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 watched them go with a little smile. Their closeness and affection made Mitch wish for Calix.


Promptly, he finished tidying up before collecting the two containers of food he’d set aside earlier. Calix rarely came into the cafeteria to eat. Thus, Mitch was taking the freshly-cooked fare to him. He’d done so since returning to work. Calix appreciated the effort and the dinner. He thanked Mitch in words and in actions later. For that, Mitch would continue to fix up a special batch for the man he’d grown to love.


Mitch had thought long and hard, trying to come up with a way to show Calix that he was special. Nothing had pinged. After all, Calix didn’t seem to need anything and he wasn’t a man who clung to the latest fashions or expensive luxury. Name brands didn’t draw Calix’s attention, nor did material things. From what Mitch understood, Calix went for the simpler, more basic items in life. Which left Mitch at a loss of how to show Calix that he mattered.


Chapter 85