Page 8 of The Purrfect Rival

In the folder, Rust scanned reports about Boz being spotted at unusual late-night meetings. His cousin made multiple inquiries about ancient magical artifacts. Most tellingly, he’d requested access to the library’s special collections three times in the past month, specifically asking about items related to fox skulk history.

“What would Boz want with fox artifacts?” Rust mused.

“Nothing good, I’m sure.”

Rust thought of the two-tailed fox form he’d unconsciously drawn—a rarity that signified a higher magical potential. Now that he thought about it, according to the file the council kept on prominent shifters, the Foxworthy daughter was twin-tailed.

“I should ask Kalyna about this,” he said, already imagining another meeting with her.

“I’m sure that’s your only motivation.” Hezron grinned. “Look, call your cousin first. Direct confrontation, lion-style. See what he says.”

Rust nodded, reaching for the phone. After several rings, Boz answered with practiced charm.

“Cousin! What an unexpected pleasure.”

“Boz.” Rust kept his tone neutral. “I understand you’ve been researching the library’s special collections.”

A brief pause. “Mere historical curiosity. The Leonid family has a long and fascinating past.”

“Your research focused on fox skulk artifacts.”

Another pause, longer this time. “All shifter histories intertwine. To understand one is to understand all.”

“I’d appreciate clarity on exactly which artifacts caught your interest.”

“Why the interrogation?” Boz’s affable mask slipped slightly. “Is this about your new position overseeing library repairs? Or perhaps your interest in the fox-shifter librarian herself?”

Rust’s grip tightened on the receiver, a low growl building in his chest before he suppressed it. “The library renovation falls under my mayoral duties.”

“Of course,” Boz replied, his tone smooth again. “Well, don’t let me keep you from those important duties. We should catch up soon—less formally than this... interview.”

The conversation ended with strained pleasantries, but suspicion lingered. Boz had always coveted power.

Hezron, who’d been listening, raised an eyebrow. “Defensive, wasn’t he?”

“He’s hiding something.” Rust stood, restless energy driving him to pace. “I need to speak with Kalyna about these artifacts. If they belong to her skulk, she should know someone is showing unusual interest in them.”

“A perfect excuse to see her again,” Hezron observed with a knowing smirk.

“It’s a legitimate concern.”

“Absolutely.” Hezron pushed away from the desk. “Go ahead and tell yourself that’s why you’re practically vibrating with anticipation at the thought of another meeting. I’m sure it has nothing to do with those sparks everyone saw flying between you two.”

EIGHT

Rust glared, but couldn’t deny the truth. The prospect of seeing Kalyna again sent anticipation coursing through him. His lion paced impatiently beneath his skin, eager to be near her, to confirm what it already knew—that somehow, against all traditions and expectations, a fox shifter had become vitally important to him.

“This muddles everything,” he muttered.

“The best things usually do.” Hezron clapped him on the shoulder. “For what it’s worth, I think you should pursue this. Foxes and lions haven’t exactly been best friends historically, and there will be opposition from both clans. But I’ve never seen you light up like you did when your eyes met hers.”

“Light up? I did no such thing.”

“Your eyes literally glowed gold, Rust. Magic manifestation triggered by emotional response.” Hezron shook his head. “Two centuries old and still a terrible liar.”

The rest of the afternoon passed in a blur of meetings and administrative tasks. By evening, Rust found himself alone in the mayoral office, the only light coming from his desk lamp.

He should go home. His large house with its spacious rooms and luxurious comforts awaited him. Yet the thought of returning to its empty grandeur held little appeal tonight.

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