leaned down to capture her lips in a swift, heated kiss. “Later,” he promised roughly, “after we figure this out.”
“I’ll hold you to that.” She pressed a quick kiss to his jaw before stepping back, though she kept hold of his hand.
Neve turned to Romi. “I suggest you check the archives while the magical traces are fresh. We’ll be here for a while cleaning up this mess.”