Page 20 of Claws and Effect

Laykin allowed herself to believe him, just for a moment. That somehow, in the midst of duty and arrangement and political necessity, she had accidentally stumbled upon something real. Something wild and precious and unexpected.

“We should really return to the ball,” she said again, reluctantly stepping back from his embrace.

Zyle offered his arm. “After you, Princess.”

As they rejoined the glittering crowd, Laykin tucked the recovered earring safely into her clutch alongside the mysterious heel. Both were tangible reminders of the day’s strange events—and of the enigmatic man now escorting her through a room full of political allies and potential enemies.

Her arranged mate was her mysterious rescuer. The diplomatic treaty now carried entirely new dimensions. And somewhere in this elegant ballroom, hidden behind smiles and formal attire, lurked threats she was only beginning to understand.

For the first time since learning of her arranged mating, Laykin felt something beyond resignation. Her future might be bound by duty, but it suddenly promised something far more intriguing than she’d ever dared hope—a mate who made her lioness roar with recognition and her heart race with possibility.

As if reading her thoughts, Zyle’s hand tightened possessively around hers, his eyes promising protection, passion, and a future neither of them had expected when the treaty was first proposed.

FOURTEEN

Sunlight streamed through the tall windows of the Barclay Manor dining hall, casting golden patterns across the polished mahogany table. Laykin stared at the flaky croissant on her plate, her mind replaying last night’s events for the hundredth time.

The memory of Zyle’s silver-rimmed eyes, the warm press of his hand on the small of her back during their dance, the unexpected kiss in the alcove—each moment flickered behind her eyelids in vivid detail.

“Earth to Laykin,” Seren waved her hand across the table. “Your croissant is getting cold, and that’s practically a crime against pastry.”

Laykin blinked, refocusing on her friend’s amused expression. “Sorry. Distracted.”

“By what? The treaty arrangements? The assassination attempt? Or perhaps a certain tiger with eyes that made you forget basic motor functions?” Seren took a sip of her coffee, her eyebrows raised in playful accusation.

Heat crawled up Laykin’s neck. “I did not forget basic motor functions.”

“Please. You two looked ready to combust on the dance floor—I’m surprised the sprinklers didn’t activate.” Seren leaned forward, dropping her voice to a conspiratorial whisper. “So... tell me everything. Every. Delicious. Detail.”

Laykin tore off a piece of croissant, buying time. “There’s nothing to tell.”

“Lie.”

“Fine.” Laykin glanced around to ensure none of the staff hovered within earshot. “Remember the tiger shifter who saved me during the ambush?”

Seren nodded, eyes widening. “The mysterious hero who disappeared into the forest? Your own personal cover model?”

“It turns out he’s Zyle. My fiancé.”

Seren choked on her coffee. “Wait—what? Your arranged mate is also your heroic rescuer?” She set down her cup with a decisive click. “That’s not a treaty, that’s a romance novel.”

“It’s complicated.” Laykin’s fingers tightened around her napkin. “And now there’s this.” She pulled out her phone, showing Seren the anonymous text message:No treaty is worth your life.

Seren’s playful expression vanished. “Who sent this?”

“Unknown number.”

“And what about that creepy note with your shoe?” Seren shook her head. “Someone’s targeting you, specifically.”

The weight of it all pressed on Laykin’s shoulders. Her parents’ expectations. The treaty. The attacks. And now these conflicting emotions toward a man who’d been a complete stranger a day ago.

“The thing is...” Laykin’s voice dropped to a whisper, “my lioness recognized him instantly. Before I knew who he was. Before the alliance.”

Seren’s eyes softened. “A fated mate?”

“I don’t know. It sounds ridiculous?—”

“It sounds perfect,” Seren interrupted. “Your arranged mate happens to be the one your lioness chooses? That’s like winning the shifter lottery.”

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