Page 32 of The Purrfect Rival

Kalyna’s heart ached. She moved closer, wrapping an arm around his shoulders. “Echo, listen to me. You’re my brother. Nothing changes that—not my job, not my magic, not Rust, not anything.”

“You say that now.”

“I’ll say it always.” She rested her head against his. “Besides, who else would fill my purse with iridescent geckos?”

A reluctant smile tugged at Echo’s lips. “I bet the look on your face was priceless.”

“It took three scrubbing spells to get the lizard smell out of my bag,” Kalyna complained without heat. “But I admit, the execution was impressive. The color-shifting properties in particular.”

Echo brightened at the professional praise. “I modified the base illusion to interact with light particles differently depending on the angle.”

“See? That’s exactly why I could never leave you behind.” Kalyna squeezed his shoulders. “You push magical boundaries in ways I’d never think to try. We’re complementary, not competitive.”

“Like you and the lion?” Echo asked shrewdly.

Kalyna’s fox stirred at the comparison. “Possibly. But that’s still... developing.”

“Well,” Echo straightened, his usual mischievous demeanor returning. “If he hurts you, I’ll turn all his fancy suits into clown costumes.”

“That’s... creative.” Kalyna laughed.

“I’m serious,” Echo insisted. “No one messes with my sister except me.”

TWENTY-NINE

The doorbell rang precisely at seven. Kalyna took a deep breath, smoothing her dress before opening the door. She took a deep breath and let it out before opening the door.

Rust stood on the porch, his imposing frame somehow both intimidating and achingly familiar. He’d exchanged his usual business attire for dark jeans and a navy button-down that stretched across his broad shoulders. In his arms, he cradled a small potted mint plant.

Her fox surged forward at the sight of him, sending a wave of heat through her body.Mine, her animal-self insisted.Mate.

“Mint,” he said, his deep voice sending shivers down her spine. “As requested.”

The sight of him—casual yet still radiating quiet authority—made her heart race in a way that irritated her human side even as her fox yipped with approval.

“It’s perfect.” Kalyna accepted the plant. “Thank you for coming on such short notice.”

“Thank you for the invitation.” His golden eyes swept over her, appreciation evident in his gaze. “You look beautiful.”

Kalyna lifted her chin, determined not to be flustered. “You clean up well yourself, Mayor. Though I suspect you don’t own actual casual clothes.”

A smile tugged at his mouth. “I removed my tie and jacket. By lion standards, I’m practically in pajamas.”

Kalyna laughed despite herself. “Well, you’ll fit right in with our chaotic fox dinner style.”

As Rust crossed the threshold, the magical houseplants along the entryway responded dramatically. Ferns unfurled new fronds, the peace lily bloomed, and the ancient bonsai shed its leaves and regrew them in seconds.

“Interesting,” Kalyna noted, observing the botanical display with professional curiosity. “Your magic has a strong growth affinity. Unusual for predator shifters.”

“Is that good or bad?” Rust looked concerned.

“Neither. Just interesting.” Kalyna studied him with new appreciation. “Most predator magic trends toward enhancement or dominance. Yours apparently nurtures as well.”

Marisol appeared, her eyes widening at the botanical display. “Your gift seems to have made quite an impression.”

Winston emerged from the kitchen. “The mayor himself. Winston Foxworthy.” He offered his hand.

“Please, just Rust tonight.” He shook Winston’s hand firmly.

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