Page 10 of A Roar for Magic

Rook’s tiger perked up traitorously. “Grandmother...”

“What? Can’t I take an interest in my grandson’s love life?”

“I don’t have a love life.”

“Not yet.” She patted his arm. “But I can smell her scent all over you, and I haven’t seen your tiger this restless since you were a cub. You’ve got that same look your grandfather had when he first caught my scent.” Her eyes twinkled. “The tiger knows, dear one.”

Before Rook could protest, Azella emerged from the lodge. His mother’s presence immediately soothed some of his irritation—she’d always had that effect, even when he was a cub. “The elders are assembled. And, darling?” Her lips curved in a slight smile. “Do try not to growl at everyone who questions you. It’s not very professional.”

Inside, the lodge’s great hall hummed with tense energy. Carved wooden seats arranged in a semicircle faced the alpha’s chair—a throne-like piece of enchanted oak that had watched over pride gatherings for generations. Ancient tapestries depicting shifter history lined the walls, their enchanted threads shifting and moving in an endless dance of past glory.

Sabine appeared at his elbow, her honey-blonde hair styled in its usual elegant waves. “Ready to show these old tigers what real leadership looks like, big brother?”

“Sabine—”

“Oh, please. I’ve watched you run Katz Corp since you were twenty-two. These stuffed shirts don’t stand a chance.” She smoothed an invisible wrinkle from his jacket. “Though you might want to work on your small talk. I heard about the candle shop incident.”

Was there anyone in his family who hadn’t heard about that?

Elder George’s bright orange eyes caught his attention from across the room. He nodded subtly—a promise of support. Beside him, Banner’s sharp gaze surveyed the gathered crowd, no doubt cataloging potential threats. More allies gathered near the front: Captain Juno Waterfall, whose enforcers kept peace in Mystic Hollow; Elder Luis Ruben, whose loyalty to the Katz family spanned generations and whose strategic mind had helped build Katz Corp’s empire.

“Showtime,” Banner murmured as the last members filed in.

Rook approached the alpha’s chair, his tiger rising closer to the surface with each step. Power thrummed through his blood—the same power that had chosen him as heir and had made his father and grandfather legendary leaders. He’d spent years avoiding this responsibility, focusing on business instead of pride politics. But as he took his place before the gathered shifters, something clicked into place inside him.

This was his destiny. His birthright. And anyone who challenged that was about to learn exactly why the Katz family had guided this pride for generations.

“Members of the Western Mountain Pride,” he began, his voice carrying easily through the hall. “We have much to discuss.”

Power rippled through the great hall as Rook took his place before the pride. The enchanted oak of the alpha’s chair hummed beneath his touch, responding to his bloodline. Ancient magic recognized ancient right, even if some members of his pride seemed to have forgotten.

“For generations,” he began, his voice carrying the authority that came naturally to Katz alphas, “the Western Mountain Pride has thrived through adaptation and growth. We’ve balanced tradition with progress, strength with wisdom.”

“And corporate profits?” The challenge came from Gerard Maxwell, one of Justus’s most vocal supporters. The older tiger’s gray-streaked hair did nothing to diminish his imposing presence. “Some of us remember when pride leadership meant more than quarterly earnings reports.”

Rook’s tiger surged forward, bristling at the disrespect, but he kept his voice steady. “You mean like when my father expanded our territory while building Katz Corp into an empire that employs ninety percent of the pride? Or perhaps you’re thinking of my grandfather, who modernized our investments while maintaining the strongest pride alliances in three centuries?”

A low murmur of approval rippled through his supporters. Luis Ruben spoke up, his deep voice carrying the weight of experience. “The Katz family has always understood that true strength comes from providing for the pride. Young Rook has proven himself a worthy heir to that legacy.”

“Through absentee leadership?” Hudson’s smooth voice dripped with false concern. “Dear, nephew, no one questions your business acumen. But an alpha needs to be present, engaged with pride matters. Not running off to... what was it? A candle shop?”

Rook’s beast roared at the implied insult to both his leadership and his interest in Clover, but Banner’s steady presence at his right hand helped him maintain control.

“Interesting timing for your concern about engagement, Hudson.” Azella’s cool voice cut through the tension. “I don’t recall you objecting when Rook’s business ventures quadrupled the pride’s investment portfolio.”

“Or when his international contracts opened new territories for our hunters,” Yenni Ruben added. “My cubs eat well thanks to those corporate connections you’re so quick to criticize.”

The Hunter twins, David and Daniel, moved to flank Rook’s position. Though younger than many of the gathered elders, their fighting prowess and unwavering loyalty to the Katz family made them formidable allies. “Perhaps,” David suggested with deceptive mildness, “some of our members need a more... physical reminder of why Rook is our alpha.”

“That won’t be necessary.” Rook let a hint of fang show in his smile. “Though I appreciate the offer.”

FIVE

Rook’s tiger paced closer to the surface, pushing him to demonstrate their dominance. But the beast also kept getting distracted by memories of emerald eyes and the lingering scent of lavender and lightning. How could one witch occupy so much of his mental space when he had a pride rebellion to handle?

“The time for challenges has passed,” he continued, infusing his voice with the full weight of his position. “I accepted the alpha role not out of obligation, but because it is my birthright. My choice. Those who question that right are welcome to step forward now.”

Power rolled off him in waves, his tiger’s energy filling the hall. Several of the younger tigers instinctively bared their throats while even the older ones shifted uneasily in their seats. Only Hudson maintained his challenging stare, though he made no move to rise.

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