Page 19 of The Purrfect Rival

“A scent at the scene belongs to my cousin,” Rust admitted. “But I haven’t spoken with him yet. Until there’s proof?—”

“Lions have always coveted what they cannot understand,” Lysander interrupted. “Fox magic remains a mystery to your kind—a power to be envied rather than respected.”

The chamber fell silent. Rust’s muscles tensed with the effort of restraining his lion’s rage. The accusation struck at both his honor and something deeper, more primal—his growing bond with Kalyna.

Lysander’s eyes flickered meaningfully toward her, the message unmistakable: Stay away from her.

His fingers curled against the armrest, knuckles whitening. The wood creaked under his grip. Decades of discipline barely contained the growl building in his chest.

“The Leonid family has always respected the autonomy of all species,” he stated, each word precisely measured. “I have never sought power that isn’t mine to hold—nor would I betray the trust placed in me.”

His gaze found Kalyna across the chamber. Her face remained composed, but uncertainty shadowed her eyes. The distance between them stretched like a physical ache.

Jinli Leonid rose to her feet. “As lion elder, I support a thorough investigation. If any Leonid is responsible, they will face consequences from both the council and their pride.”

Her careful wording—not clearing him outright—spoke volumes.

“The investigation begins immediately,” Rust declared. “Anyone with information is encouraged to come forward.”

The meeting proceeded with discussions of temporary funding and security measures. Throughout, Rust’s attention repeatedly strayed to Kalyna, drawn like a compass finding north. Whenever their eyes met, his lion surged forward with possessive hunger that grew increasingly difficult to contain.

As the council adjourned, Lysander paused at the door. “Mayor Leonid, should you find yourself... distracted... by certain members of my skulk, remember that some treasures are not meant for lion paws to hold.”

The threat hung in the air, triggering a snarl that Rust barely swallowed back.

SEVENTEEN

In his office felt like a cage. Rust paced from window to desk, golden flickers occasionally manifesting in his eyes when his control slipped. His lion prowled beneath his skin, bristling at the accusations, at Lysander’s warning, at the doubt he’d glimpsed in Kalyna’s expression.

The door banged open without a knock, admitting Hezron with his usual disregard for protocol. He surveyed Rust with a critical eye.

“Whew! You’re practically radiating ‘pissed-off lion’ pheromones.” Hezron fanned the air theatrically. “Should I open a window before we all choke on your testosterone?”

Rust glared. “Not. Now.”

“Actually, now is perfect.” Hezron plopped into a chair, propping his boots on the desk’s immaculate surface. “I’ve never seen the mighty Rust Leonid so rattled. What’s more entertaining than that?”

“Someone is framing me for theft, the council thinks I’m corrupt, and?—”

“And your fox girlfriend thinks you’re responsible for stealing her family treasure,” Hezron finished. “Yeah, that’s rough, buddy.”

“She’s not my girlfriend.”

“Keep telling yourself that.” Hezron leaned back, grinning. “Meanwhile, your lion is ready to tear through walls to get to her. I’ve never seen you this bad, and I was there for the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show debacle of 1997.”

Despite everything, Rust’s lips inched up. “We agreed never to speak of that.”

“I agreed to nothing. And those models didn’t have you sketching little foxes in your meeting notes. Oh yes, I noticed.” Hezron’s tone turned more serious. “Look, you’ve got it bad. Two centuries of perfect control, and suddenly you’re growling in council meetings over a fox shifter. It’s actually kind of adorable.”

“I’m glad my crisis amuses you,” Rust muttered.

“Love of kicking your ass is the highlight of my century,” Hezron confirmed cheerfully. “But since I’m also your head of security, I did some actual work this morning.”

He pulled out his phone. “Most Leonid family members were at the Thompson estate dinner last night. Security footage confirms. Boz sent regrets, claimed a business meeting in Highland Ridge.”

“That can be verified?”

“Working on it.” Hezron swiped through notes. “Here’s something interesting—that part-time fox library assistant, Mira something?—”

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