Page 37 of The Purrfect Rival

Rust’s answering growl rumbled through his chest where her hand rested. “Never seen before between our groups.”

Suddenly, the porch flooded with blinding light. Kalyna broke away to find Echo standing in the doorway, an expression of mock innocence on his face as he manipulated an illusion that turned the entire porch brighter than noon.

“Wouldn’t want you to trip in the dark,” he called with exaggerated concern. “Safety first, sister dear.”

“I’ll show you safety,” Kalyna muttered, though her threat lacked conviction.

Rust chuckled. “Your brother has impeccable timing.”

“He’s always had a gift for maximum annoyance,” Kalyna sighed, reluctantly creating space between them.

Rust stood, straightening his shirt. “I should go. Tomorrow will be challenging enough without exhaustion.”

At the threshold, Rust turned to her. “Council meeting tomorrow,” he reminded her. “We present our findings together.”

The way he said “together” carried weight far beyond professional collaboration. Before she could respond, he leaned down and pressed a quick but possessive kiss to her lips—right where her family could see.

“Mine,” his eyes seemed to declare, golden irises glowing in the porch light.

Heat rushed through Kalyna’s body as crimson fox-fire sparked from her fingertips where they touched his arm.

“I’ll see you tomorrow,” she managed, lifting her chin with determination. “We have a magical heirloom to recover and a cousin to confront.”

Rust nodded, his expression shifting to match her resolve, though his eyes still held warmth meant only for her. “Together.”

“Together,” she agreed, the word a promise that extended beyond their immediate concerns.

She watched him drive away before closing the door. When she turned, she found her entire family staring at her with varied expressions: Marisol looked pleased, Winston thoughtful, and Echo conflicted.

“Well,” Marisol broke the silence. “That was illuminating.”

“In more ways than one,” Echo muttered, still manipulating the glowing illusion above them.

“I like him,” Winston announced. “He respects tradition but isn’t blindly bound by it.”

“He’s still a lion,” Echo pointed out, though with less conviction than before.

“Yes, he is.” Marisol took her son’s arm. “And your sister is still a fox. Both facts can exist simultaneously without conflict.”

“Speaking of conflict,” Winston addressed Kalyna. “Are you prepared for tomorrow? Lysander won’t make this easy.”

Kalyna straightened her shoulders, her natural confidence returning. “I’ve never needed easy. I need effective. We have evidence of Boz’s manipulation, documentation of the charm’s capabilities, and a united front between fox and lion leadership. If Lysander wants to prioritize ancient grudges over current threats, he’ll find himself on the wrong side of history.”

“That’s my daughter,” Winston approved.

After saying goodnight to her parents, Kalyna walked out to her car to head home.

Made it back safely. Thank your parents again for dinner. Especially the riddles.

She smiled, typing back:They liked you. Even Echo’s coming around. Sleep well.

His response came immediately:Dreaming of you.

Three simple words that sent warmth through her body. Her fox preened with satisfaction. Before she could overthink it, Kalyna typed:

And I of you

Opening her car door, Kalyna gazed at the star-filled sky. Tomorrow would bring challenges—clan politics, accusations, the dangerous quest to recover the stolen charm. But tonight, she savored the newfound connection sparked between her and Rust.

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