Page 4 of The Purrfect Rival (Enchanted Falls #1)
FOUR
A s she spoke, Kalyna felt Rust’s golden gaze following her movements, tracking her with leonine intensity. Each time she glanced in his direction, their eyes met with that same electric recognition, making her fox magic spark beneath her skin.
“The vault containing the most sensitive magical artifacts remains secure,” she continued, addressing a question from Alaric Nightbourne. “However, if the main structure fails, accessing the vault would become impossible.”
Rust stepped closer, examining the diagrams she’d spread across the central table. His proximity sent her senses into overdrive—his scent enveloping her, his body heat radiating like a physical touch.
“Your engineer recommends complete replacement of these support columns?” he asked, indicating specific points on the blueprint.
“Yes,” Kalyna nodded, acutely aware of how close they stood. “The rot has spread too far for partial repairs to be effective.”
“And the estimated cost?” Tygra Fangcross prompted, her tiger-shifter impatience evident.
Kalyna distributed the budget estimates, taking care to avoid direct contact with anyone—particularly Rust. “As you can see, the necessary repairs exceed our annual maintenance budget significantly. The library’s emergency fund can cover approximately thirty percent, but without additional support, we’ll need to close the west wing immediately for safety reasons.”
A somber silence fell over the chamber as the council members reviewed the figures.
“This is... substantial,” Jinli finally said, her tone carefully neutral.
“Close the wing housing the historical archives?” Lysander Foxworthy frowned. “Unacceptable. Those documents are vital to understanding our shared heritage.”
“I agree,” Rust said, his voice commanding immediate attention. “The library is a cornerstone of Enchanted Falls. Its preservation must be prioritized.”
Kalyna glanced at him, surprised by the conviction in his tone. Their eyes met briefly, and another flicker of connection passed between them—less dramatic than the earlier spark, but undeniable.
“The question becomes one of logistics,” Ursula Stonepelt mused. “Who will oversee the allocation of funds and manage the renovation process?”
Jinli straightened in her seat. “Given the financial complexities involved, I move that Mayor Leonid take direct oversight of this project. His expertise in economic matters makes him uniquely qualified.”
Murmurs of agreement rippled through the chamber. Kalyna’s stomach tightened at the implication—she would need to work closely with Rust for months during the renovation. The fox within her practically purred at the prospect while her rational mind struggled to process the complications this would introduce.
“All in favor?” Jinli prompted.
One by one, the council members raised their hands in assent. Even Lysander Foxworthy nodded his approval, though his eyes darted curiously between Kalyna and Rust.
“The motion carries unanimously,” Jinli declared, bringing down the ceremonial gavel with a resonant click. “Mayor Leonid will oversee the library renovation project, including all necessary fundraising efforts.”
“Thank you, Council,” Kalyna said formally. “The library appreciates your support.”
As the meeting moved to other business, Kalyna gathered her materials, preparing to slip away. She risked one final glance at Rust, who still stood by the podium.
For a moment, the council chamber seemed to fall away, leaving only the two of them suspended in a private bubble of awareness. Something primal and undeniable arced between them—a recognition that transcended ordinary attraction.
A sound escaped Rust’s throat—part purr, part growl—low enough that only enhanced shifter hearing could detect it. But in the room full of supernatural beings, the sound might as well have been a shout.
Kalyna’s fox magic surged in automatic response, causing a brief crimson glow to illuminate her fingertips. She knew that sound—had read about it in ancient texts but never witnessed it personally. Lions only made that particular rumble in very specific circumstances. Circumstances that had nothing to do with professional collaboration and everything to do with primal, possessive interest.
Whispers immediately broke out among the elders. Jinli Leonid’s eyebrows rose nearly to her hairline while Lysander Foxworthy leaned forward with sudden interest. Even Alaric Nightbourne, notorious for being unflappable, appeared startled.
Rust himself seemed shocked by the involuntary sound, his composed expression momentarily slipping to reveal something raw and unguarded. He recovered quickly, tugging on his impeccable suit jacket with a curt movement.
Kalyna’s heart thundered in her chest. Her fox—usually so cautious around larger predators—pushed against her control, urging her to move closer to him rather than retreat. The unprecedented reaction left her dizzy with confusion and something dangerously like yearning.
Whatever was happening between them went beyond ordinary attraction into something ancient and instinctual.
As Kalyna finally turned to leave, the weight of Rust’s golden gaze followed her, heavy as a physical touch. Her steps felt unsteady, her body still humming with awareness. The library’s future might now be more secure, but her own carefully ordered world had just been irrevocably shaken.