Page 27 of A Roar for Magic

“That bird sees everything,” Banner glanced around dramatically as if expecting to spot the crow lurking in the rafters.

Rook smiled into his drink, already planning on seeing her tomorrow and all the ways he intended to make Clover admit she’d been jealous. His tiger rumbled contentedly, finally settled now that their mate was starting to acknowledge what they’dknown from the start – she was theirs, just as much as they were already hers.

Even if they had to bribe her familiar with premium treats and endure endless teasing from their friends.

Actually, scratch that. Especially then.

The vibration of his phone cut through their laughter. Weston’s name flashed on the screen with a message that made his tiger surge forward:Emergency at warehouse. Equipment sabotaged. Plus news about Justus. You need to hear this.

Banner was on his feet before Rook could even move, all traces of humor vanishing from his face. “I’m with you.”

“Need backup?” Xabir asked, already half-rising, but Rook shook his head.

“Pride business,” he said, dropping money on the table. “I’ve got Banner. But keep your phone on – this feels bigger than equipment damage.”

Thane clasped his shoulder. “Call if you need anything. Romi’s got contacts all over town if we need to gather intel quietly.”

The drive to the warehouse crackled with tension. Banner kept his eyes on the mirrors, tracking every car that passed them. “Hudson’s getting bold,” he said finally, breaking the silence. “Going after the spa equipment directly.”

“He wants Katz Corp.” Rook’s knuckles whitened on the steering wheel. “He’s always thought he could run it better than me.”

“Your father chose you for a reason.”

“Tell that to my dear uncle.”

Weston waited in the shadows of the loading dock, his usual easygoing demeanor replaced by sharp alertness. Two other guards patrolled the perimeter, their shifted forms melting in and out of the darkness.

“Show me,” Rook ordered, following Weston inside.

“They knew exactly what they were after.” Weston led them past rows of crates to where their most expensive machinery sat. “The magical seals were broken on the aromatherapy diffusers – the ones designed specifically for your formulas. But that’s not the worst part.”

He held out a small cloth sachet that reeked of corrupted herbs. Rook recognized some of the components – plants used in his family’s secret formulas, but twisted into something darker. His tiger snarled, recognizing the scent signature. “Hudson.”

“There’s more,” Weston’s jaw tightened. “Justus has been meeting with pride members, particularly the older families. He’s spreading rumors that you’re too focused on business ventures, that the pride needs an alpha who’ll put them first. He’s suggesting another leadership challenge.”

Banner swore colorfully. “After what happened last time?”

“He’s playing on fears,” Rook growled. “The pride’s still adjusting to change. He thinks he can use that.”

His phone buzzed – Clover:Everything okay? My wards just picked up some strange energy signatures near your warehouse.

Looking at the damaged machinery, then at the sachet of corrupted herbs, Rook made a decision. “Get me a meeting with Grandmother, George, and Luis. Tonight.”

“It’s late,” Banner started, but Rook cut him off.

“They’ll come.”

SEVENTEEN

While Weston made the calls, Rook texted Clover back:Remember how you said your wards needed upgrading? Think we could expand that project? I’ll explain tomorrow.

Her response was immediate:That bad?

Let’s just say I’m really glad you’re on my side, little witch.

Bold of you to assume I’m on your side just because you’re making me dinner.

Is it working?

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