Running into a winged lion shifter was never in Mitch's plans. But Bluebird Valley Preserve has more surprises in store, including wildlife and shifters, most of whom Mitch never knew existed. As a caracal shifter, Mitch is used to oddities. The chaos, he can handle. Calix, the saber-toothed cat, is what knocks him off balance.<br><br>Calix is a vet and a physician. Great in theory ... except he can only diagnose, not heal. Still grieving, he vows to protect his heart from another crushing blow. Then, he saves a caracal shifter from the flood waters. When he sees Mitch, he struggles with leaving the past behind and making a future for himself which includes Mitch.<br><br>Raging waters and mudslides threaten, leaving the whole preserve at risk. Mitch puts his life on the line to rescue Calix. But, it's Calix's heart Mitch finds the most challenging and worthwhile to win.

Mitch

As he brushed his teeth, he thought about the eye-opening experiences of the day before. From the initial brief meeting with Thor to seeing the variety of shifters that inhabited the preserve, some of whom he’d never known existed. At least the kitchen work was familiar. Relaxing. The one place he could forget everything else and focus on creating savory meals that diners would relish. While his helpers were a smidgen odd, they seemed like good men. Dedicated. Hard-working. He could have had much worse.


Ready for another day, he quickly dressed, then headed out. The morning chill made him turn around and grab his jacket. As he pulled it on, he noticed the quietness of the place at dawn. The gray skies continued to spit rain, wetting the mowed lawn and the leaves on the numerous trees. The trail, thankfully mulched, absorbed the moisture, allowing him a way to work without having to dodge mud puddles along the way.


Chapter 15