Page 79 of Fired Up Love

She headed to her office first, needing a moment to collect her thoughts. The space remained her sanctuary—photos of her parents on the wall, her mother’s old spa journals shelved neatly beside modern business texts, the lingering scent of lavender and sweet coffee.

Xai leaned in the doorway, watching as she straightened items on her desk. “Nervous?”

“A bit.” She shuffled papers unnecessarily. “How much should I tell them? About the Pyre, the guardianship, everything...”

“The truth, to an extent.” He approached, settling his hands on her shoulders. His thumbs worked small circles against the tension knotting her muscles. “They’ve proven their loyalty. They deserve to understand what they’re protecting.”

She nodded, drawing strength from his steady presence before heading to the consultation room where her staff had gathered. Jamie perched on the edge of a chair, dark curls escaping her ponytail as usual. Bryn sat cross-legged on a cushion, tapping away at her tablet. Three other therapists—newer hires, but equally dedicated—filled the remaining seats.

Zina took a deep breath. “First, thank you all for keeping this place running while I was... occupied elsewhere.”

“Occupied saving the town, you mean,” Jamie interjected with a grin. “Mrs. Plumworth told everyone how you and Dragon Elder Hotness over there prevented some magical catastrophe.”

Xai raised an eyebrow at the nickname but remained silent, leaning against the wall with arms crossed.

“That’s actually what we need to discuss.” Zina perched on her desk, legs dangling. “This spa is more than just a business. It’s built over something called the Founding Pyre—essentially a magical power station that protects Enchanted Falls.”

Bryn looked up from her tablet. “Called it. I told Jamie those weren’t normal plumbing issues.”

“Nothing gets past you, does it?” Zina smiled despite herself.

“Not when the pipes make that weird humming sound on full moons,” Bryn replied. “Plus, you know, the occasional purple flame in the drains.”

“You never reported purple flames,” Zina frowned.

Bryn shrugged. “Didn’t want to add to your stress. I put out the small fires myself.”

“Small fires?” Zina pinched the bridge of her nose. “We’ll circle back to that later.”

“So we’re basically working above a supernatural nuclear reactor?” Jamie’s eyes widened. “Cool.”

“Not quite nuclear, but similarly important to maintain.” Zina grew serious. “Which means Purrfect Oasis now serves two functions—pampering our clients and protecting the town. I need to know if you’re comfortable with this dual mission, because it does come with certain risks.”

Her staff exchanged glances.

“Does this mean we get hazard pay?” Bryn quipped, breaking the tension.

Laughter rippled through the room.

“It means potential complications,” Zina explained, appreciating their resilience. “Occasional magical disruptions and probably increased security protocols.”

Jamie raised her hand like an eager student. “Do we get to learn cool protective spells?”

“Some basic wards, yes.” Xai spoke for the first time, drawing all eyes. “Nothing that would endanger you, but enough to recognize threats.”

One by one, the staff voiced their commitment to stay. Their loyalty brought unexpected emotion welling in Zina’s chest. She’d built more than a business here—she’d created a community that believed in her vision.

“All right then,” she said, regaining her professional demeanor. “Let’s discuss new security protocols and how we’ll integrate them with regular operations.”

As they brainstormed practical solutions, Zina caught Xai watching her with an expression she couldn’t quite decipher—pride mixed with something deeper that made her heart skip.

SEVENTY-FIVE

Three days later, Zina found herself addressing a larger audience at the town meeting hall. Enchanted Falls residents packed the venue—curiosity about recent events drawing even the most reclusive supernatural beings from their homes.

Elder Tygra had insisted on a public briefing to prevent rumors from spiraling out of control. “Transparency builds trust,” she’d argued in the council. “To a point.”

That point involved careful editing of the full story. Zina stood beside Xai and Luciana, explaining just enough about the magical disturbances without revealing the Pyre’s exact nature or location.

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