Page 57 of A Roar for Magic

THIRTY-FIVE

Clover stepped closer, power radiating from every word. “You’re so busy crying about tradition that you can’t see the amazing future he’s creating. You’re too busy being so self-absorbed you can’t be bothered to think of anyone but yourself.”

“Enough!” Hudson’s face twisted with rage.

“Silence!” Rook’s order shook the building.

Hudson practically vibrated with anger. “I won’t stand here and be lectured by some upstart witch?—”

“Then sit down,” Ilaria’s voice cut through the chaos like a steel blade. She rose slowly, her power filling the room. “I’ve heard sufficient evidence.” Her gaze swept to Rook. “Alpha, how do you wish to handle this betrayal?”

Rook’s energy pulsed with controlled fury as he stepped forward. But his voice remained steady, authoritative. “Hudson Katz, you are hereby cut off from this family and exiled from the Western Mountain Pride. You have until sunrise to gather your belongings and leave our territory.”

“You can’t do this!” Hudson’s face twisted with rage. “I am your uncle?—”

“You stopped being family the moment you chose betrayal over loyalty.” Rook’s words rang with finality. “Be grateful exile is all you face for your crimes.”

“This is outrageous!” Justus surged to his feet. “You can’t exile a pride member without?—”

“Without what?” Ilaria’s smile showed teeth. “Without cause? Without proof? I believe we have both in abundance.” She gestured to the still-glowing trail of Clover’s tracking spell. “Unless you’d care to explain why you’re so invested in defending a proven thief?”

Justus subsided, though his glare promised future trouble. Hudson looked around wildly, but found no allies among the assembled pride members. Even his usual supporters kept their distance, unwilling to risk sharing his fate.

“This isn’t over,” he snarled, backing toward the door.

“Actually, it is.” Rook’s tiger energy filled the room, an alpha asserting his dominance. “You have until sunrise. Don’t make me enforce that deadline personally.”

As Hudson fled, the tension in the room slowly dissipated. Pride members gathered in small groups, discussing what had happened. Ilaria made her way to where Rook and Clover stood.

“Well done, both of you.” She squeezed Rook’s arm, then surprised Clover with a gentle hug. “Though I trust you’ll be resting properly now that this crisis is handled?”

“Yes, ma’am,” Clover promised, suddenly aware of how much energy the tracking spell had drained. Her knees wobbled slightly.

Rook’s arm slipped around her waist, supporting her discretely. “I’ll make sure of it.”

“See that you do.” Ilaria’s knowing smile softened her stern tone. “You make quite the team, you two. It does my heart good to see.”

After saying their good-byes, they made their way back to Clover’s cottage. The night air was cool and sweet, carrying the scent of blooming jasmine. Poe soared ahead, keeping watch.

“Thank you,” Rook said quietly as they walked. “For defending me and having my back.”

Clover leaned into his warmth, no longer fighting the rightness of being close to him. “Of course. We’re partners, remember? Where you go, I go.”

His arm tightened around her. “Even when it means facing down angry shifters and family drama?”

“Especially then.” She smiled up at him, heart full of certainty. “Though next time, maybe we could skip the part where I almost die? That wasn’t particularly fun.”

“Deal.” He pressed a kiss to her temple, his relief and love flowing through their bond. “No more near-death experiences. I don’t think my tiger could take it.”

“Your tiger?” She raised an eyebrow. “What about you?”

“Me?” His voice roughened. “I thought I was going to lose my mind. These past two days...” He stopped walking, turning to face her fully. “Clover, when I thought I might lose you...”

She reached up, cupping his face in her hands. “Hey. I’m right here. And I’m not going anywhere.”

He leaned into her touch, eyes closing briefly. When they opened again, the intensity of his gaze took her breath away. “Promise?”

“Promise.” She rose on tiptoes, pressing a soft kiss to his lips. “You’re stuck with me, tiger. Better get used to it.”

---