Page 7 of The Purrfect Rival (Enchanted Falls #1)

SEVEN

R ust rubbed his temples, trying to focus on practical matters. He opened the library renovation folder, spreading architectural diagrams across his desk. The building’s west wing showed dangerous structural deterioration. Without intervention, the historical archives housed there could be destroyed. Good thing he had already approved the renewal of the building insurance policy, but that was only for structural damage. The loss of the precious contents could never be replaced.

But instead of seeing support beams and cost estimates, his mind conjured Kalyna’s face—her delicate features animated with passion as she described the library’s importance to the community. The faint freckles across her nose. The way her eyes had widened when their hands touched.

He caught himself sketching in the margin of his notepad—a small, two-tailed fox. Two tails, why that? Frustrated, he pushed the papers aside and stood, moving to the window.

The library stood visible from his office, its stone facade weathered by centuries. He needed to develop a fundraising strategy. The charity gala at Leonid Estate could work, but he’d need to approach potential donors carefully. Some might balk at helping a project spearheaded by a fox shifter while others might question his own motives in supporting it so enthusiastically.

Pride politics never simplified anything.

A knock at his door interrupted his thoughts. Hezron reappeared, a folder in hand.

“Found something you should see,” he said uncharacteristically serious. “Those reports on strange activities around town? Your cousin Boz’s name keeps coming up.”

Rust accepted the folder, scanning its contents. “Not surprising.”

Hezron leaned against the desk. “You know he’s always resented that the mayoral position passes through your branch of the family. He thinks his line deserved consideration.”

“That’s ancient history.”

“To you, maybe. Not to him.”

In the folder, Rust scanned reports about Boz being spotted at unusual late-night meetings. His cousin made multiple inquiries about ancient magical artifacts. Most tellingly, he’d requested access to the library’s special collections three times in the past month, specifically asking about items related to fox skulk history.

“What would Boz want with fox artifacts?” Rust mused.

“Nothing good, I’m sure.”

Rust thought of the two-tailed fox form he’d unconsciously drawn—a rarity that signified a higher magical potential. Now that he thought about it, according to the file the council kept on prominent shifters, the Foxworthy daughter was twin-tailed.

“I should ask Kalyna about this,” he said, already imagining another meeting with her.

“I’m sure that’s your only motivation.” Hezron grinned. “Look, call your cousin first. Direct confrontation, lion-style. See what he says.”

Rust nodded, reaching for the phone. After several rings, Boz answered with practiced charm.

“Cousin! What an unexpected pleasure.”

“Boz.” Rust kept his tone neutral. “I understand you’ve been researching the library’s special collections.”

A brief pause. “Mere historical curiosity. The Leonid family has a long and fascinating past.”

“Your research focused on fox skulk artifacts.”

Another pause, longer this time. “All shifter histories intertwine. To understand one is to understand all.”

“I’d appreciate clarity on exactly which artifacts caught your interest.”

“Why the interrogation?” Boz’s affable mask slipped slightly. “Is this about your new position overseeing library repairs? Or perhaps your interest in the fox-shifter librarian herself?”

Rust’s grip tightened on the receiver, a low growl building in his chest before he suppressed it. “The library renovation falls under my mayoral duties.”

“Of course,” Boz replied, his tone smooth again. “Well, don’t let me keep you from those important duties. We should catch up soon—less formally than this... interview.”

The conversation ended with strained pleasantries, but suspicion lingered. Boz had always coveted power.

Hezron, who’d been listening, raised an eyebrow. “Defensive, wasn’t he?”

“He’s hiding something.” Rust stood, restless energy driving him to pace. “I need to speak with Kalyna about these artifacts. If they belong to her skulk, she should know someone is showing unusual interest in them.”

“A perfect excuse to see her again,” Hezron observed with a knowing smirk.

“It’s a legitimate concern.”

“Absolutely.” Hezron pushed away from the desk. “Go ahead and tell yourself that’s why you’re practically vibrating with anticipation at the thought of another meeting. I’m sure it has nothing to do with those sparks everyone saw flying between you two.”