Page 12 of A Roar for Magic

Your grandmother just ordered another dozen calming candles. Either she’s planning something that requires a lot of serenity, or someone’s lying about needing more inventory.

His tiger practically purred at the hint of sass in her message. Before he could respond, another text arrived:

Also, your nephew is here trying to convince me to create a custom scent for him. Again. Does flirting run in the Katz family genes, or is it something in the water?

A growl rumbled through his chest. His tiger rose, suddenly very interested in paying another visit to Spellbound Lights.

“And that,” Sabine said with satisfaction, “is what a mate bond looks like. Now, are you going to let Lane steal your woman, or are you going to do something about it?”

Weston stretched lazily. “I mean, if you don’t care, I was planning to stop by her shop later anyway. Maybe bring some lunch, see if she wants to discuss custom scents...”

The chair protested as Rook stood abruptly. “I have a meeting.”

“At Spellbound Lights?” Banner’s innocent tone fooled no one.

“The spa project needs... consulting. On magical security.” Even Rook’s tiger rolled its eyes at that weak excuse.

“Of course, it does.” Sabine’s smile could have rivaled their grandmother’s for pure mischief. “Nothing to do with mate bonds or jealousy at all.”

“You all don’t have enough to do.” But Rook was already heading for the door, his tiger practically dragging him toward Clover’s shop.

“We do, but watching you fight being in love is better,” Weston called after him. “Tell Clover I said hi! Or don’t, if you’d rather growl at me some more.”

The last thing Rook heard as he left was Sabine’s satisfied voice: “Twenty bucks says they’re mated by the full moon.”

“Please,” Banner replied, “that’s a sucker bet. Did you see his face when he read her texts? I give it two weeks, tops.”

SIX

Rook’s tiger, traitor that it was, rather liked that timeline.

The drive to Spellbound Lights took exactly seven minutes. Rook knew because he counted each one, trying to convince himself this wasn’t completely irrational behavior. He had legitimate business reasons to visit. The spa project did need magical security consulting…okay, it didn’t, but nobody needed to know that. The fact that his tiger practically vibrated with anticipation at seeing Clover again was entirely coincidental.

Right. Keep telling yourself that.

The shop’s windows glowed with warm light, enchanted candles creating an inviting display that changed colors as he watched. Through the glass, he could see Lane leaning against the counter, saying something that made Halle giggle and Clover roll her eyes.

His tiger growled. Without conscious thought, Rook found himself pushing through the door with more force than strictly necessary.

The bell’s chime carried a distinctly amused note as if the shop itself knew exactly why he’d returned so soon. Clover looked up, and for a moment their eyes locked. The same jolt ofrecognition passed between them—that bone-deep certainty his tiger had been shouting about since their first meeting.

Then Lane’s drawling voice broke the moment. “Hey, Uncle. Fancy meeting you here.”

“Lane.” Rook managed to keep most of the growl out of his voice. Mostly. “Don’t you have pride duties to attend to?”

“Already handled.” Lane’s grin suggested he knew exactly what he was doing. “Just stopped by to discuss a custom order with Miss Weaver. She has quite a talent for... personal scents.”

Clover’s eyes narrowed slightly at the undercurrent of tension between them. “I was just explaining to your nephew that I don’t do custom love potions or attraction enchantments. It’s against shop policy.”

“Not even for family?” Lane turned those puppy-dog eyes on her—an expression that had gotten him out of trouble since he was a cub.

“Not that we’re family, but especially not for family.” But Clover’s lips twitched, betraying her amusement. “Now, unless you’re actually interested in legitimate business...”

“Can’t blame a tiger for trying.” Lane straightened, stretching in a way that emphasized his athletic build. Rook’s tiger snarled internally. “I’ll catch you later, Clover. Maybe we can discuss other magical possibilities over coffee sometime?”

A low growl escaped before Rook could stop it. The sound made Halle’s eyes go wide with what looked like delight while Clover’s magic sparked in response—a reaction she quickly tried to hide.

“Out,” Rook ordered, letting just enough alpha authority seep into his voice to make it clear this wasn’t a suggestion.

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