Page 36 of Enchanting the Alpha (Mystic Hollow #1)
THIRTY-SIX
A n hour later, Romi descended the grand staircase in a dress that caught the light and wove it into the fabric. Her magic had cooperated for once, weaving subtle illumination through her hair like a crown of constellation points. The main ballroom hummed with energy as witches and shifters mingled, their magical auras creating fascinating light shows where they intersected.
She spotted Clover near a window, engaged in what appeared to be an intense discussion with the tiger pride’s alpha, Oakes Meyer. Her cousin’s usual serene expression had shifted to something more complex – frustration mixed with stubbornness. Before Romi could investigate further, movement caught her eye.
Thane stood by the refreshment table, demonstrating something to a striking woman Romi recognized as Maya, one of Xabir’s most trusted pack members. Her brother’s animated gestures suggested he was recounting one of his more spectacular magical mishaps while Maya’s bright laughter carried across the room.
“Your brother works fast.” Xabir materialized beside her, in a devastating tailored black suit that emphasized his powerful build. His presence drew admiring glances, but his attention remained fixed solely on her. “Maya’s one of our best trackers. And apparently equally skilled at encouraging terrible jokes.”
“Oh no.” Romi watched Thane mime what appeared to be an explosion. “Please tell me she doesn’t like puns.”
“Loves them.” Xabir’s hand settled at her waist, proprietary but gentle. “They’re perfect for each other.”
“Speaking of perfect...” She turned to face him fully, taking in how his eyes darkened as they swept over her dress. “You clean up nicely, Alpha.”
“And you—” His voice dropped to that low rumble, “you take my breath away.”
Heat bloomed in her cheeks. “Flatterer.”
“Truth teller.” He offered his arm. “Shall we head upstairs? I believe I was promised a dance.”
The rooftop garden had filled with guests, the magical atmosphere even more enchanting under true starlight. Neve and Madame Zephyrine held court near a crystal fountain, their silver hair glowing in the enchanted lighting. Felix bounced between groups with his usual enthusiasm, while Bella observed everything with keen interest, occasionally making notes in a small book.
The orchestra struck up a waltz, strings singing sweetly in the night air. Xabir turned to her with a slight bow that somehow managed to be both courtly and predatory. “May I have this dance?”
She placed her hand in his, shivering at how her magic leaped to meet his alpha energy. “Fair warning – I’m terrible at following.”
His smile held heat and challenge. “Then lead, little witch. Show me what you’ve got.”
They moved together as if they’d been dancing for years instead of minutes. Her magic swirled around them, making nearby lanterns pulse in time with the music. She caught glimpses of other couples joining them – Thane attempting to teach Maya some complicated swing move, Clover allowing the tiger alpha to lead her in an elegant fox trot while maintaining what appeared to be an intense negotiation.
“Your magic is showing off again,” Xabir murmured as they turned. The lanterns had shifted into slowly rotating galaxies of light.
“It likes you.” She glanced up to find his eyes dark with something that made her pulse race. “Can’t blame it, really.”
His hand tightened possessively at her waist. “Good. Because I find myself increasingly fond of both witch and magic.”
They moved across the floor in comfortable silence, letting the music carry them. Romi found herself relaxing into his hold, savoring the way their energies harmonized. His alpha power hummed beneath the surface, strong but controlled, while her magic danced and sparked between them like playful starlight.
“We have an audience,” he said after a while, amusement coloring his tone.