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

One concern held him back. Well, two. He didn’t know how much his stipend was and he didn’t know how he would cash his check.


“Paychecks, I can cash out here,” Charles offered as if reading Mitch’s mind. “The stipend is kept on the books.” He lifted an old-fashioned ledger in the air. “So, don’t worry about not having enough money.”


Relieved, Mitch dipped his head slightly in acknowledgement. “Thanks. I appreciate that.” He scanned the contents of the coolers once more before deciding on a large ham and a couple of dozen eggs. It would be a start, anyway. As an afterthought, he added a bag of frozen chicken breasts to his mental shopping list. Backtracking, he walked the couple of aisles of dry goods, collecting some canned vegetables, pancake mix, and bread. Those he set on the counter. “I’d like a ham, two dozen eggs, and a bag of those frozen chicken breasts, too.”


Charles tallied them up on the cash register. “Very good.”


Chapter 21