Page 46 of A Roar for Magic

He held out his tablet. On the screen, a press release announced Phoenix Pharmaceuticals’ new partnership with Arcane Aesthetics—one of the biggest names in magical beauty products.

“They’re planning to open a competing spa,” Lane explained. “Using formulas suspiciously similar to ours.”

Rook’s tiger roared with fury. But Clover’s touch kept him grounded.

“Hey.” She turned his face to hers. “We’ll stop him. The trap is set, and what we’re creating is better than anything he could steal.” Her confidence steadied him. “Trust me?”

“Without a doubt.”

“Besides,” she added with a mischievous smile, “I’d pay good money to see Hudson with rainbow-colored hair.”

Despite everything, Rook laughed. His mate was brilliant and fierce and absolutely perfect.

Now they just had to prove it to the pride.

TWENTY-SEVEN

Tension thickened the air in the pride meeting hall like smoke. Rook breathed in the mingled scents of agitation, fear, and anger rolling off his pride members in waves. His tiger bristled at the underlying current of challenge.

Beside him, Clover radiated serenity, though her magic sparked occasionally like static electricity against his skin. She leaned close, her breath tickling his ear. “Your left eye twitches when you’re trying not to maim someone. It’s kind of adorable.”

Despite everything, his lips twitched. Trust his mate to notice that detail.

“This is outrageous.” Keelan’s voice cut through the tension. His face had turned an impressive shade of purple. “First, we accept a witch into our ranks, next thing you know we’ll be hosting tea parties with unicorns.”

“Actually,” Clover whispered, “unicorns prefer coffee. They’re quite particular about their French press technique.”

Rook bit back a laugh. His tiger settled slightly, soothed by her presence.

“Look what’s happened to Xabir’s pack,” Justus added, gesturing dramatically. “They’ve gone soft. Yesterday I saw one of their enforcers helping an elderly woman cross the street!”

“The horror.” Banner rolled his eyes. “Clearly we’re witnessing the downfall of shifter society. Quick, someone alert the council – basic kindness is spreading.”

“You mock our traditions?” Keelan demanded.

“No, I mock your ridiculous prejudice.” Banner crossed his arms. “Though I suppose we can’t expect much insight from someone who still thinks cargo shorts are acceptable business attire.”

Lane snorted. “He’s just bitter because no witch would look twice at him. When was your last date, Keelan? The Bronze Age?”

“Children.” Hudson’s smooth voice cut through the bickering. He stood with perfect posture, every hair in place. “Let’s be civilized about this.”

Rook’s tiger growled. Clover’s fingers traced soothing patterns on his arm.

“Breathe,” she murmured. “His tie doesn’t even match his suit. Clearly his judgment can’t be trusted.”

Her quiet commentary helped him maintain control as Hudson continued.

“While our young alpha plays house with his... companion,” Hudson’s lip curled slightly, “our company secrets appear on competitor websites. Our equipment suffers mysterious damage. Coincidence?”

“Oh yes,” Clover whispered, “because I’m clearly a criminal mastermind. Me using my nefarious powers to make all the office plants bloom out of season is the height of evil. Truly diabolical.”

Rook’s shoulder shook with suppressed laughter.

“The timing seems relevant,” Hudson pressed. “Perhaps the board should consider a leader with more dignity and the ability to focus.”

“Focus on what?” Banner demanded. “Taking three-hour lunch breaks? We all know your idea of hard work is deciding which country club to join.”

“At least, I maintain appropriate company,” Hudson snapped.

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