Page 37 of Enchanting the Alpha (Mystic Hollow #1)
THIRTY-SEVEN
R omi glanced over to find all four elders had gathered near the refreshments, watching them with varying degrees of subtlety. Felix was practically vibrating with excitement while Bella maintained a more dignified interest. Neve and Madame Zephyrine exchanged knowing looks.
His breath tickled her ear. “I’m more concerned about what has Clover so intense with Oakes.”
Romi followed his gaze to where her cousin still conversed with the tiger alpha, their heads bent close together. “Should we be worried?”
“Oakes’s honorable, if intense.” His thumb traced small circles against her back. “Though perhaps we should be more concerned about your brother’s romantic prospects. Maya can be... challenging.”
“Perfect for him then.” Romi laughed as Thane executed a particularly dramatic spin that nearly sent both him and Maya into a fountain. “He needs someone to keep him on his toes.”
“Speaking of keeping on toes...” Xabir steered them toward one of the more private garden nooks. “I have something for you.”
The secluded spot was framed by archways dripping with enchanted wisteria, their blooms giving off a soft pearlescent glow. Butterfly curtains shimmered around them, offering the illusion of privacy while still allowing glimpses of the starlit sky above.
Xabir withdrew a small package wrapped in paper that seemed woven from moonbeams. “This is for you.”
“Xabir...” She took it carefully, magic tingling as it recognized the powerful enchantments layered within. “You didn’t have to?—”
“I wanted to.” His voice held that alpha resonance that brooked no argument. “Open it.”
Inside lay an exquisite crystal teapot small enough to fit in her palm. Magic hummed within its faceted surface, complex and beautiful.
“It’s enchanted,” he explained, watching her face intently. “It knows exactly how long to steep any tea for optimal flavor. But more than that—” His fingers brushed hers as he traced one of the crystalline patterns. “It’s spelled to work in harmony with your magic. The stronger your connection grows, the more precisely it will attune to your customers’ needs.”
The implications of that enchantment – a gift meant to grow with her, to complement her magic – made her throat tight with emotion. “This is incredible. Thank you.”
“There’s more.” He scooted closer, his presence enveloping her in warmth. “The enchantments are linked specifically to your magical signature. It will only ever work for you.”
Her heart skipped at the possessive note in his voice. The gift wasn’t just thoughtful – it was a declaration. A way of saying she was special, chosen, his.
“I have something for you too.” She retrieved a small vial from her evening bag, its contents shimmering with threads of gold. “I’ve been working on this for weeks. It’s designed specifically for shifters, to help ease the strain of maintaining human form during long business meetings.”
His eyes darkened as he examined the vial. “You created this for me?”
“I noticed how tense you get during those marathon hotel planning sessions.” She bit her lip. “This should help your muscles relax without dampening your alpha energy at all. I can adjust the formula if it’s not quite?—”
“Perfect,” he interrupted, tucking the vial carefully into his pocket. His hand came up to cup her cheek, thumb brushing across her lower lip. “Like everything about you.”
Her breath caught at the intensity of his gaze. They’d drawn closer without her realizing it, the space between them charged with possibility. Music drifted through the butterfly curtains, slow and sweet, while moonlight painted everything in silver and shadow.
A disturbance from the dance floor shattered the moment. They turned to find Arlo extricating himself from what appeared to be an unsuccessful attempt at a complicated lift with one of the bear shifters.
“I should probably...” Xabir gestured toward the chaos, though he made no move to step away.
“Go help your second-in-command before he starts an international incident?” Romi suggested, trying to hide her disappointment.
“He can handle himself.” Xabir’s voice held that growling undertone. “I have more important matters to attend to.”
His hand slid to her waist, drawing her closer. The butterfly curtains shimmered around them, creating a private world of starlight and possibility. Her magic hummed beneath her skin, reaching for his alpha energy like a flower turning toward the sun.
“More important than pack business?” she teased, though her voice came out breathier than intended.
“Always.” His other hand came up to cradle her face, thumb tracing her cheekbone. “You’re always more important.”
The simple declaration, delivered with such absolute certainty, made her heart stutter. Before she could form a response, he lowered his head and claimed her lips in a kiss that tasted of starlight and promise.