Page 23 of The Purrfect Rival

Rust laughed, captivated by the mischievous spark in her eyes. A cool breeze drifted through the alcove, causing her to shiver slightly in her sleeveless dress.

Without thinking, he removed his suit jacket and draped it over her shoulders. His fingers brushed her collarbone, lingeringa moment too long. The contact sent electricity through him, his lion surging with a fierce desire to pull her closer.

Mine. Touch. Claim.

Crimson wisps of her fox magic responded, dancing like fireflies around them. The floating lanterns pulsed in rhythm with the magical display, creating an intimate cocoon of light.

Kalyna’s eyes widened, pupils dilating. “Rust...”

Rust leaned closer, drawn by an instinct older than reason. Her scent enveloped him—parchment and wild cherries and the distinctive spice of fox magic. His lion roared its approval as he gently cradled her cheek, her face tilting up toward his.

Yes. Finally. Mate.

But at the last moment, Rust hesitated, his gaze searching hers for agreement. Kalyna’s eyes, warm and inviting, reflected the soft glow of lanterns around them. Her fingers curled lightly around his wrist, encouraging him closer.

The world faded away as their lips met softly—a gentle, exploratory kiss that sent sparks cascading through him. His lion purred, a deep, satisfied rumble vibrating in his chest. Crimson wisps of her fox magic danced around them, blending seamlessly with the golden glow of his lion’s aura.

When they parted, both breathing slightly unevenly, Kalyna looked down shyly, her cheeks flushed.

“That was unexpected,” she whispered.

Rust smiled warmly, brushing a thumb gently across her cheek. “Not entirely.”

She laughed softly, her eyes bright with affection. “No, maybe not entirely.”

As the evening chill deepened, Rust extended a hand to her. “I should walk you to your car.”

She accepted his hand gracefully, fingers intertwining naturally with his. They walked slowly through MoonlightTerrace, the lanterns brightening briefly as they passed, reacting to their lingering emotions.

TWENTY

The restaurant’s parking lot stretched along the cliff edge, illuminated by vintage-style lampposts. Many spaces stood empty this late, with her car isolated near the scenic overlook.

Rust’s senses prickled with warning as they walked through the lot. Too quiet. Too isolated. He knew what could happen to unsuspecting victims of muggings. But Enchanted Falls wasn’t that kind of town. Living in the big city for so long had made him paranoid.

But his lion went on alert, anyway, focusing on protection rather than courtship.

They’d nearly reached her car when two figures emerged from the shadows between cars—dark clothes, masked faces, movements too fluid for normal humans.

One lunged toward Kalyna, grasping for her satchel. The other moved to block Rust.

His transformation came instantly—not a full shift, but a partial one that left him mostly human with predator features. His eyes blazed golden in the darkness, claws extending from his fingertips as he caught the first attacker’s wrist.

Fabric tore as his claws sliced through the sleeve, revealing a tattooed forearm. The attacker hissed in pain, twisting away.

Meanwhile, Kalyna created three perfect duplicates of herself that stepped in different directions, confusing her assailant. When he lunged at an illusion, the real Kalyna kicked him with surprising force, sending him sprawling.

Pride surged through Rust. His mate was not only beautiful but fierce. His lion roared its approval.

“Run!” Rust ordered, placing himself between Kalyna and the attackers.

They sprinted toward the car, but not before one of the figures flung something in their direction—a folded paper that landed near them. Rust snatched it up without breaking stride, reaching the vehicle seconds later.

Inside, with doors locked, he unfolded the paper. A crude drawing depicted the library engulfed in flames, with a scrawled message: “The heirloom belongs with true guardians. Interfere and watch it burn.”

“What does it mean by ‘true guardians’?” Kalyna asked, peering at the threatening note.

“I don’t know. But this confirms the theft wasn’t random.” Rust asked for her car key and started the engine, scanning for their attackers as he pulled up beside his SUV on the other side of the lot. “I don’t want to leave you alone after this. Someone is targeting you specifically.”

---