Page 14 of The Purrfect Rival

“If you could see yourself,” she gasped between breaths.

“I’m sure I look quite fearsome,” he replied dryly, which only made her laugh harder.

Her fox reveled in the shared joy, pushing her to move closer, to touch him during this moment of connection. She almost gave in, her hand halfway to his arm before she caught herself.

The illusory ears began to fade, dissolving into sparks of red magic that floated upward before disappearing entirely. As their laughter subsided, a comfortable warmth remained in its wake—a shared moment of unguarded joy neither had expected.

A key rattled in the lock, and the door swung open to reveal Lucella, who looked far too pleased with herself.

“Found it!” she announced brightly. “How’s the research going? Discover anything... interesting?”

The knowing look she cast between them made Kalyna want to sink through the floor.

“We found historical precedent for fox-lion collaboration on building projects,” Rust replied smoothly, gathering the documents they’d examined. “Quite enlightening.”

“I bet,” Lucella grinned, twirling the key ring around her finger. “The tea room’s all set up if you’d like refreshments before continuing yourresearch.”

“Thank you, Lucella,” Kalyna said pointedly. “Perhaps you could check on the children’s section reorganization?”

“Of course, boss.” Lucella winked before sauntering away, radiating self-satisfaction.

As they emerged from the archive, Kalyna’s earlier embarrassment gave way to a strange boldness. The letter, the magical vision, the unexpected laughter—all had shifted something fundamental between them.

“We should discuss the practical aspects of the renovation,” she said as they returned to the main reading room. “Balancing structural necessities with historical preservation.”

Rust nodded, setting his notebook on a nearby table and spreading out the engineer’s diagrams. “The engineer recommends replacing these support beams entirely,” he pointed to several marked sections, “but that would mean removing original woodwork.”

THIRTEEN

Kalyna studied the diagrams with a frown. “That’s unacceptable. These carvings are irreplaceable—part of the library’s historical significance.”

“Safety must take precedence,” Rust countered. “Aesthetics won’t matter if the ceiling collapses.”

“I’m not talking about mere aesthetics,” Kalyna felt her temper flare. “These carvings contain embedded protective spells that have guarded the library’s contents for generations.”

“Which won’t function if the beams supporting them crack under pressure.” Rust’s tone grew firmer. “The engineering report is unequivocal—these sections need complete replacement.”

“The report was prepared by someone with no understanding of magical architecture,” Kalyna argued, stepping closer. “These aren’t simple decorative elements. They’re integral to the building’s magical infrastructure.”

“And what happens when they come crashing down on someone’s head?” Rust’s eyes flashed golden. “Would you risk lives for tradition?”

“That’s not what I said!” Kalyna’s fox spirit surged forward defensively. “I’m proposing we find a solution that addresses both concerns. Reinforcement without replacement.”

“The budget doesn’t allow for custom solutions,” Rust insisted. “Standard repairs are already stretching our resources thin.”

“So we fundraise more!” Kalyna threw up her hands in frustration. “Host events, apply for additional grants, appeal to the historical society. There are options besides taking a wrecking ball to centuries of craftsmanship!”

They had moved progressively closer during their argument, voices rising with each exchange. Now Kalyna found herself merely inches from Rust, close enough to see the flecks of darker gold in his eyes, to feel the heat radiating from his body.

Her fox seized the opportunity, pushing her toward him with a surge of desire so powerful she swayed forward before catching herself. For one breathless moment, she imagined closing that final distance, pressing her body against his, confirming what her fox already knew beyond doubt.

Their words halted abruptly, the silence vibrating between them. Rust’s gaze dropped to her mouth for a fraction of a second before returning to her eyes. His pupils had narrowed again, predatory and intent.

Kalyna’s breath caught. Her fox spirit howled with frustrated need, fighting her rigid self-control.He’s ours! Take him! Claim him!

A loud crash from the children’s section shattered the moment. Both jerked back, the spell broken.

“That would be Lucella,” Kalyna said, straightening her blouse with fingers that weren’t entirely steady. “Probably knocked over the puppet theater again. For being a shifter, she is the clumsiest person I know.”

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