Page 71 of The Purrfect Rival (Enchanted Falls #1)

SEVENTY-ONE

T wo weeks later, Hezron transformed the town square into a chaotic patchwork of “Cultural Exchange Day” activity stations.

Lion cubs attempted fox greeting bows—their natural dignity undermined by intricate gestures that sent most toppling sideways. Fox kits struggled with lion meal ceremonies, their chatter erupting at inappropriate moments. Wolf shifters demonstrated tracking while bear clan members taught honey harvesting, each group visibly uncomfortable but making sincere efforts.

Kalyna watched from a bench as Hezron directed the festivities with unexpected organizational skill, his playfulness channeled into creative problem-solving.

“Your lieutenant has hidden talents,” she observed when Rust joined her, sliding his arm around her shoulders.

“He’s full of surprises.” Rust’s eyes tracked Hezron’s interaction with Lucella across the square. “Some more obvious than others.”

Young fox and lions created a new game combining fox stealth with lion pouncing—already evolving beyond their elders’ rigid boundaries.

“The library reconstruction begins tomorrow,” Rust said eventually. “The council approved the expanded budget unanimously.”

“Unanimously?” Kalyna raised an eyebrow. “That’s unprecedented.”

“Many things are unprecedented these days.” He pressed a kiss to her temple. “Including how thoroughly a fox librarian has captured a lion mayor.”

“Lucky fox,” she murmured, leaning into him.

“Lucky lion,” he corrected.