Page 74 of Fired Up Love

“And the spa?” Zina asked, suddenly anxious about the business ramifications of serving as a magical battlefield.

“Structurally sound,” Jamie assured her, appearing at Bryn’s side. “The foundation’s actually stronger now that the Pyre is stabilized. I’ve checked all the treatment rooms—we could have the official grand opening as early as tomorrow if you want.”

Relief washed through Zina. The practical concerns of running a business hadn’t disappeared just because she’d inherited mystical guardian duties.

“Day after tomorrow,” she decided, stifling a yawn. “Everyone deserves a rest day after saving the town.”

Noven appeared, grinning broadly as he took in Xai carrying Zina. “Well, well. I leave you alone for a few hours, and you’re already playing hero and getting the girl. Some of us put in years of wingman service with nothing to show for it.”

Xai gave his security chief a look that would have intimidated anyone else. “Is there a point to this interruption?”

“Several,” Noven replied cheerfully. “First, your penthouse is currently serving as an emergency meeting space for about twelve council elders demanding updates. Second, I’ve arranged for Ms. Parker’s apartment to be secured and warded against any lingering threats. And third—” his expression softened unexpectedly “—I’m glad you’re both all right.”

The sincerity in his usually teasing voice caught Zina by surprise. These people—most of whom she’d barely known a week ago—had rallied around her, fought for her, cared about her welfare.

“Thank you,” she said simply, the words inadequate for the emotion behind them.

The gathering gradually dispersed as dawn brightened into morning. Arrangements were made, tasks delegated, plans formed for dealing with the aftermath of Severin’s attempted coup. Through it all, Xai kept Zina close, his presence a constant anchor as the world reshaped itself around them.

Finally, when only their closest friends remained, he carried her up the stairs to her apartment above the spa. The space welcomed them with familiar comfort—her coffeemaker on the counter, books stacked beside her favorite reading chair, and the soft throw blanket her mother had knitted draped across the couch.

Xai set her down gently, but kept her within the circle of his arms. “You should rest,” he murmured, concern evident in his golden eyes.

“Stay with me?” The request slipped out before she could second-guess it. Her lioness needed him close—needed the reassurance of his presence after the night’s dangers.

His answer came not in words but in the tender press of his lips against hers. The kiss held none of the desperate heat from the ritual chamber, but something deeper—a promise, a commitment, a future unfurling before them.

When they separated, his forehead rested against hers. “I’m not going anywhere, little lioness. Not tonight, not tomorrow, not ever.”

“Good,” she whispered, her hands curling into his shirt. “Because I’m pretty sure we’re magically bonded for eternity now, and it would be awkward if you had other plans.”

His laugh filled the small apartment, chasing away the last shadows of fear and doubt. Whatever came next—guardian duties, council politics, rebuilding the spa—they would face it together. Dragon and lioness, bound by fire and fate.

And as Zina drifted toward sleep wrapped in Xai’s protective embrace, she silently thanked her mother for leading her to this moment—to this perfect, unexpected happiness at the heart of Enchanted Falls.

SEVENTY-ONE

Sunlight streamed through floor-to-ceiling windows, bathing Zina’s face in golden warmth. She blinked awake, momentarily disoriented by the panoramic view of Enchanted Falls spread below like a magical diorama. Not her cozy apartment above the spa, but Xai’s penthouse—a dragon’s aerie perched high above the town. The air itself felt different—as if the world had shifted on its axis and found better balance.

Her lioness stirred, muscles tensed before recognizing the lingering scent that surrounded her. Smoke and spice. Safety.Xai.

She rolled over to find him already awake, golden eyes tracking her movements with an intensity that sent electric shivers cascading down her spine. No matter how many moments they’d shared in the past weeks, that gaze still affected her like the first time.

“How long have you been watching me sleep?” she murmured, voice husky with morning drowsiness.

Xai’s mouth curved into that secret smile he reserved only for her. “Not long enough.”

His large hand reached out, trailing calloused fingertips along her bare shoulder. Heat followed his touch, chasing away the morning chill like a personalized furnace. One of the unexpected perks of a dragon mate—she hadn’t needed an extra blanket since their bond formed.

“You know that’s pretty creepy, right?” She stretched, arching her back like the cat she partly was. “The whole watching-while-sleeping thing?”

“Dragons guard their treasures,” he said simply, propping himself on one elbow. The casual movement revealed the sculpted planes of his chest, still astonishing to her despite having memorized every inch.

Zina scoffed, even as warmth bloomed beneath her skin. “I’m not a treasure. I’m a business owner with a supernatural problem that somehow became a relationship.”

“Such romance.” His lazy smile widened as tendrils of smoke curled from his nostrils—a sign of amusement she’d come to recognize.

“Romance wasn’t exactly on my agenda when I opened Purrfect Oasis,” she reminded him, propping herself against the headboard. “Neither was becoming some magical guardian or bonding with a centuries-old dragon who probably thinks instant coffee is a modern miracle.”

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