Page 2 of Fired Up Love

“It’s called obsessing.” Kalyna set a small wicker basket on the counter. “I brought sustenance. Artemis’s honey scones and a thermos of that hideously sweet coffee concoction you pretend is an actual beverage.”

TWO

Zina peeked into the basket. “You’re officially my favorite person.”

“I should hope so after a century of friendship.” Kalyna winked at Bryn. “Is she driving you crazy yet? When we were seven, she reorganized my entire book collection by color and size.”

“I rescued your books from catastrophe,” Zina protested. “That window leaked every time it rained.”

Kalyna’s eyes gleamed with mischief. “My poor collection of fables shelved by whether the protagonist lived or died.”

“A perfectly reasonable system,” Zina deadpanned, reaching for the thermos. She poured the sweet, creamy coffee into a mug with “Boss Lady” emblazoned on the side—a gift from Bryn last week.

“How’s Rust handling the latest council drama?” Bryn asked Kalyna, deftly changing the subject. “My brother mentioned something about tension with the new dragon elder.”

Kalyna rolled her eyes. “Rust complains that Xai Emberwylde is stubborn, inflexible, and far too serious.” A sly smile crossed her face. “Which, coming from my equally stubborn lion mate, is the supernatural pot calling the kettle black.”

Zina paused mid-sip. “Xai Emberwylde? Draven’s younger brother?”

“Though ‘younger’ is relative for dragons,” Kalyna noted. “He’s only about five centuries old. Practically a teenager by their standards.”

“Fivecenturies?” Zina nearly choked on her coffee. She’d heard rumors about the new dragon elder taking his brother’s council seat, but hadn’t realized the depth of experience—or age—that came with the position. “And he’s visiting all the new businesses?”

“Council protocol,” Kalyna confirmed, her fox-keen gaze studying Zina’s suddenly tense posture. “Why? Are you expecting him?”

“Not specifically.” Zina set down her mug with exaggerated care. “But the council inspection is scheduled for some time this week.”

Bryn eyed the wall clock. “Do you know when? Are we ready?”

“Everything is prepared,” Zina answered, striving for confidence. Her mother’s meticulous notes had guided the spa’s construction from foundation to finishing touches. Each room had been designed with supernatural comfort in mind, from temperature controls for species with different heat tolerances to specialized equipment that accommodated various physiques.

Kalyna’s expression softened. “Fiona would be so proud, Zina. This place is everything she dreamed of and more.”

A knot formed in Zina’s throat. “I just want to get it right.”

“You already have,” Kalyna assured her, squeezing her hand. “Now stop worrying about inspections and dragons and enjoy your pre-opening.”

“Speaking of enjoying things,” Bryn interjected, wiggling her eyebrows, “I heard this Xai Emberwylde is easy on the eyes despite being ancient.”

Kalyna laughed. “Rust described him as ‘irritatingly perfect-looking’ during their last meeting. Apparently dragons age like fine wine.”

“I don’t care if he looks like a Greek god,” Zina muttered. “As long as he approves our permits and doesn’t breathe fire on my new upholstery.”

“Now there’s an insurance claim I’d love to file,” Bryn quipped. “‘Reason for damages: dragon disapproved of color scheme.’“

Zina’s retort died on her lips as the door to the supply room burst open and a flustered young woman emerged, her arms laden with bottles.

“We may have a slight problem with the aromatherapy setup,” the woman announced. Her heart-shaped face was flushed, dark curls escaping from her messy bun. “The diffuser is making a weird clicking sound, and—” She stopped abruptly, noticing Kalyna. “Oh! Sorry, I didn’t realize we had company.”

“No worries,” Kalyna replied warmly.

“This is Jamie, our aromatherapist,” Zina explained, moving to relieve the woman of several precariously balanced bottles. “Jamie, meet Kalyna Foxworthy, Enchanted Falls’s part-time head librarian and my oldest friend.”

“And fox shifter extraordinaire,” Bryn added with a grin. “She can sniff out an overdue book from three blocks away.”

“Professional secret,” Kalyna said, tapping her nose conspiratorially.

Jamie smiled, visibly relaxing. “Nice to meet you. I’d shake hands, but...” She nodded toward her still-full arms.

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