Page 43 of A Roar for Magic

“I’m just saying, it’s nice seeing you both stop fighting the obvious.” Banner’s teasing tone shifted to something more serious. “The pride’s noticed too. Most of them are thrilled their alpha found his mate.”

“Most?” Rook’s tiger bristled at the implication.

“Justus’s old guard is grumbling. The same people who added to the issues Xabir and Romi encountered when they started pacifying the shifter-witch relations. Traditional types who think alphas should mate with shifters, preserve bloodlines.” Banner’s lip curled. “Keelan tried stirring up trouble at the den this morning, spouting nonsense about diluting pride strength.”

A growl rumbled in Rook’s chest. “What did you do?”

“Reminded him that challenging the alpha’s mate choice is grounds for exile.” Banner grinned. “He shut up pretty quick after that.”

“Good.” But Rook filed the information away. He’d need to watch Keelan and anyone else still loyal to Justus.

His phone buzzed with a text from Clover:On my way. Bringing coffee because your corporate stuff tastes like sadness and broken dreams.

Warmth bloomed in his chest as he typed back:My coffee is perfectly adequate.

Adequate? You’re proving my point. See you soon, tiger. Try not to knock over any displays before I get there.

“There’s that dopey smile again,” Banner said.

“Don’t you have work to do?”

“Probably.” But Banner made no move to leave. “Lane’s been asking about her.”

Rook’s tiger snarled. His nephew’s obvious interest in Clover had been amusing before. Now it made him want to break things. “Tell him to back off.”

“Feeling territorial?”

“She’s my mate.”

Banner sighed. “I know she knows. You know she knows. We all know you both know. But you might want to seal the deal before someone else decides to make a move.”

“She knows how I feel.” The memory of their intimacy heated his blood. “We’re not rushing.”

“Right. Because you’re so good at patience.” Banner stood. “Just don’t wait too long. A woman like that won’t stay single forever.”

The thought of anyone else touching Clover made Rook’s tiger rage. But before he could respond, another text arrived:Here. Your security guard is giving me suspicious looks. Come rescue me before I turn him into a toad.

“That’s my cue.” Rook grabbed his jacket. “Try to keep the pride from imploding while I’m gone.”

“No promises. Keelan’s not the only one stirring up trouble. Three more businesses pulled their contracts this morning. Hudson’s been busy.”

Rook cursed. His uncle’s influence ran deep in the business community. “Monitor the situation. I’ll deal with it later.”

He found Clover in the lobby, looking edible in a flowing green dress that made her eyes sparkle. The security guard—a new hire, obviously—was indeed watching her suspiciously.

“She’s with me, Davies.” Rook wrapped an arm around Clover’s waist, relishing how she leaned into him. Her familiar magic signature brushed against his, warm and welcoming.

“Sorry, sir.” Davies straightened. “Protocol requires?—”

“New protocol.” Rook grabbed the visitor badge from Davies’s desk. “Ms. Weaver has unlimited access. Clear?”

“Yes, sir.”

“I guess lack of sleep and keeping me up all night is finally catching up with you, huh? You’re very growly this morning.” Clover’s eyes danced with amusement as they walked to the elevator. “Poor Davies looked ready to faint.”

“I don’t growl.”

“You absolutely growl. It’s kind of hot, actually.”

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