Page 58 of The Purrfect Rival

The revelation that elders actively concealed information about telepathic bonds between fox and lion mates added another dimension to their growing suspicions about clan leadership. What else might have been hidden to keep the species separate?

Eventually, the lengthening shadows reminded them of passing time. By mutual unspoken agreement, they made their way back toward Rust’s. At the edge of the porch, they shifted simultaneously back to human form, the dual magical signatures—crimson and gold—briefly intertwining in the process.

Kalyna stepped onto the porch, slightly breathless from the run and the shifting. Her hair tumbled in dark waves down her back, having escaped its usual neat style during transformation. She turned to find Rust watching her with that intense golden gaze that hadn’t fully receded from his shift.

“You move differently in fox form than I expected,” he said, climbing the steps to join her. “More deliberate than most foxes I’ve encountered. Less chaotic.”

“And you’re more agile than lions are supposed to be,” she countered. “Most lions rely purely on power, not the stealth you demonstrated.”

His smile held genuine warmth. “Maybe we’ve each adapted to compensate for perceived weaknesses in our species. There’s more at stake than just our personal relationship,” Rust said,his expression suddenly serious. “The ancient texts suggest a completed Concordance between lion and fox would create magical ripples throughout the territory.

“The wards protecting Enchanted Falls, the boundaries between clan territories—all calibrated on the assumption that clan magics remain separate.”

FIFTY-FOUR

“That’s why the elders discouraged cross-clan bonds,” Kalyna realized, her eyes widening. “Not just prejudice or tradition.”

“The power we’re generating could destabilize or strengthen various magical foundations throughout the region,” he confirmed. “Which makes Boz’s plan even more dangerous. If he had harnessed the energy from forcibly severing our bond?—”

“He could’ve directed that destabilization however he wanted,” she concluded grimly. “Our personal connection had become a lynchpin for the town’s magical security.”

The thought triggered another concern that had been lingering at the edges of her mind since their bond began forming. “Rust,” she began carefully, “what if our kits inherit conflicting shifter instincts? Fox-lion pairings are rare for a reason. They might end up neither fully fox nor lion.”

Instead of dismissing her fear, he stepped closer, his eyes still maintaining the golden glow from his shift. His hands came to rest on her shoulders, thumbs tracing gentle circles against her collarbone.

“Did you not feel how perfectly our animals moved together?” he asked, his voice deep with conviction. “Ourdifferences are our strength, not our weakness.” His hands slid up to frame her face. “Any kits would have the cunning of the fox and the power of the lion—the best of both. They wouldn’t be less for their mixed heritage; they’d be more.”

The absolute certainty in his voice soothed something deep in her soul. This was uncharted territory for them, but perhaps that was the point—creating something new, something powerful precisely because it hadn’t existed.

The sound of a vehicle pulling up to the front of the property interrupted the moment. Rust’s posture shifted instantly, his shoulders broadening as a warning rumble built in his chest.

He grabbed her hand and led her around to the front corner of the house. Peeking around the corner, he spotted a familiar SUV coming to a stop. The tension in his body didn’t fully dissipate, but the low growl subsided.

Then to his surprise, someone he never would’ve thought hopped out of the passenger back seat.

“It’s Lucella,” she said quickly, placing a restraining hand on his arm. “Friend, not threat.” Kalyna pushed around him and stepped toward the vehicle.

When Lucella turned and reached back into the vehicle, Rust jumped in front of Kalyna—the classic protective stance of a mated lion.

Then Hezron climbed out from the driver’s side as the other back door opened. A full load. Why were so many suddenly at his home?

“Someone’s lion is feeling possessive,” Hezron observed with raised eyebrows, noting the positioning without missing a beat. “Don’t worry, Mayor Grumps, we come bearing pastries, not threats to your territory.”

“Lucella,” Kalyna sighed when her friend stepped away with a large pink package in hand, though she couldn’t keep theaffection from her voice. “Your timing remains impeccable as always.”

“It’s a gift,” Lucella agreed cheerfully, holding up the box. “Tilly’s honey cakes—your favorite. I figured you might need the energy after...” Her gaze flickered meaningfully between them. “Well, after recent exertions.”

Heat rose to Kalyna’s cheeks, but Rust merely looked amused. “Your consideration is appreciated,” he said dryly.

“Oh good, you can be trained to accept offerings,” Lucella teased, clearly unintimidated by his mayoral status or lion presence.

When a female lion clan member who Kalyna recognized from the council rose from the vehicle, a strange sensation rippled through her at the sight—and more specifically, when the female made eye contact with Rust.

Without conscious thought, she moved closer to him, her shoulder brushing against his arm in a gesture that any shifter would recognize as territorial marking. The fox equivalent of hanging a sign reading “Taken” around his neck.

Rust’s hand settled at her waist, clearly recognizing and approving of her instinctive claim. A small smile played on the corner of his mouth, visible only to her from this angle.

“News from the northern border,” Hezron announced without preamble. “Boz has established a compound in the northern woods—territory traditionally claimed by neither fox nor lion clans.”

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