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THREE

Z ina had experienced attraction before. She’d dated casually, enjoyed brief relationships that inevitably fizzled when the spark died. But this—this instantaneous, visceral reaction to a stranger—this was entirely new territory.

And absolutely terrible timing.

“Mr. Emberwylde,” she managed, proud that her voice emerged steady. “We weren’t expecting an inspection quite so early.”

His gaze traveled slowly around the lobby before returning to her face. “Ms. Parker,” he acknowledged with a slight inclination of his head. His voice was deep and resonant with the faintest hint of smoke. “I prefer to conduct official business before establishments open to the public.”

Zina was suddenly, intensely aware of how she must appear—slightly flushed, hair escaping its professional twist, the sleeve of her silk blouse still damp from fixing the diffuser.

But instead of the self-consciousness she might have expected, a different sensation bloomed. Her lioness preened beneath his scrutiny, a reaction so unexpected that Zina nearly laughed aloud. Since when did her inner feline care about impressing anyone, let alone a dragon elder?

She stepped forward, extending her hand. “Welcome to Purrfect Oasis. I’m Zina Parker, owner and manager.”

He took her offered hand, and the contact sent a jolt of awareness up her arm. His skin was warmer than a human’s—a dragon trait, she recalled from her mother’s notes. The heat of his palm against hers felt simultaneously alarming and... right, somehow.

“Xai Emberwylde,” he replied, though they both knew introductions were unnecessary. His eyes remained locked on hers a heartbeat longer than social convention dictated before he released her hand.

“And I’m Kalyna Foxworthy,” her friend chimed in, stepping forward with frank curiosity. “We haven’t formally met, but my mate speaks highly of your council contributions.”

Xai shifted his attention to Kalyna, and Zina found herself able to breathe again. What was happening to her? She’d dealt with powerful supernatural beings before—her own parents had been respected figures in the shifter community. Yet something about this man’s presence scattered her thoughts like autumn leaves in a windstorm.

“Mrs. Leonid,” Xai acknowledged. “Mayor Leonid mentioned your work preserving historical texts. The council appreciates your efforts.”

Kalyna’s eyebrows rose slightly at his formal tone, but she offered a gracious nod. “History should never be forgotten, especially in a town as old as Enchanted Falls.”

A soft cough from the doorway drew their attention to a second visitor—a man with an easy smile that contrasted sharply with Xai’s solemnity. He was slightly shorter than the dragon elder, with warm brown eyes that crinkled at the corners and an air of casual confidence.

“Sorry to interrupt,” he said, not sounding sorry at all. “Security perimeter check complete. No immediate concerns, though the magical signature around the building is interesting.”

“This is my security chief, Noven Juma,” Xai explained, gesturing toward the newcomer.

Noven stepped forward with a friendly grin, shaking both women’s hands with considerably more warmth than his employer had shown. “Pleasure to meet you both. I’ve heard great things about this place—especially the mud baths. Do they actually help with magical exhaustion?”

“The minerals are sourced from volcanic regions with natural enhancing properties,” Zina explained, grateful for the professional question. “Combined with our specialized herbal infusions, they’re particularly effective for those who regularly channel large amounts of energy.”

“Like dragons?” Noven asked, shooting a meaningful glance at Xai. “Some of us know someone who could benefit from a little relaxation therapy.”

Xai’s expression didn’t change, but Zina could have sworn the temperature in the room rose a few degrees.

“The council inspection,” he stated, pointedly ignoring his friend’s comment. “Shall we proceed?”

“Of course.” Zina gestured toward the hallway. “I’d be happy to show you our facilities.”

Kalyna caught her eye with a look that clearly said we’ll discuss this later before gathering her things. “I should head back to the library. Best of luck with the inspection.” She paused beside Xai. “I trust you’ll find everything in order, Elder Emberwylde. Zina’s attention to detail is legendary.”

After Kalyna departed, Zina turned to lead the visitors through the spa. “If you’ll follow me, we’ll start with our specialized treatment rooms.”

She moved down the corridor, acutely aware of Xai behind her. His footsteps made almost no sound, yet his presence seemed to fill the hallway—a tangible weight of controlled power that prickled along her spine. Her lioness responded with equally baffling reactions: curiosity, alertness, and something dangerously close to desire.

Focus, Zina. This is business.

“Each treatment room is designed for specific supernatural needs,” she explained, pushing open the first door. “This one specializes in avian shifter relaxation with adjustable pressure settings that accommodate hollow bones and wing structures.”

Noven whistled appreciatively at the custom-built massage table with its wing extensions. “Impressive engineering.”

“Thank you. We consulted with a griffin specialist on the design.” Zina moved to the next room. “Here we have our feline-focused space?—”

“With scratching posts?” Noven quipped.