Page 18 of Fired Up Love

“I think,” Xai said carefully, “that a wellness weekend booked by Luciana Madrigal could significantly enhance your spa’s reputation among Enchanted Falls’s elite circles, regardless of her brother’s potential motivations.”

His practical assessment surprised her. “You’re advising me to accept her business?”

Something like amusement flickered in his eyes. “I’m suggesting you evaluate the opportunity on its own merits, while remaining aware of potential complications.”

She studied him, struck again by the contradiction he embodied—the formal council elder offering pragmatic business advice while his eyes held hints of more personal concern.

“Your strategic mind is quite impressive,” she observed.

“Five centuries provides ample time to develop certain skills.” A half-smile played at the corners of his mouth, transforming his stern features into something dangerously appealing. “Though I find myself still learning in your presence.”

The admission delivered in that rumbling baritone sent a flush of heat through her body. “What could I possibly teach someone who’s lived so long?”

His gaze dropped briefly to her lips before returning to her eyes. “You’d be surprised.”

The air between them thickened, charged with unspoken possibilities. Her lioness prowled restlessly beneath her skin, urging her to close the distance between them, to discover if his mouth tasted as intoxicating as his scent promised.

The moment shattered as a sudden hush rippled through the gathering. Heads turned toward the entrance. Conversations halted mid-sentence. The atmosphere, previously warm and convivial, chilled perceptibly.

Severin Madrigal strode into Highland Hall as if he owned it.

His expertly tailored suit screamed wealth and privilege. His sandy hair gleamed under the chandeliers, styled with the kind of precision that suggested a personal stylist. But it was his predatory confidence that commanded attention—the way he surveyed the room like a lion eyeing potential prey.

The unmistakable musk of alpha lion shifter hit Zina’s senses, triggering an immediate fight-or-flight response. Beside her, Xai stiffened, his body temperature rising subtly. The air around him shimmered with suppressed heat.

“I didn’t realize he’d be here,” she murmured, her mouth suddenly dry.

Severin moved through the crowd with practiced ease, accepting a glass of champagne from a server and nodding to acquaintances. But his path, Zina realized with growing dread, led directly toward their table.

His gaze locked onto her, and the predatory smile that spread across his face sent chills down her spine despite the heat radiating from Xai beside her.

He stopped before them, deliberately ignoring Xai to focus entirely on Zina. “Ms. Parker,” he purred. “What a pleasant surprise. The owner of Enchanted Falls’s newest... establishment.”

The way he said “establishment” made it sound like a questionable enterprise rather than a legitimate business. Her lioness bristled at the implied insult, claws itching to extend.

“Mr. Madrigal,” she replied, keeping her tone cool and professional despite her racing heart. “I wasn’t aware you supported magical education initiatives.”

His smile didn’t reach his eyes. “I support many things in our community. Speaking of which, I’ve been meaning to discuss a potential partnership with Purrfect Oasis.”

“Partnership?” she echoed, alarm bells ringing.

“Indeed.” Severin swirled his champagne casually. “Your little spa sits on quite valuable property. With the right investment—my investment—we could transform it into something truly spectacular.”

The implied threat hung in the air between them. Around them, conversation had dimmed as nearby guests strained to overhear the exchange. Her lioness surged forward, defensive and territorial.

“My spa isn’t for sale or ‘partnership,’“ she replied, the word dripping with disdain. “We’re doing quite well on our own, thank you.”

Severin leaned closer, invading her personal space. “Everything has a price, Ms. Parker. It’s simply a matter of finding the right offer. Or applying the right pressure.”

The last words came out as a near-whisper, meant for her ears alone. Something snapped inside her. Her hand transformed partially—not enough to cause a scene, but enough that razor-sharp claws glinted momentarily beneath the cuff of her cocktail dress.

“Any partnership requiring intimidation is doomed from the start,” she stated, her voice carrying just enough for nearby guests to hear. “Perhaps your business strategy needs updating, Mr. Madrigal. In this century, we prefer mutual respect to thinly veiled threats.”

Several shifters within earshot exchanged impressed glances. Someone nearby stifled a laugh. Severin’s expression hardened, his smile transforming into something dangerous. His lips curled back slightly, revealing the barest hint of elongated canines.

“You misunderstand,” he said smoothly. “I merely offer guidance to new business owners who might find themselves... overwhelmed by Enchanted Falls’s unique challenges.”

Before she could respond, Xai shifted forward, inserting himself partially between them. The temperature around him rose perceptibly, though his outward demeanor remained calm.

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