Page 38 of Grin and Bear It

“French toast with strawberries,” Lucella ordered. “And another pot of tea for the table.”

“I’ll have the veggie omelet,” Kalyna said. “Extra toast.”

All eyes turned to Thora. “Black coffee,” she muttered. “To go.”

“She’ll have the lumberjack special,” Bryn corrected. “Extra bacon.”

“I don’t recall asking for a food interpreter,” Thora said after Margie departed.

“Trust me, Mo’s lumberjack special is life-changing.” Bryn leaned toward her conspiratorially. “The secret is in the maple syrup. He infuses it with magic from the Enchanted Falls waterfall. Makes everything taste like your happiest memory.”

“That sounds like a violation of several magical ethics codes,” Thora said dryly.

Lucella laughed, a musical sound that somehow eased the tension at the table. “It’s not actual memory magic. The water from the falls enhances natural flavors based on the diner’s mood. Completely harmless.”

“Unless you’re in a terrible mood,” Kalyna added. “Then everything tastes like cardboard.”

“Speaking of moods,” Bryn segued smoothly, “an interesting envelope arrived at the main house for you this morning.” She produced a cream-colored parchment envelope sealed with a tiger paw in gold wax. “From the Tiikeri pride.”

THIRTY-SIX

Thora stared at the envelope, an odd sensation stirring in her chest. Her sabertooth shifted beneath her skin, attuned to the symbol in a way she couldn’t explain. “Why would they contact me?”

“The Tiikeris never invite outsiders,” Lucella said, eyes wide with curiosity. “They’re the oldest tiger shifter family in three counties.”

“Maybe they heard about your sabertooth form,” Kalyna suggested, studying Thora with newfound interest. “Sabertooths are rare. Most big cat shifters are standard tigers, lions, or leopards.”

Thora took the envelope, her fingers tracing the wax seal. Something about it felt... familiar. Which made no sense. She’d never known any tiger shifters—her orphanage caretakers had been baffled by her sabertooth emergence with no records to suggest her genetic heritage.

“You should ask Artair about them,” Bryn suggested. “The Maxens and Tiikeris have complicated history.”

“I don’t need Artair’s help,” Thora replied automatically, tucking the envelope into her jacket pocket.

“You know, for someone who’s ‘not interested’ in my brother, you sure get defensive whenever his name comes up.” Bryn’s smile turned sly. “Almost like you’re trying to convince yourself.”

“I’m here to catch a bounty. That’s it.” Thora grabbed her water glass, wishing it held something stronger.

“How’s that going?” Lucella asked, genuine interest in her voice. “Bryn mentioned you’re tracking someone who’s been stealing from bear clan families.”

Grateful for the change of subject, Thora nodded. “Ajax Blackwater. Specializes in thefts from old shifter bloodlines. Apparently, he’s been targeting Maxen properties specifically.”

“Any idea why?” Kalyna leaned forward, her librarian’s curiosity piqued.

“Bear clan artifacts fetch high prices on the black market. Magical resonance.”

“No, I mean why Maxen properties specifically. There are three other bear clans in Enchanted Falls.”

Thora paused, considering. “Good question. Could be opportunity. Could be personal.”

“Or could be someone with a vendetta against the Maxens,” Bryn said quietly, her usual bubbly demeanor subdued. “Our family has enemies.”

The waitress returned with their food, momentarily halting conversation. Thora eyed the massive plate set before her—golden pancakes, crispy bacon, sausage links, hash browns, and two sunny-side-up eggs. Despite herself, her stomach growled appreciatively.

“Told you,” Bryn nudged her with an elbow. “Mo’s food is worth the company.”

The first bite of pancake melted on Thora’s tongue, tasting like... she paused, surprised. It tasted like the rare mornings at the orphanage when the cook made special birthday breakfasts—one of the few times she’d felt something like belonging.

“See that face?” Kalyna whispered loudly to Lucella. “That’s the I-can’t-believe-how-good-this-is face. Gets everyone their first time.”

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