Page 35 of Frost and Felines

The front door swung open, and Mallory stepped out despite his command for her to stay put. "We should call Sheriff Blackmane."

"No." Kieran shook his head. "I've got this handled. Please go back inside."

"Kieran." Her voice held an edge of frustration. "This isn't just about broken pipes anymore. Someone could have died."

He turned to face her, catching the determined set of her jaw and the calculating look in her eyes. She was planning something - he could practically see the wheels turning behind those ice-blue eyes.

"What are you thinking? Other than calling the authorities." he said softly.

She glanced between him and Gregory, then back at the downed power line. That clever little smirk he had grown to adore tugged at her lips, but uncertainty flickered in her expression.

"I might have an idea," she said carefully. "But I'm not sure you're ready to hear it."

"Try me." He stepped closer, blocking Gregory's view of her face.

She opened her mouth to respond, but hesitated for a moment, casting another wary look at their unwanted audience. "Let's go back inside and call the utility company first. Then, meet me in my suite," she said, low enough so only he could hear.

Kieran soon ushered Mrs. Chen and her family back inside, his protective instincts on high alert. After making the necessarycall to the utility company, he paced the lobby, ensuring guests stayed clear of the windows and stayed inside until the crew arrived to handle the downed line.

"Please remain indoors and in the common areas away from the front of the building," he announced, his tone holding that natural authority that came with being both an alpha and an owner. "We'll have this sorted shortly."

Once the utility workers had the scene secured, he made his way to Mallory's suite. His knuckles had barely grazed the door when she called out.

"Come in."

She stood by the window, wringing her hands. Her familiar scent of rain and ozone clung to her - a smell he had noticed since day one but had never quite placed until now.

"So," he said, closing the door behind him. "What's this brilliant idea of yours?"

"I need to tell you something first." Mallory turned to face him, those ice-blue eyes filled with apprehension. "I'm a storm witch."

The corner of his mouth lifted. "I had a feeling you might be. The weather's been matching your moods a little too well since you arrived."

"So you knew?" Her eyes widened.

"I suspected. The day you handled those arguing guests? Thunder rolled right as you approached them." He stepped closer, drawn to her nervous energy. "It's pretty impressive, actually."

"Well, I know some protection spells," she said quietly. "Strong ones. But my magic... it can be overwhelming. Dangerous even."

"Hey." He grabbed her fidgeting hands in his. "I trust you. And I've seen how capable you are. Whatever power you've got, I know you can handle it."

Relief flooded her features. "You're not... worried?"

"Worried?" He laughed. "Mallory, you're magnificent. Having that kind of power and still choosing to help and protect people? That makes you even more amazing in my book."

A smile formed on her lips. "So you think I should try the protection spells?"

"Absolutely." He squeezed her hands. "Show Gregory what happens when he messes with The Hearthstone's power couple."

"Fake power couple," she corrected, but her smile grew wider.

"Right." Kieran ignored the way his heart skipped at her smile. "Let's see what you can do."

Kieran led Mallory through the back door of The Hearthstone, his tiger senses on high alert for any sign of Gregory or his wife. The winter air nipped at his exposed skin, but his focus remained on Mallory as she surveyed the building's perimeter.

Her platinum hair whipped around her face in the strengthening wind. The air crackled with electricity, making his fur stand on end beneath his skin. His tiger prowled closer to the surface, drawn to her raw power.

"I'll need to place anchors at each corner," Mallory said, pulling crystals from her coat pocket. "The spell should recognize magical signatures specific to chaos and rune magic."

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