Page 42 of The Purrfect Rival

“Seems that way,” Hezron said.

When the council reconvened, the mood had shifted. The vote formally authorized Rust and Kalyna to lead the investigation, granting them powers usually reserved for emergency situations.

Rust stood at the center of the chamber, Kalyna beside him—a visual statement of their alliance.

“This partnership,” Rust stated firmly, meeting the assembly’s gaze, “represents more than practical investigation. It symbolizes what Enchanted Falls has always stood for—unity among different magical traditions.”

His words carried weight beyond the immediate issue, deliberately establishing public acknowledgment of their working relationship—a shield against further clan interference.

Boz’s carefully controlled expression fractured momentarily, revealing fury before his political mask returned. The council session concluded with tentative optimism, though undercurrents of skepticism remained.

THIRTY-SEVEN

Rust found Kalyna in the library’s historical section an hour later, ancient texts spread on a heavy oak table. Her copper hair caught the light, creating a halo effect as she bent over a particularly old scroll.

He paused in the doorway, drinking in the sight of her. The elegant curve of her neck, the delicate line of her profile, the way she bit her lower lip in concentration—all of it fascinated him. She researched with the same intensity she brought to everything—thorough, passionate, determined.

Those qualities had drawn him as much as her beauty or their magical compatibility. Kalyna approached life with a fierce intelligence and unwavering dedication that matched his own drive.

She must have sensed his presence, because she looked up, her warm brown eyes meeting his across the room. Something electric passed between them, their magics recognizing each other even at a distance.

He shut the door behind him, the soft click echoing in the quiet room. For a moment, neither moved. Then, as if a string had snapped between them, they both surged forward.

His arms wrapped around her waist, pulling her against him with an urgency that surprised even him. Her scent—old books and subtle fox magic—filled his senses as his mouth claimed hers. His lion roared with satisfaction, the sound rumbling deep in his chest.

Her hands slid up his chest to tangle in his hair, her body melting against his with a soft moan that drove him wild. The kiss deepened, hungry and demanding, all the restrained longing from the council chamber pouring out at once.

“I couldn’t focus with you sitting across from me,” he admitted when they finally broke apart, his voice a low rumble against her skin as he traced kisses along her jaw. “My lion kept insisting I cross the chamber and claim you in front of everyone.”

“That would’ve certainly ended the debate.” Kalyna laughed breathlessly, her fingers tracing the pattern on his tie. Her touch left trails of heat through the silk. “I see Echo’s been creative. His specialty is transformation illusions.”

“I like it,” Rust admitted, capturing her hand and pressing a kiss to her palm. He breathed in the scent of her skin, intoxicating and uniquely hers. “Though I’d prefer if he asked next time before enchanting my entire wardrobe.”

Her eyes widened, their brown depths flickering with that red spark that drove him crazy. “Your entire wardrobe? Echo doesn’t do things halfway.”

“Neither do I.” He held her gaze, letting his meaning sink in.

Her pulse jumped at her throat, a tangible sign of her reaction that pleased his lion immensely. Color rose in her cheeks, but she didn’t look away.

“I noticed,” she said softly. “You made that quite clear in the council today.”

“Good.” He brushed his thumb across her cheekbone, memorizing the feel of her skin. “I’m not hiding anything, Kalyna. Especially not my feelings.”

She leaned into his touch, those clever eyes studying him. “And what exactly do you feel?”

“Everything.” The word escaped before he could measure it, raw with honesty. “You challenge me. Fascinate me. Infuriate me sometimes.” His mouth quirked into a smile. “You face down lion politics without flinching. You care about knowledge and heritage with the same passion I bring to protecting this town.”

He traced the curve of her lower lip with his thumb. “And when you look at me with those fox-fire eyes, I can barely think straight.”

Her lips parted slightly, the red in her eyes intensifying. “Rust...”

“We don’t have to name it yet,” he murmured, though his lion screamedmatewith every fiber of his being. “But I won’t pretend it isn’t happening.”

She searched his face for a long moment. Whatever she found made her decision. Rising on tiptoes, she pressed her mouth to his in a kiss that stole his breath—tender yet demanding, an answer more eloquent than words.

When they finally separated enough to focus on the texts spread across the table, they remained physically connected—his arm around her waist, her body leaning into his strength, their magics humming in harmonious recognition.

“Boz and Mira are working together,” Rust said, bringing her up to speed on Hezron’s discoveries. “We have security footage of her accessing my office after hours.”

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