Page 14

FOURTEEN

T hroughout it all, Zina remained hyperaware of Xai—his knee occasionally brushing against hers beneath the table, the rich timbre of his voice as he discussed council regulations with the werewolf attorney, the way he angled his body slightly toward her even when addressing others. Each small connection sent ripples of heat through her body, distracting her to the point where she had to ask Matilda to repeat a question about potential spa-bakery collaborations.

“I suggested perhaps we could offer special pastries for your morning clients,” Matilda was saying. “Enhanced with calming herbs to complement your relaxation treatments.”

“That sounds wonderful,” Zina replied, forcing her attention away from the warmth of Xai’s thigh near hers. “Perhaps we could discuss it further next week?” She turned to Xai. “Would you like to walk around to meet more business owners?”

He nodded then offered a hand to assist her up.

As the networking portion of the evening commenced, they circulated through the room. Zina made a concerted effort to introduce Xai to business owners he hadn’t yet met, explaining each one’s specialty and connection to the supernatural community. He listened attentively, occasionally asking questions that revealed his genuine interest in the town’s economic ecosystem.

She couldn’t help noticing the curious glances, the hushed comments that followed them.

“—quite striking together?—”

“—the dragon elder and the lioness?—”

“—wonder if it’s serious?—”

Her lioness bristled at the attention, both flattered and irritated by the speculation. Xai must have sensed her discomfort because he turned slightly, placing his broad frame between her and the most obvious onlookers.

“Small towns,” he murmured close to her ear, his breath stirring the fine hairs at her temple. “Everyone becomes an amateur matchmaker.”

She looked up at him, startled by his perceptiveness. “Does it bother you? The assumptions?”

Something flickered in his golden eyes—amusement? Interest? “Should it?”

The question hung between them, loaded with implication. Before she could formulate a response, a melodious chime rang through the hall as the event coordinator, an elegant older fae with silver-streaked hair, tapped a crystal glass for attention.

“Welcome, friends, to our annual Enchanted Falls Charity Dinner,” she announced. “Tonight, we celebrate our commitment to magical education for all supernatural children in our community.”

Servers appeared, delivering the first course as the coordinator detailed the foundation’s achievements over the past year. Under the table, Zina’s knee accidentally brushed against Xai’s. She started to pull away, but his leg pressed back slightly—a silent acknowledgment of the contact that sent her pulse racing.

“A toast,” declared the fae coordinator, raising her glass. “To community, to education, and to the generous spirits who make it possible.”

Everyone lifted their glasses. As Zina raised hers, her fingers brushed against Xai’s, sending a shock of awareness through her body that had nothing to do with static electricity. Their eyes met over the rims of their glasses, his molten gold with hidden depths that seemed to see straight through her carefully constructed facade of professional detachment.

She took a hasty sip to cover her confusion, nearly choking when his thumb brushed across her wrist before he withdrew his hand.

Deliberate. That touch had been deliberate.

Her lioness stretched languorously at the realization, while her human side wavered between panic and exhilaration. She’d been so focused on maintaining professional distance that she’d failed to consider he might be equally aware of the charge between them—and less inclined to ignore it.

Across the room, Artemis caught Bartek’s eye in a silent “I told you so” exchange that Zina pretended not to notice.

Their silent communication was interrupted when a slender woman in a lavender gown approached their table. Her honey-blonde hair fell in soft waves past her shoulders, and though her hazel eyes held none of the predatory gleam Zina associated with lion shifters, the resemblance was unmistakable.

“Xai,” the woman greeted warmly. “I didn’t expect to see you at a charity dinner. Council meetings and legal documents seem more your natural habitat.”

Xai stood, inclining his head respectfully. “Luciana. A pleasure, as always.”

“Aren’t you going to introduce me to your companion?” Her smile, unlike her brother’s calculated smirk, appeared genuinely friendly.

“Of course. Luciana Madrigal, this is Zina Parker, owner of Purrfect Oasis Spa. Ms. Parker, Luciana is?—”

“Severin Madrigal’s sister,” Zina finished, unable to keep the wariness from her voice.

Luciana’s smile dimmed slightly. “Yes, though I prefer to think of myself as my own person rather than an extension of my brother.” She extended a delicate hand. “I’ve heard wonderful things about your spa, Ms. Parker. The hydromassage therapy sounds divine.”

Zina accepted the handshake, surprised by the sincerity in the woman’s expression. “Thank you. We’re building our client base, but the response has been positive so far.”

“You simply must put me on your appointment list,” Luciana said, her eyes lighting up. “In fact, I host a monthly gathering for my friends—a sort of girls’ wellness weekend. We’ve been searching for a new venue.”

“A wellness weekend?” Zina’s professional interest piqued despite her reservations about the Madrigal name.

“Massages, facials, the works.” Luciana gestured elegantly. “There would be about eight of us, all willing to pay premium rates for exclusive use of the facilities. Would that be something you might consider?”

The business opportunity was too good to dismiss outright. “I’d be happy to discuss the possibilities,” Zina offered carefully. “Perhaps you could visit the spa next week to see if it meets your needs?”

“Wonderful!” Luciana beamed. “I’ll have my assistant call to schedule.” She turned to Xai. “Don’t look so suspicious, Elder Emberwylde. Not all Madrigals share my brother’s... aggressive business tactics.”