A Roar for Magic (Mystic Hollow #2)

Chapter 23

TWENTY-THREE

T he drive to Rook’s home passed in charged silence, anticipation humming between them like electricity before a storm. Clover’s magic reached instinctively for his tiger energy, creating little sparks that danced in the air.

When they pulled up to his cabin, her eyes widened. The alpha’s residence managed to be both imposing and welcoming – a sprawling two-story structure of dark wood and stone that somehow avoided looking pretentious. Warm light spilled from large windows, and a wraparound porch practically begged for morning coffee conversations.

“This isn’t what I expected,” she admitted as he helped her from the car, his hand warm at the small of her back.

“No security gates and guard towers?” His eyes crinkled with amusement.

“Something like that. Though I suppose the wards make up for it.” She could sense the layers of protection magic woven through the property – subtle but incredibly strong.

“You can feel those?”

“They’re singing to my magic.” She closed her eyes, letting her power brush against the defenses. “Beautiful work. Almost like a symphony.”

When she opened her eyes, she found him watching her with that soft expression that made her heart flutter. “They like you,” he murmured. “The wards. They’re reaching back.”

Inside, her breath caught. Candles – many from her own shop, she noted with a surge of pleasure – cast golden light over a beautifully set table. Fresh flowers filled crystal vases, their scent mingling with something mouth-watering from the kitchen. A fire crackled invitingly in the hearth, and soft music played from hidden speakers.

“You did all this?” She turned in a slow circle, taking in the cozy sophistication of his home. Comfortable furniture in rich leather and soft fabrics. Bookshelves filled with an eclectic mix of business texts and magical tomes. Family photos arranged with obvious care.

“I wanted tonight to be special.” He moved to the kitchen with easy grace, and something in Clover’s chest tightened at the domestic sight of him rolling up his sleeves. “Though I should warn you – my mother and grandmother are already planning a family dinner. Apparently, they’re tired of waiting for me to make it official.”

Anxiety fluttered in her stomach, but Romi’s words echoed in her mind: Don’t let fear of what might go wrong stop you from discovering what might go right.

“I’d like that,” she said softly, rewarded by the way his eyes lit up. “Though I should probably leave Poe at home. He has a habit of providing running commentary on my love life to anyone who’ll listen.”

“They’ll love you.” He pulled out her chair with old-world courtesy.

“Sure, they will.”

“Grandmother Ilaria is already half in love with you from your scented candles.”

“With the number you and she have bought, I don’t think she’ll need any for the next year.”

Their laughter filled the warm space, and Clover felt something in her chest loosen. This was easy. Natural. Like they’d been sharing meals and teasing conversation for years instead of days.

“So what’s this famous dinner you promised?” She watched him move confidently around the kitchen, the sight of such a powerful alpha doing something so ordinary making her magic hum with contentment.

“Steak with garlic butter, loaded mashed potatoes, and a salad that my mother swears is the key to winning a mate’s heart.” He glanced up with a grin. “Though I’m hoping my charm and good looks help too.”

“Depends on how good the steak is.”

His laugh rumbled through the space. “High standards. I like that.”

Throughout dinner, she found herself relaxing more and more. He told stories about growing up with Banner and how much he loved Sabine when she was born. Having a little sister really helped him feel more grounded and adult. She shared memories of her fun times with Romi and Thane and the silly things they did for fun.

“So where’s the most interesting place you’ve traveled?” she asked, savoring the perfectly cooked steak. “For business or pleasure.”

His eyes lit up. “Thailand. I spent a month there last year scouting locations for a new condo building. The beaches in Phuket...” He shook his head, smiling. “Nothing compares to those sunsets.”

“You’ve been to Phuket?” Clover straightened with interest. “I spent two weeks there studying local healing herbs. Did you visit that little night market near the beach? The one with the elderly witch who makes those incredible dumplings?”

“With the green chili sauce that literally sparkles?” His grin widened. “I think I ate there every night for a week.”

“Me too! And the mango sticky rice...”

“That changes flavor based on your mood.”

They shared a laugh, and Clover felt another wall crumble. “What about Japan? Please tell me you’ve tried the Wagyu in Tokyo.”

“At that tiny place in Ginza?” His expression turned dreamy. “Where the chef infuses the meat with enhancement spells?”

“Yes! The one where the sake bottles float to your table.”

“And the chopsticks help you if you’re struggling.”

She leaned forward, wine forgotten. “Have you been to the Great Barrier Reef? There’s this magical snorkeling tour?—”

“Where you can breathe underwater for hours?” His eyes danced. “And communicate with the sea life?”

“I made friends with a very opinionated parrot fish.”

“I got lectured by a grumpy sea turtle about proper reef etiquette.”

Their laughter mingled in the warm air, and Clover marveled at how easily conversation flowed between them. Each discovered shared experience, each moment of connection made her magic buzz with recognition.

The candlelight painted golden highlights in his hair as he watched her across the table, his expression softening into something that made her pulse quicken. Without speaking, he stood and circled the table, holding out his hand. Her magic surged in response as she placed her fingers in his, letting him draw her up and into his arms.

One hand settled at the small of her back while the other tangled in her hair, and his heat seeped through her dress where their bodies pressed together. His tiger energy wrapped around her like a caress, making her magic spark.

“Dance with me?” he murmured, though music already played softly in the background.

She nodded, letting him guide her in a slow sway. His thumb traced patterns on her lower back, and every point of contact between them felt charged with electricity. The spicy notes of his cologne mixed with his natural musk, making her head spin in the best way.

“Do you have any idea,” he whispered against her hair, his voice carrying that gravelly rumble, “how perfect you feel in my arms? How badly I’ve wanted to hold you like this?”

Her hands slid up his chest, feeling the strong beat of his heart beneath her palm. “I want you to show me.”

He pulled back just enough to meet her gaze, and the heat in his eyes made her breath catch. Slowly, giving her time to pull away, he lowered his head until their lips were a breath apart.

“Last chance to run,” he murmured.