Page 68 of The Purrfect Rival (Enchanted Falls #1)
SIXTY-EIGHT
K alyna floated through layers of consciousness, fragments of memory flickering behind her eyelids—crimson and gold magic twining skyward, Boz’s twisted form returning to normal. The scent of cedar and spice tickled her nostrils. Rust.
She forced her heavy eyelids open, blinking against soft morning light. The Foxworthy guest bedroom materialized around her—faded botanical wallpaper, antique fox-carved dresser, her grandmother’s worn quilt.
Rust’s powerful frame dwarfed the delicate fox-sized chair beside her bed. His golden head rested near her hand, eyes closed in exhaustion, fingers still twined with hers. Fresh cuts lined his jaw, torn shirt revealing bandages wrapped around his chest.
“You look terrible,” she whispered, voice hoarse from disuse.
His eyes snapped open, gold flaring to life. Relief washed across his features before his composure reasserted itself—though not quickly enough to escape her notice.
“You’re one to talk.” His thumb traced slow circles across her knuckles. “Elder Willow wasn’t sure when you’d wake up.”
“How long?”
“Two days.”
She tried to sit up. Pain shot through stiff muscles. Without hesitation, Rust’s arm slipped behind her back, supporting her weight with effortless strength.
“The ritual site?” she asked.
“Cleansed.” His expression softened as he tucked a strand of copper hair behind her ear, fingers lingering against her cheek. “Our magic did what centuries of separate attempts couldn’t.”
His touch sent warmth cascading through her, her fox stirring in recognition. She leaned into his hand, savoring the contact after days unconscious.
“And Boz?”
Rust’s jaw tightened. “Under guard at the Leonid estate. The council will determine his fate when you’re well enough to testify.”
“He needs help, not punishment,” she said softly. “The dark magic may be gone, but its influence leaves scars.”
Something flickered in Rust’s eyes—surprise, consideration. He leaned forward, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead.
“I love that about you,” he murmured against her skin. “Compassion where my lion sees only threats to eliminate.”
The words hung between them. Her breath caught—the first time either had spoken of love aloud, though their bond had made it obvious for weeks.
Before she could respond, a knock interrupted them. Her mother appeared, carrying a steaming mug that filled the room with mint and foxglove.
“Thank the stars,” her mother breathed, eyes brightening. “We feared the worst.”
As Marisol approached, Kalyna noted how she acknowledged Rust with a respectful nod—genuine acceptance rather than cautious assessment. The claiming marks had bridged more gaps than their own.
“The council awaits you both,” Marisol said, handing the tea to Kalyna. “They’ve gathered in our parlor each morning.”
“Here?” Kalyna blinked. The fox homestead had never hosted such a gathering—lions, wolves, and bears had always insisted on neutral territory.
“Much has changed,” Rust said, rising reluctantly. “I’ll give you privacy to dress.”
He bent to kiss her, a brief but possessive touch that clearly communicated his reluctance to leave her side. Marisol pretended not to notice, though Kalyna caught her mother’s small smile as she busied herself with the curtains.
“Your mate hasn’t left that chair for two days,” Marisol murmured after Rust departed. “Not even to eat.”
“Stubborn lion,” Kalyna said, but warmth flooded her chest at the thought.
Dressed in a soft blue dress that hung loosely on her frame, Kalyna descended the stairs on her mother’s arm. She stopped short at the parlor entrance, momentarily stunned.