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’s shoulders lowered and his whitened knuckles holding his mug eased. “Zap ate him?”


Mitch chuckled, a soft sound that brushed over Calix’s senses like a warm breeze.


“What I first met Zap, she told me she was the enforcer of the group. Ate anyone who broke the laws.”


The idea amused Calix. He found himself grinning back. “She probably would, if pressed to do so.” He sobered. “Not that time, though. Thor banished him. He doesn’t tolerate bullies or abuses.”


“Takes a pretty rotten bastard to be so callous.” Mitch sighed. “From what I’ve seen, we all have our own issues. That makes us unique, not bad. Sure, some roommates are better than others, that’s a given. But, ridiculing someone for their fears is beneath a dung beetle.” Mitch lowered his voice. “Cain’s a good man. Kind. Just look how he takes care of Kitt.”


Calix had seen the same connection between the two after Kitt had been injured.


Chapter 50