Page 9 of Enchanting the Alpha (Mystic Hollow #1)

NINE

“ I saw that kiss on her hand.” Petra’s voice startled Xabir from his thoughts as he watched Romi walk away. His sister’s dark eyes sparkled with mischief. “Very smooth, big brother. Old-fashioned, but smooth.”

“I was being polite.”

“Mh-mmm.” Petra linked her arm through his, steering him toward where her husband Wesley played with their son Luca near the enchanted swing set. “That’s why you couldn’t take your eyes off her all day.”

Xabir sighed, knowing resistance was futile. When Petra got that look in her eye, there was no escape.

“Unca Xabir!” Luca launched himself at Xabir’s legs, bringing a smile to the alpha’s face. He scooped up his nephew, tossing him in the air as the boy squealed with delight, tiny fingers clutching at Xabir’s shirt.

“Having fun with the new witch?” Wesley asked, his eyes twinkling as he joined them. “She seems to bring out a different side of you.”

“A less brooding side,” Petra agreed cheerfully. “I haven’t seen you smile this much since... well, ever .”

Xabir settled Luca on his hip, watching the boy play with the collar of his shirt. “I’m not brooding. I’m responsible.”

“You’re both,” Wesley said, clapping him on the shoulder. “And that’s not a bad thing. But being an alpha and CEO doesn’t mean you can’t also find love and build a family of your own.”

Something tugged in Xabir’s chest as he looked at his nephew. Luca’s infectious laughter, his innocent joy, the way he brought light to everyone around him. The image of children with Romi’s laughing eyes and his dark hair flashed unbidden through his mind.

“I saw how you looked at her during the café opening,” Petra said more gently. “And today... brother, she’s your mate. We all see it.”

“She’s not a shifter.” The words came out rougher than he intended.

“So?” Petra raised an eyebrow. “Love doesn’t care about species. Look at how she handled herself today - matching your wit, challenging you, making you laugh. When’s the last time anyone did that?”

Never. Romi’s cheeky humor, her fearless flirting, the way she saw past his serious exterior to tease out his smiles... she was unlike anyone he’d ever met.

“She wants you too,” Petra continued, undeterred by his silence. “A blind rogue could see the chemistry between you two.”

“That’s what concerns me.” Xabir handed Luca back to Wesley, running a hand through his hair. “Physical attraction isn’t enough to build a future on.”

“Oh please.” Petra rolled her eyes. “It’s more than physical and you know it. You light up around her. But at this rate, someone else will snap her up while you’re being all noble and cautious.”

“What your loving sister means,” Wesley interjected with an amused look at his wife, “is that maybe it’s worth taking a chance. No one’s saying you have to mate-bond immediately. Get to know her. Let her get to know you.”

“If she can handle your brooding,” Petra muttered.

“I don’t brood.”

“Sure.” She patted his cheek. “Keep telling yourself that, Mr. Tall-Dark-and-Serious. Though I noticed Romi seemed to enjoy making you smile. She’s good for you.”

Xabir watched Luca race back to the swings, his tiny form silhouetted against the setting sun. His sister was right - Romi did bring out a different side of him. Her presence made him feel lighter as if her laughter could chase away the weight of responsibility he carried.

And yes, there was undeniable attraction. The way her sundress had hugged her curves, how her eyes sparkled when she teased him, the soft brush of her fingers in his hair... his wolf had practically purred with satisfaction at her touch.

But Petra was right about something else too. Romi deserved more than just physical attraction. If he was going to pursue this - pursue her - he needed to do it right. Win not just her body, but her heart.

“Stop overthinking,” Petra commanded, correctly reading his expression. “Just ask her out for coffee. In her own café, even. Baby steps for the big bad alpha.”

“I’m beginning to regret introducing you to Wesley,” Xabir told her. “You were much less bossy before he encouraged your sassy tendencies.”

“You love me.” She grinned, unrepentant. “And you’ll love me even more when you’re happily mated to your witch and I get to say I told you so.”

Looking back toward where Romi had disappeared, Xabir allowed himself to imagine that future. Coffee dates in her café, magical picnics in the park, building a life that bridged their two worlds...

Maybe his sister had a point. Baby steps.