Page 54 of Enchanting the Alpha (Mystic Hollow #1)

FIFTY-FOUR

T hey approached a gazebo she didn’t remember seeing decorated with twinkling lights and stunning arrangements of blue and purple hydrangeas. Blue roses - notoriously difficult to grow without magic - formed elegant arches around the structure. In the center stood a small table with a single perfect blue rose.

“This place is stunning, Xabir.” She paused at the entrance, suddenly aware of the magnetic energy crackling between them.

“It’s perfect, just like this moment.”

As she turned, her breath caught. Xabir had dropped to one knee, holding a box containing the most exquisite ring she’d ever seen. A blue star sapphire sparkled with magical energy that perfectly matched her own, its surface catching and reflecting the enchanted lights above.

Their family and friends materialized around the gazebo, though not quite as smoothly as planned. Arlo appeared mid-stumble, having clearly rushed from whatever (or whoever) had been occupying his evening. Petra emerged with Luca perched on her shoulders, the young boy gleefully tossing magical flower petals that turned into butterflies. Thane and Maya arrived holding hands, both trying and failing to look innocent about their slightly rumpled appearance.

“Finally!” Petra exclaimed, barely containing her excitement. “Do you know how hard it’s been keeping this secret? Luca almost spilled the beans twice today alone.”

“Did not!” Luca protested. “I only told Whiskers, and he promised not to tell!”

The cat familiar, who had been suspiciously well-behaved all evening, attempted to look innocent while very deliberately not meeting Romi’s eyes.

“I had to physically restrain Felix from writing an epic ballad about the proposal,” Bella added dryly. “He’s got a version ready to go.”

“Four, actually,” Felix corrected cheerfully. “The latest one rhymes ‘enchanting’ with ‘romance-panting.’“

Neve and Madame Zephyrine exchanged knowing looks. “We saw this union in the stars long ago,” Madame Zephyrine intoned mysteriously.

“You saw it in the café window last week when they were making out like teenagers,” Neve corrected with a smirk.

“Romi.” Xabir’s voice cut through the chaos, wrapping around her like warm honey. “From the moment we met, you’ve challenged everything I thought I knew about love and partnership. Your strength, your compassion, your absolute dedication to bringing people together - you amaze me every day. You walked into my life and turned my whole world upside down, and I’ve been falling deeper in love with you ever since. Will you marry me?”

Joy exploded in her chest like fireworks. “Yes, Xabir. A thousand times yes.”

The ring slid perfectly onto her finger as their loved ones cheered. Real magical fireworks burst overhead, painting the night sky in brilliant colors.

Looking around at the celebrating crowd - witches and shifters united in joy - Romi felt her heart might burst. This was what they’d built together. What made everything worthwhile.

“This is just the beginning of a new era for Mystic Hollow,” she said, melting into Xabir’s embrace.

“Together, we can do anything.” He captured her lips in a kiss that made her toes curl and her magic sing.

“Your love has inspired us all,” Neve declared, raising a glass. “Here’s to unity and love!”

Later that night, as the celebration continued at both the Witch’s Brew Café and Lupo Hotel, Romi watched their community come together. Witches and shifters shared drinks, swapped stories, and planned future collaborations. Even those who had once been skeptical now mingled freely, caught up in the spirit of hope and possibility.

“Take me home,” Romi whispered against Xabir’s lips.

“Oh no you don’t!” Petra intercepted them before they could slip away. “We have at least four toasts scheduled, plus Felix’s ballad performance-”

“Petra.” Xabir’s voice carried that alpha command that made lesser wolves snap to attention. “The ballad can wait.”

“But-”

“Your alpha just got engaged.” His arms tightened possessively around Romi. “We’re leaving.”

Arlo’s laughter rang out. “That’s our cue to start the real party. Maya, break out those enchanted fire whiskey shots you’ve been hiding.”

“Bold of you to assume I haven’t already,” Maya called back, producing bottles that sparkled with suspicious intensity.

“Use the reinforced glasses!” Thane added hastily. “Last time the regular ones melted.”

Romi and Xabir slipped away amid the good-natured chaos, though not before hearing Felix launch into what sounded suspiciously like verse one of his epic ballad.

“Think they’ll survive without us?” Romi asked as they reached the street.

Xabir pulled her close, nuzzling the sensitive spot behind her ear that made her magic spark. “Don’t care. You’re all mine now, little witch. And I plan to thoroughly celebrate our engagement.”

Her laugh turned into a gasp as he swept her into his arms. “My possessive alpha.”

“Always.” His kiss held heat and promise. “Especially now that you’re officially going to be my mate.”

They barely made it through the door of Xabir’s private suites before his control snapped, his kiss turning demanding and fierce. Romi met him with equal passion.

“Mine,” he growled against her throat, the word both possession and promise.

“Yours,” she agreed, pulling him closer. “Always yours.”