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

“You’re early for breakfast,” he pointed out.


“Staff is expected to arrive well before the meal is served.” She smiled, hurried behind the counter, and pushed through to the kitchen area leaving Mitch gawking in her wake.


A skunk shifter working in the cafeteria. Wonders never cease.


He followed until he entered the cooking area. There he found an entirely new crew, shifters from the scent of them, though he didn’t recognize any besides Kitt.


“Hey, Mitch.” One of the men standing over a grill and wearing a white apron over khaki shorts waved a spatula at him. “I’m Sammy.” He grinned and began pouring out a huge box of sliced potatoes onto the grill.


Mitch returned the greeting, half-heartedly. He tore his gaze from the tall, light-haired Sammy to the next man over. This one was a bit shorter, stockier, with blond hair. He smacked gum as he cracked eggs over another, smaller grill. “I’m Damian.” He inclined his head, began whistling, and went back to his work.


Chapter 17