Page 45 of A Roar for Magic

A warning growl cut him off. Lane backed up, hands raised. “Or not! Just a suggestion. I’ll go... somewhere else now.”

“Smart boy.” Rook waited until Lane fled before turning to Clover. “You shouldn’t encourage him.”

“Aww, is someone jealous?” She traced his jaw with gentle fingers. “He’s harmless.”

“He’s interested in you.”

“Too bad I’m interested in someone else.” She rose on tiptoes to kiss his cheek. “Someone growly and possessive who really needs to work on his coffee selection.”

His tiger melted. How did she do that? Defuse his anger with a touch, a smile, a teasing word?

But before he could kiss her properly, Banner appeared in the doorway. “Sorry to interrupt, but we have a problem. Keelan’s called an emergency pride meeting. He’s demanding you explain your relationship with a witch.”

Rook tensed. His tiger rose, bristling at the challenge. “When?”

“Tonight. He’s gathered support from some of the older families.” Banner’s expression darkened. “Justus’s people are involved.”

“Of course, they are.” Rook pulled out his phone to check his calendar.

“Go.” Clover squeezed his hand. “This is important. I’ll work on the formulas and we can catch up later.”

“No.” His voice came out sharper than intended. Softer, he added, “Stay. Please. You’re my mate—they need to accept that.”

She stilled. “Rook...”

“I know we’re taking things slow. I’m not trying to pressure you.” He cupped her face, needing her to understand. “But you’re it for me, Clover. They need to accept it.”

Her magic surged, wrapping around him like a caress. “Okay.”

“Okay?”

“Okay, I’ll stay.” She smiled up at him, bright and beautiful. “Someone has to keep you from terrorizing the whole pride.”

His tiger practically purred. He pressed his forehead to hers, breathing in their mingled scents. “Thank you.”

“Don’t thank me yet. We still need to create that trap formula for Hudson.”

Right. The fake scent to catch his uncle’s sabotage. Rook straightened, though he kept one hand at the small of her back. “Banner, spread the word. Pride meeting tonight. Anyone who has concerns about my mate choice can address them directly.”

“And if they challenge you?”

Rook’s smile showed teeth. “Then I’ll remind them why I’m alpha.”

“Drama queen,” Clover muttered. But she leaned into his side, solid and sure.

They spent the next few hours crafting the perfect bait for Hudson. Clover wove tracking spells through the formula while Rook added enough scientific validity to make it tempting. Their magics danced together, tiger energy and earth magic creating something unique.

“There.” Clover sealed the vial with a final spell. The liquid inside shimmered like captured moonlight. “That should do it. As soon as someone tries to copy or modify it, we’ll know.”

“What exactly happens then?” Rook examined the deceptively beautiful mixture.

Her grin turned wicked. “Let’s just say Hudson might want to invest in some anti-frizz products. And possibly a good dry cleaner.”

“Remind me never to get on your bad side.”

“Too late for that.” But she softened the words with a kiss that made his tiger purr. “Though you’re making up for it.”

A throat cleared. They turned to find Lane hovering awkwardly. “Uh, sorry, but... you really need to see this.”

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