Page 74 of The Purrfect Rival

Kalyna watched from a bench as Hezron directed the festivities with unexpected organizational skill, his playfulness channeled into creative problem-solving.

“Your lieutenant has hidden talents,” she observed when Rust joined her, sliding his arm around her shoulders.

“He’s full of surprises.” Rust’s eyes tracked Hezron’s interaction with Lucella across the square. “Some more obvious than others.”

Young fox and lions created a new game combining fox stealth with lion pouncing—already evolving beyond their elders’ rigid boundaries.

“The library reconstruction begins tomorrow,” Rust said eventually. “The council approved the expanded budget unanimously.”

“Unanimously?” Kalyna raised an eyebrow. “That’s unprecedented.”

“Many things are unprecedented these days.” He pressed a kiss to her temple. “Including how thoroughly a fox librarian has captured a lion mayor.”

“Lucky fox,” she murmured, leaning into him.

“Lucky lion,” he corrected.

SEVENTY-TWO

Six months later, Kalyna stood on the library’s newly constructed steps, watching the diverse crowd gather for the grand reopening. The building had been transformed—expanded, reinforced, and redesigned to accommodate all shifter types.

In the central rotunda, protected by spells contributed by multiple clans, the restored fox heirloom glowed with healthy crimson light. Beside it stood artifacts from other clans, sharing magical space without conflict for the first time in centuries.

The ceremonial ribbon stretched across the entrance—red and gold intertwined, now recognized throughout Enchanted Falls as symbols of unity rather than division.

Rust appeared beside her, resplendent in formal attire bearing both lion crest and fox symbols. His fingers intertwined with hers, a casual intimacy that had become their natural state.

“Nervous?” he asked, noting her fidgeting.

“Excited,” she corrected. “Also wondering if Echo actually followed the speech protocol or if he’s plotting something Echo-like.”

Rust chuckled, the sound still surprising those who knew only his mayoral persona. “Hezron has him under surveillance. Though they’re more likely to conspire than constrain.”

The unlikely friendship between her brother and Rust’s lieutenant had become legendary—the prankster and the protector finding common ground in controlled chaos. Their project for the upcoming Unity Festival promised to be either brilliant or disastrous, possibly both.

The ceremony proceeded smoothly—speeches kept admirably brief, the ribbon cutting met with applause, tours generating genuine excitement across clan lines. Kalyna moved through the crowd, noting interactions that would have been unthinkable a year ago—lion and fox children playing between bookshelves, wolf and bear elders discussing fishing techniques, dragon and fae representatives collaborating on magical classification.

As twilight approached, she escaped to the library’s new rooftop garden for a moment’s respite. The view stretched across Enchanted Falls, revealing a town in transformation. New construction incorporated multiple clan styles. Gardens bloomed with previously segregated plants. Even street layouts had begun connecting rather than dividing neighborhoods.

Rust found her at the parapet, his arms encircling her waist from behind. She leaned back against his chest, savoring his warmth against the evening chill.

“Hiding from your admirers?”

“Taking a break,” she replied, covering his hands with hers. “It’s been... overwhelming.”

He nuzzled the claiming mark on her neck, sending a pleasant shiver down her spine. “Have I mentioned how magnificent you look tonight? That dress is giving me highly inappropriate thoughts at a public event.”

She laughed, turning in his arms. “Mayor Leonid! What would the council say?”

“That their lion-fox liaison is setting an excellent example of cross-clan appreciation.” His fingers traced her collarbone, dipping dangerously lower. “Very thorough appreciation.”

“Behave yourself,” she admonished, though heat pooled in her belly at his touch. “We have at least another hour of official duties.”

“An hour too long.” His lips brushed her ear. “I’ve been watching you work the crowd all evening, charming everyone with that brilliant mind and fox grace. Do you have any idea what that does to me?”

“I might have some idea.” She pressed closer, feeling exactly what effect she had on him. “Though I’d welcome a detailed explanation later.”

His growl vibrated against her neck. “How much would our reputations suffer if the guests of honor disappeared before the closing remarks?”

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