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

“Anything.” Breathing became difficult as Calix watched Drum grow paler. His chest expanded at a slow rate. His body, too weak to move, simply laid on the bed, held by Calix, as they’d done for the past fortnight. Time together. Such precious time.


“Have a happy life, filled with love. For me.” Drum stared up at him like the answer was utmost in importance.


Calix could barely make his voice work. He blinked through the moisture streaming from his eyes, blurring his vision. “I will.” The tone carried truth even if the words came out choked.


Drum smiled, that special smile that he saved for Calix. “I’ll hold you to it.” With those words, Drum’s lungs exhaled and his body went lax.


“Drum. Drum.” Calix hugged him tight and sobbed for the loss of the only person he’d ever loved. Coldness leached in where only heat existed before. In that moment, he knew that he’d never be warm again.


Chapter 29