Page 42 of Frost and Felines

Kieran's tiger surged forward, demanding release. He gave in, his bones cracking and reforming as fur rippled across his skin. In seconds, a massive Bengal tiger stood where the man had been, muscles coiled and ready.

Gregory's eyes widened. The chaos magic fizzled out as he stumbled backward.

Kieran stalked forward, a low growl rumbling in him. His tiger wanted to teach this pest a lesson about threatening what was his.

"I suggest you leave," Mallory's voice rang out clear and sharp. "Next time you show up here uninvited, I'm calling the authorities. I'm sure they'd love to hear about all your little pranks."

Gregory scrambled away, nearly falling in his haste to escape. Kieran watched until he disappeared around the corner before shifting back. His clothes, specially enchanted, reformed with him.

"So..." He turned to Mallory, suddenly uncertain. "I'm a tiger shifter."

To his surprise, she was grinning. "That was breathtaking! I've never seen a shifter transformation up close before." Her eyes sparkled with genuine fascination. "The way your magic flows through the change is beautiful."

His tiger preened. "Most people aren't quite so... enthusiastic about it."

"Are you kidding me? It's amazing." She stepped closer, reaching up to brush her fingers through his hair where his fur had been moments before. "You're amazing."

The touch sent electricity down his spine. His tiger strongly urged him to pull her close, to show her just how amazing he could be. But he settled for capturing her hand and pressing a kiss to her palm.

"We should get back inside," he murmured. "Still have a dance to set up."

"Lead the way, tiger." Her teasing smile warmed him more than any fire could.

Kieran adjusted another centerpiece, his tiger unsettled beneath his skin. The event space gleamed with twinkling lights and evergreen garlands, but something felt off about the placement of?—

"If you move that flower one more time, I'm going to freeze it to the table."

He spun around and what he saw before him took his breath away. Mallory stood at the base of the staircase in a deep blue satin dress that hugged her curves before flowing to the floor. Her platinum hair cascaded over one shoulder in elegant waves. His tiger growled low in appreciation.

"Amy's dress?" he managed, drinking in the sight of her.

"Charlotte's, actually." Mallory crossed to him, the dress swishing softly. "You need to stop fussing. Everything looks perfect."

"I just want?—"

"To control everything?" She raised an eyebrow. "The party's already started. Come enjoy it with me."

His inner tiger preened at the invitation. "As my fake wife commands."

"Damn right." She slipped her arm through his, and the contact sent electricity through him. "Now, show me off to your guests like the proud alpha owner you are."

Kieran laughed, leading her toward where the guests mingled. "Using my own nature against me? That's fighting dirty."

They made their rounds, stopping to chat with various guests. Mrs. Hudson from room 204 gushed over them being "absolutely perfect together" while her husband nodded approvingly. The Taylors insisted on hearing their fake love story again.

"You two remind me of me and my Harold when we were young," Mrs. Taylor sighed. "Such chemistry."

Kieran felt Mallory tense up beside him, but he just pulled her closer against his side. "I'm so lucky," he said, meaning every word.

"Oh, stop," Mallory muttered, but he caught her small smile.

They continued circulating, and Kieran found himself relaxing into their easy rapport. His tiger settled contentedly each time she laughed at his jokes or touched his arm. When she leaned in to whisper commentary about particularly outrageous guest outfits, he had to resist the urge to nuzzle her neck.

"See?" she said after they finished chatting with the Wilsons. "Much better than obsessing over centerpieces."

"You might be onto something." He grinned down at her. "Though I still think that one by the punch bowl is crooked."

The band shifted to a slower melody, and Kieran's tiger purred at the opportunity. He turned to Mallory, extending his hand with a playful bow.

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