Page 34 of The Purrfect Rival (Enchanted Falls #1)

THIRTY-FOUR

“ S omeone got marked by a fox.”

Hezron’s voice held barely suppressed laughter as he sauntered into Rust’s home office without knocking.

Rust didn’t look up from the council documents spread across his desk. “Good morning to you too.”

“Nice tie.” Hezron dropped into the leather chair opposite Rust, crossing his ankles on the corner of the desk. “The little foxes do a backflip when you say her name. Watch—Kalyna Foxworthy.”

Rust’s gaze flicked involuntarily to his tie where the tiny foxes indeed performed a synchronized flip. A smile tugged at his mouth despite himself. Echo had thought of everything.

“Can’t decide if I should fire my security team for letting fox shifter magic into my closet, or commend them for their discretion,” Rust mused, setting aside a document.

“Oh please.” Hezron rolled his eyes. “You’re wearing it voluntarily. You’re practically strutting.”

Heat crawled up Rust’s neck. “I’m making a point.”

“You’re making several.” Hezron leaned forward, suddenly serious. “Half the town saw you having dinner with her family yesterday. You arriving at council with fox magic literally wrapped around your neck? You’re as subtle as a charging rhino.”

“Maybe I’m done with subtle.” Rust met his friend’s gaze directly. “We’re mates. She knows it. I know it. My lion knew it from the first moment.”

The admission hung in the air between them. Hezron’s teasing expression softened into genuine concern.

“You’re certain? Mating bonds are?—”

“Permanent. Life-altering. Pride-changing.” Rust closed the folder before him with finality. “I know.”

“And you’re ready for the fallout? The lion elders will?—”

“They’ll adapt.” Rust’s voice gained the edge of authority that made even alphas from other prides straighten their spines. “Or they won’t. Their approval isn’t required.”

Hezron studied him for a long moment, then nodded. “For what it’s worth, I like her. She’s got fire. Makes you less... broody.”

“I don’t brood.”

“You’ve been brooding since 1867.”

Rust felt his lips twitch. “The security footage?”

“Right here.” Hezron produced a tablet from his jacket, handing it over. “But heads up—Boz arrived early. He’s cornered several elders already, whispering his poison.”

The momentary levity vanished. Rust’s expression hardened as he scanned through the footage showing Mira Woshen entering his office after hours.

“Get me hard copies of these,” Rust said, handing the tablet back to his beta. “And anything else on the woman.”

Rust gathered his materials, a dangerous smile playing at the corners of his mouth. “Let the games begin.”