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

Mitch shivered all the more with the introduction of the cold sheets.


Calix hurried out of the room, returning in a couple of minutes. He held a glass of orange juice in one hand, and a bottle of water in the other along with a kitchen towel.


“Can’t I just get into the tub? Hot water will do the trick.”


“No. Gotta do this nice and slow. Can’t rush it.” He held the cup of juice out. “Can you sit up and drink?”


Mitch nodded. He pushed himself upward, let the covers fall to his lap, and took the cup. The heat from the glass felt like he’d grabbed onto a hot coal. His hands trembled more than before.


Calix took it from him. “Just swallow.” Carefully, he held the cup to Mitch’s lips and tilted slightly.


Drinking greedily, Mitch felt the warmth trickle down his throat and down into his stomach. Then the taste hit. “Warmed OJ. Yuk.”


Calix snorted. “You have no idea. Just do what I say and we’ll get along fine.”


Chapter 27