Page 15 of The Purrfect Rival

Rust cleared his throat, his expression returning to professional neutrality. “We should continue this discussion later when we have more complete information about specialized renovation options.”

“Yes. That would be... prudent.” Kalyna stepped back, trying to calm her racing heart.

Her fox sulked, retreating to the edges of her consciousness with a disgruntled mutter about missed opportunities. Kalyna ignored it, grateful for the interruption that had prevented her from making a potentially embarrassing mistake.

But as they resumed their professional discussion, her fox continued to push subtle impulses through her system—urges to stand closer to him, to touch his arm when making a point, to tilt her head in a way that exposed the curve of her neck. She fought each one, maintaining a rigid professionalism that exhausted her.

They spent the next several hours reviewing documentation and examining the damaged areas in greater detail. Gradually, the tension between them eased into a working rhythm, punctuated by occasional discoveries and shared observations.

As afternoon faded toward evening, most of the library staff departed, leaving them alone with the hushed whispers of ancient books and the settling sounds of the old building.

“Huh,” Kalyna murmured.

“What?” Rust looked up from the box he was digging through.

“Here’s a reference to a powerful fox heirloom that is supposedly displayed here.”

Rust moved to her side, examining the page she indicated. “The Twinned-Tail Talisman? I’ve never heard of it.”

She glanced at him before continuing to read. “It’s mentioned in fox skulk histories as used for magic,” Kalynaexplained. “But I thought it was stored at the Foxworthy compound, not here at the library.”

“Does it specify when it was moved here?”

Kalyna flipped through additional pages. “This entry from 1987 says it was transferred to a secure display case in the special collections room, but this one claims it was returned to the Foxworthy skulk for safekeeping. I remember that. I wanted to see what it looked like but was at a librarian convention that week.”

“Could it not have been returned? If you weren’t here, are you sure the transfer happened.”

“I’m not sure. I’d forgotten about it when I returned. Never thought about it till now.” Kalyna frowned, scanning further entries. “I haven’t been in the special collections room in years.”

“Oh,” Rust said, “speaking of special collections, my cousin Boz has requested access to the room three times in the past month alone. He specifically asked to see items related to fox history.”

“Why?” she asked.

He shrugged. “Not sure.”

“Wait here.” She hurried from the room and grabbed the visitor log from the front desk. She flipped to the last page as she reentered the room. “Says herepersonal research. But why would a lion shifter suddenly develop such interest in fox artifacts?”

“I don’t know,” Rust said, his voice tight with suspicion. “But Boz rarely does anything without ulterior motives.”

FOURTEEN

Their shoulders brushed as they leaned over the ledger together. Kalyna’s fox surged forward at the contact, urging her to lean into him, to rest her head against his chest. She stiffened, fighting the impulse.

“Could he be up to something?” she asked, forcing her mind back to the mystery.

Rust sighed and wiped a hand over his tired face then checked his watch. “It’s getting late. I should go, but we need to look into this further.”

“I’ll stay and organize these records,” Kalyna offered, ignoring her fox’s disappointment at his imminent departure. “See if there’s any additional information about the artifact.”

“Are you sure? I don’t like leaving you alone. Are you okay driving at night?”

His concern warmed her. “I’ll be fine. I live across the street in the apartment building. I walk to work. No driving required. Besides, I have my fox magic if needed.”

Rust hesitated, then nodded reluctantly. “I’ll call you tomorrow to continue our discussion about the renovation approach.”

“I’d like that,” Kalyna said, surprising herself with her sincerity.

Her fox whined as he gathered his things, preparing to leave.Make him stay. Touch him. He doesn’t want to go either.

---