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

“Never thought doctors did much of the nursing care.”


Calix shrugged. “Open.” He fed Mitch some more.


The lack of an answer prompted Mitch to shut off the topic and find a new one, especially when he read the tautness in Calix’s face and noticed the tightened grip on the spoon. Self-preservation told him to either shut up or say something else lest he end up wearing what was left of his lunch. “How long will it take for my hands to heal enough for me to use them again?”


Calix balanced the bowl on his leg, grabbed the glass, and held it up. “A few days. It’s the concussion that will slow you down.”


Mitch took a drink and swallowed. “Kitt seemed to recover quickly from hers.”


“Each concussion is different just like each person is different.” He set the milk back down and picked up the spoon.


“Meaning that getting smacked into a bridge is different than getting struck by lightning.”


Chapter 60