Page 36 of The Purrfect Rival

Winston and Marisol exchanged proud glances. “We’ll support you,” Winston promised.

As the conversation shifted to logistics for tomorrow’s council meeting, Kalyna found herself watching Rust. He’d integrated himself into her family’s dynamic with surprising ease, matching wits with Echo, respecting her parents, and treating her as an equal partner in their emerging strategy.

When Marisol and Winston excused themselves to make phone calls, and Echo slipped inside claiming homework, she found herself alone with Rust on the porch swing.

“Your family isn’t what I expected,” he said, his voice pitched for her ears alone.

“Let me guess,” Kalyna replied dryly. “You expected disorganized chaos and constant pranks?”

“No,” Rust surprised her. “I expected them to be more like fox delegates at council meetings—indirect and overly diplomatic. They’re refreshingly direct.”

“Only with people they respect,” Kalyna admitted. “Otherwise, we foxes can dance around topics for hours without ever stating our true purpose.”

“And they respect me?” Rust seemed genuinely surprised.

“You handled Echo’s antagonism with patience instead of asserting dominance. Most lions would have put him in his place immediately.”

“He’s protective of you,” Rust observed. “I understand that.”

“He’s jealous,” Kalyna corrected. “Not of you specifically, but of anything that takes my attention away from him. We’ve always been close especially after Grandmother died. I practically raised him while our parents managed skulk duties.”

“Your father asked about my intentions toward you,” Rust continued, his golden eyes holding hers.

“So you mentioned,” Kalyna managed, her voice steady despite her racing heart. “What did you tell him?”

“The truth.” Rust’s gaze dropped to her lips before returning to her eyes. “That I haven’t stopped thinking about that kiss since it happened.”

THIRTY-TWO

Heat bloomed in Kalyna’s chest, spreading upward to her face. Her fox practically howled with approval. “Just thinking?” she challenged, surprising herself with her boldness.

“No,” he admitted, his voice dropping to that rumbling tone that vibrated through her bones. “Not just thinking.”

He leaned closer, one hand coming up to cradle her face. Against all her usual caution, Kalyna turned into his touch, her fox eagerly pushing forward.

“I should be analyzing this logically,” she murmured even as she inched closer. “Weighing political implications, clan reactions, magical consequences...”

“And instead?” Rust’s thumb traced her cheekbone, sending sparks of pleasure across her skin.

“Instead I’m wondering if the second time will feel as incredible as the first.” The confession slipped out unbidden.

His pupils dilated, golden irises nearly disappearing into black. “Let’s find out.”

When his lips met hers, Kalyna forgot about clan politics, magical theory, and logical analysis. This kiss felt entirely different from their first—not the desperate, adrenaline-fueledclaiming at the warehouse, but something deliberate and exploratory. His thumb traced small circles against her skin as his mouth moved against hers, gentle yet commanding.

Their magic sparked instantly—crimson and gold light swirling around them like fireflies. The porch swing began to sway without either of them pushing it, and nearby plants suddenly bloomed out of season.

Rust deepened the kiss, his tongue tracing the seam of her lips. Kalyna opened to him eagerly, a small sound of pleasure escaping her throat. The taste of him—rich and complex like aged whiskey with hints of cinnamon—made her fox keen with delight.

When they finally broke apart, Kalyna kept her eyes closed for a moment, savoring the aftermath.

“Analysis?” Rust murmured, his voice rough with desire.

“Inconclusive,” she replied, opening her eyes to find him watching her with heated intensity. “Further study required.”

A smile curved his lips. “I’m always willing to contribute to scientific inquiry.”

“We’re creating something new, aren’t we?” she whispered, glancing at the magical display still swirling around them.

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