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

A tiny cry snared his attention. He searched upriver, spied a little bobbing head, and his heart skipped a few beats. Instinctively, he hurried to the edge, judged the distance, then cussed.


A tree branch overhead waved in the stiff breeze.


He didn’t even think, simply shifted forms, jumped out of his clothing, climbed the trunk in two bounds, and edged his way out on the low overhanging branch. It dipped under his weight, but held. Furiously, he scanned for the animal, fear knotting his gut. Then, suddenly, it was there, battling to stay afloat.


The little guy washed down with the current.


Mitch laid down on the branch, dug in his claws, then bent his head as far down as he could get. Water splashed his face and body, but it didn’t matter. Nothing else but saving the animal did.


Chapter 23