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 leaned into the caress, ran his fingers over Calix’s lips, then kissed him gently.


Calix responded in kind, his heart leaping at the mutual affection. So sweet. So alluring. So intimate. He hadn’t experienced such a moving moment for years. Never expected he’d do so again.


Mitch broke the contact with a rueful grin. “Tell me more about this place. I’m in need of a big distraction to take my mind off the idea of taking you skinny dipping then coming back here, starting a small fire, and making love just like those artists did here eons ago.”


Chapter 71