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 stood up, walked over, and sat down on the foot rest directly in front of Calix. He bracketed Calix’s face with his bandaged hands. A caress, even with the gauze preventing the skin-to-skin contact. “How long?”


Calix met Mitch’s gaze. “Four years.” Calix’s voice broke. He stifled a sob. His chest hurt from fullness and his eyes burned. He hurt.


“You did everything you could do.” Mitch held Calix’s gaze as if willing him to believe. “You have nothing to feel guilty about. Fate holds responsibility for this, not you.”


Calix managed a slight nod, the lump in his throat too large to speak around. A tremor raced through his body as he tried to hold back the gut-wrenching pain.


Mitch leaned in, wrapped his arms around Calix’s neck, and pulled him into a hug. “You did all that you could. He knew it. I know it. You must know it, too.”


Calix resisted for a second, before he returned the embrace.


Chapter 64