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

He sighed heavily. “I was lost for a while. Moved around, just subsisting. Until I found the preserve. At least here, I can do what I can for others without having to answer to insurance companies and oversight bodies trying to keep costs down. It’s not much, but maybe it’s something.”


Mitch closed the distance between them and rested his hand on Calix’s shoulder. “It’s a big something, all right. Without you, everyone and everything at the preserve would be without medical help. You give of yourself and your time, asking nothing in return. There’s not many that would do the same.”


Emotion placed a lump in Calix’s throat. He inclined his head in acknowledgement.


Mitch offered up a smile. “You’re pretty damn remarkable.” A short pause followed. “And if you don’t continue on with the tour, I’m going to forget my doctor’s advice, and show you how amazing you really are.”


Chapter 72