Page 20 of The Purrfect Rival

“Woshen.”

“Right. She’s been seen having coffee with Boz several times in the past weeks. The magpie lady?—”

“Agatha Plumthorn.”

“Yeah her—noticed because apparently foxes and lions sharing pastries qualifies as headline news.”

Rust paused mid-pace, mind racing. “Mira works in the library with direct access to all the rooms. Plus, with knowledge of the heirloom talisman...”

“And possibly the renovation account details,” Hezron finished. “Worth looking into.”

Rust stared out the window toward the library. His lion paced anxiously, wanting—needing—to see Kalyna, to clear his name, to claim what it increasingly recognized as theirs.

“I need to talk to Kalyna,” he said abruptly. “Away from town gossip. Somewhere we can speak freely.”

“The Moonlight Terrace,” Hezron suggested. “Just outside town limits. Neutral territory with private alcoves.” He wiggled his eyebrows suggestively. “Perfect for a strategy session that absolutely, positively isn’t a date.”

“She might not agree to meet me.”

Hezron snorted. “Based on how her eyes followed you at the council meeting, trust me, she’ll come.”

“You noticed that?” Rust couldn’t hide his grin.

“The whole council noticed! I’m surprised Lysander didn’t throw himself physically between you two.” Hezron shook his head in mock despair.

“I’m not?—”

“Save it for someone who can’t smell your pheromones spike whenever her name comes up.” Hezron pocketed his cell phone. “Moonlight Terrace. Ask for the cliff-view alcove. The floating lanterns respond to emotional energy—should be quite a light show with you two.”

“This is a business meeting,” Rust insisted.

“Sure, it is.” Hezron stood, heading for the door. “And I’m the Easter Bunny.”

After Hezron left, Rust composed and deleted three messages before settling on:

Kalyna, I’d like to discuss fundraising strategies to replace the missing library funds. Could we meet at Moonlight Terrace tonight at 7? The location offers privacy from town speculation. -Rust

Her reply came surprisingly fast:

I’ll be there. I have questions of my own. -K

His lion practically purred with satisfaction. Rust tried to focus on the investigation, on clearing his name—but images of Kalyna in moonlight kept intruding, her copper hair catching starlight, her eyes flashing crimson...

“Pull yourself together,” he muttered, straightening his tie. “Adult male and you’re acting like a cub.”

But his lion only stretched contentedly.

EIGHTEEN

Moonlight Terrace deserved its name. The restaurant perched on a top overlooking Enchanted Falls, stone archways framing panoramic views while garden alcoves offered intimate dining spaces separated by flowering trellises.

Rust arrived early, checking the alcove Hezron had recommended. Floating lanterns drifted above the table, their glass petals opening and closing to reveal gentle flames within. The setting sun painted the perpetual mist of the waterfall in gold and crimson—colors that reminded him of their blended magics.

His lion paced restlessly.Mate coming. Prepare. Impress.

“I’m not trying to impress her,” he muttered, straightening his already immaculate tie. “This is strategy.”

The hostess approached, smiling knowingly. “Your guest has arrived, Mayor Leonid.”

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