Page 54 of The Purrfect Rival (Enchanted Falls #1)
FIFTY-FOUR
“ T hat’s why the elders discouraged cross-clan bonds,” Kalyna realized, her eyes widening. “Not just prejudice or tradition.”
“The power we’re generating could destabilize or strengthen various magical foundations throughout the region,” he confirmed. “Which makes Boz’s plan even more dangerous. If he had harnessed the energy from forcibly severing our bond?—”
“He could’ve directed that destabilization however he wanted,” she concluded grimly. “Our personal connection had become a lynchpin for the town’s magical security.”
The thought triggered another concern that had been lingering at the edges of her mind since their bond began forming. “Rust,” she began carefully, “what if our kits inherit conflicting shifter instincts? Fox-lion pairings are rare for a reason. They might end up neither fully fox nor lion.”
Instead of dismissing her fear, he stepped closer, his eyes still maintaining the golden glow from his shift. His hands came to rest on her shoulders, thumbs tracing gentle circles against her collarbone.
“Did you not feel how perfectly our animals moved together?” he asked, his voice deep with conviction. “Our differences are our strength, not our weakness.” His hands slid up to frame her face. “Any kits would have the cunning of the fox and the power of the lion—the best of both. They wouldn’t be less for their mixed heritage; they’d be more.”
The absolute certainty in his voice soothed something deep in her soul. This was uncharted territory for them, but perhaps that was the point—creating something new, something powerful precisely because it hadn’t existed.
The sound of a vehicle pulling up to the front of the property interrupted the moment. Rust’s posture shifted instantly, his shoulders broadening as a warning rumble built in his chest.
He grabbed her hand and led her around to the front corner of the house. Peeking around the corner, he spotted a familiar SUV coming to a stop. The tension in his body didn’t fully dissipate, but the low growl subsided.
Then to his surprise, someone he never would’ve thought hopped out of the passenger back seat.
“It’s Lucella,” she said quickly, placing a restraining hand on his arm. “Friend, not threat.” Kalyna pushed around him and stepped toward the vehicle.
When Lucella turned and reached back into the vehicle, Rust jumped in front of Kalyna—the classic protective stance of a mated lion.
Then Hezron climbed out from the driver’s side as the other back door opened. A full load. Why were so many suddenly at his home?
“Someone’s lion is feeling possessive,” Hezron observed with raised eyebrows, noting the positioning without missing a beat. “Don’t worry, Mayor Grumps, we come bearing pastries, not threats to your territory.”
“Lucella,” Kalyna sighed when her friend stepped away with a large pink package in hand, though she couldn’t keep the affection from her voice. “Your timing remains impeccable as always.”
“It’s a gift,” Lucella agreed cheerfully, holding up the box. “Tilly’s honey cakes—your favorite. I figured you might need the energy after...” Her gaze flickered meaningfully between them. “Well, after recent exertions.”
Heat rose to Kalyna’s cheeks, but Rust merely looked amused. “Your consideration is appreciated,” he said dryly.
“Oh good, you can be trained to accept offerings,” Lucella teased, clearly unintimidated by his mayoral status or lion presence.
When a female lion clan member who Kalyna recognized from the council rose from the vehicle, a strange sensation rippled through her at the sight—and more specifically, when the female made eye contact with Rust.
Without conscious thought, she moved closer to him, her shoulder brushing against his arm in a gesture that any shifter would recognize as territorial marking. The fox equivalent of hanging a sign reading “Taken” around his neck.
Rust’s hand settled at her waist, clearly recognizing and approving of her instinctive claim. A small smile played on the corner of his mouth, visible only to her from this angle.
“News from the northern border,” Hezron announced without preamble. “Boz has established a compound in the northern woods—territory traditionally claimed by neither fox nor lion clans.”
“He’s chosen neutral ground deliberately,” Jinli added while closing the SUV door, her ancient eyes sharp despite her age. “Where neither pride nor skulk territorial instincts would alert them to intruders.”
“Clever,” Rust acknowledged grudgingly. “What else do we know?”
“Security is tight,” one of the younger lionesses reported. “At least six guards at all times, rotating shifts. The central building appears to be converted from an old hunting lodge.”