Page 13 of The Purrfect Rival (Enchanted Falls #1)

THIRTEEN

K alyna studied the diagrams with a frown. “That’s unacceptable. These carvings are irreplaceable—part of the library’s historical significance.”

“Safety must take precedence,” Rust countered. “Aesthetics won’t matter if the ceiling collapses.”

“I’m not talking about mere aesthetics,” Kalyna felt her temper flare. “These carvings contain embedded protective spells that have guarded the library’s contents for generations.”

“Which won’t function if the beams supporting them crack under pressure.” Rust’s tone grew firmer. “The engineering report is unequivocal—these sections need complete replacement.”

“The report was prepared by someone with no understanding of magical architecture,” Kalyna argued, stepping closer. “These aren’t simple decorative elements. They’re integral to the building’s magical infrastructure.”

“And what happens when they come crashing down on someone’s head?” Rust’s eyes flashed golden. “Would you risk lives for tradition?”

“That’s not what I said!” Kalyna’s fox spirit surged forward defensively. “I’m proposing we find a solution that addresses both concerns. Reinforcement without replacement.”

“The budget doesn’t allow for custom solutions,” Rust insisted. “Standard repairs are already stretching our resources thin.”

“So we fundraise more!” Kalyna threw up her hands in frustration. “Host events, apply for additional grants, appeal to the historical society. There are options besides taking a wrecking ball to centuries of craftsmanship!”

They had moved progressively closer during their argument, voices rising with each exchange. Now Kalyna found herself merely inches from Rust, close enough to see the flecks of darker gold in his eyes, to feel the heat radiating from his body.

Her fox seized the opportunity, pushing her toward him with a surge of desire so powerful she swayed forward before catching herself. For one breathless moment, she imagined closing that final distance, pressing her body against his, confirming what her fox already knew beyond doubt.

Their words halted abruptly, the silence vibrating between them. Rust’s gaze dropped to her mouth for a fraction of a second before returning to her eyes. His pupils had narrowed again, predatory and intent.

Kalyna’s breath caught. Her fox spirit howled with frustrated need, fighting her rigid self-control. He’s ours! Take him! Claim him!

A loud crash from the children’s section shattered the moment. Both jerked back, the spell broken.

“That would be Lucella,” Kalyna said, straightening her blouse with fingers that weren’t entirely steady. “Probably knocked over the puppet theater again. For being a shifter, she is the clumsiest person I know.”

Rust cleared his throat, his expression returning to professional neutrality. “We should continue this discussion later when we have more complete information about specialized renovation options.”

“Yes. That would be... prudent.” Kalyna stepped back, trying to calm her racing heart.

Her fox sulked, retreating to the edges of her consciousness with a disgruntled mutter about missed opportunities. Kalyna ignored it, grateful for the interruption that had prevented her from making a potentially embarrassing mistake.

But as they resumed their professional discussion, her fox continued to push subtle impulses through her system—urges to stand closer to him, to touch his arm when making a point, to tilt her head in a way that exposed the curve of her neck. She fought each one, maintaining a rigid professionalism that exhausted her.

They spent the next several hours reviewing documentation and examining the damaged areas in greater detail. Gradually, the tension between them eased into a working rhythm, punctuated by occasional discoveries and shared observations.

As afternoon faded toward evening, most of the library staff departed, leaving them alone with the hushed whispers of ancient books and the settling sounds of the old building.

“Huh,” Kalyna murmured.

“What?” Rust looked up from the box he was digging through.

“Here’s a reference to a powerful fox heirloom that is supposedly displayed here.”

Rust moved to her side, examining the page she indicated. “The Twinned-Tail Talisman? I’ve never heard of it.”

She glanced at him before continuing to read. “It’s mentioned in fox skulk histories as used for magic,” Kalyna explained. “But I thought it was stored at the Foxworthy compound, not here at the library.”

“Does it specify when it was moved here?”

Kalyna flipped through additional pages. “This entry from 1987 says it was transferred to a secure display case in the special collections room, but this one claims it was returned to the Foxworthy skulk for safekeeping. I remember that. I wanted to see what it looked like but was at a librarian convention that week.”

“Could it not have been returned? If you weren’t here, are you sure the transfer happened.”

“I’m not sure. I’d forgotten about it when I returned. Never thought about it till now.” Kalyna frowned, scanning further entries. “I haven’t been in the special collections room in years.”

“Oh,” Rust said, “speaking of special collections, my cousin Boz has requested access to the room three times in the past month alone. He specifically asked to see items related to fox history.”

“Why?” she asked.

He shrugged. “Not sure.”

“Wait here.” She hurried from the room and grabbed the visitor log from the front desk. She flipped to the last page as she reentered the room. “Says here personal research . But why would a lion shifter suddenly develop such interest in fox artifacts?”

“I don’t know,” Rust said, his voice tight with suspicion. “But Boz rarely does anything without ulterior motives.”