Page 7 of Hex and the Kitty

SIX

Heat spread from Warrick’s throat through his veins like liquid sunlight, settling in his chest with a pleasant warmth that loosened something long-constrained. His usual filters dissolved, leaving his thoughts dangerously close to his tongue.

“What exactly does truth enhancement do?” he asked, already sensing the answer.

“Eliminates your verbal filter,” Kade explained, grimacing. “Makes you speak your mind, whether you want to or not.”

“Fascinating,” Warrick replied, feeling the compulsion to continue talking. “The sensation reminds me of ceremonial tea I tried in Tibet centuries ago. Similar warmth but less intrusive than the truth serums I encountered during the World Wars.”

Daisy and Kade exchanged glances.

“So,” Daisy ventured carefully, “how are you finding Whispering Pines?”

“More appealing than anticipated,” Warrick answered, words flowing without his permission. “The position suits me better than expected. I thought I’d miss the solitude of my estate, but the community has unexpected charm despite its inappropriate interest in my personal affairs.”

His voice suddenly strengthened, resonating through the now-quiet café: “Molly Hues’s eyes are hypnotically beautiful, like forest pools after spring rain.”

Silence fell, broken by delighted gasps and poorly concealed laughter.

Heat crawled up Warrick’s neck as he stared at his treacherous coffee. “I didn’t intend to say that.”

“But you meant it,” Kade noted, amusement dancing in his eyes.

“Her scent intrigued me immediately,” Warrick continued, powerless to stop. “Vanilla and lavender with an undercurrent of something uniquely hers. When the frosting revealed my interest, her pulse quickened and her breathing changed. She’s attracted to me too, though she tried to hide it.”

Someone whistled. Elsie nudged her companion. “The truth always finds its way out,” she announced to the room.

“Her baking skills are impressive,” Warrick plowed on, mortification building with each word. “And her smile transforms her entire face in a genuine way I haven’t encountered in decades. I haven’t been caught so off-guard by anyone in at least a century.”

His jaw clenched as he fought the potion. “I need to discuss fire department business. The hose coupling system requires upgrading, and the response radius for—“ His words halted abruptly before continuing: “I wonder if I’ll see Molly again today.”

The café erupted in chuckles and knowing glances. Daisy bit her lip, torn between embarrassment and obvious delight.

“Tiger instincts never lie,” a patron called out.

“Daisy’s potions pack a punch,” Kade said sympathetically. “It’ll wear off soon.”

Celeste Rowan Blackwood appeared beside them, auburn hair in a loose braid. She leaned close to Warrick and whispered something that sounded like Latin. The warmth in his chest dimmed slightly.

“That should reduce the effects,” she murmured. “Sorry about this. We’re not usually this...”

“Intrusive?” Warrick supplied, relieved to feel some control returning.

The bell above the door jingled sharply, cutting through the jovial atmosphere. Every head turned as Gus Niles stepped inside. The café fell silent.

The younger tiger shifter surveyed the room, sandy-brown hair disheveled and brownish-gold eyes—lacking the vibrant intensity of royal lineage—narrowed with displeasure. His gaze locked on Warrick, nostrils flaring slightly as he caught the lingering scent of truth potion.

Without acknowledging anyone, Gus claimed a corner table, arms folded tightly across his chest, eyes never leaving Warrick.

Warrick’s tiger senses prickled. The challenge in Gus’s posture was unmistakable—shoulders squared, jaw set, pupils contracted to pinpoints. This wasn’t merely territorial posturing; the resentment radiating from him carried a sharper edge.

Kade leaned closer, voice low. “He applied for your position. Thought it was his by right after years with the department.”

“Territorial disputes are familiar terrain,” Warrick replied quietly.

“This runs deeper,” Kade warned. “He’s been vocal about outsiders taking positions of power. Called the council’s decision to hire externally ‘an insult to local shifters.’”

Subtle magical wards flickered across the café’s windows—a gentle shimmer visible only to those with supernatural senses. Celeste reinforcing protections, Warrick realized.

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