A Roar for Magic (Mystic Hollow #2)

Chapter 25

TWENTY-FIVE

R ook couldn’t focus on the quarterly reports spread across his desk. His mind kept drifting to last night—the way Clover’s magic had sparked against his skin, how perfectly she fit in his arms, the soft sounds she’d made when he kissed her. The way she moaned and…he really needed to stop where this was going or he’d end up embarrassing himself. His tiger paced restlessly, already craving her presence again.

A knock interrupted his pleasant memories. “What?”

Banner stepped in, one eyebrow raised at Rook’s tone. “Someone’s grumpy this morning. Trouble sleeping?”

“I slept fine.” Better than fine, actually. With Clover in his arms, he’d never slept so well.

“Right.” Banner’s knowing smirk said he wasn’t fooled. “That’s why you’re grinning at expense reports.”

Rook quickly schooled his expression. “Do you need something?”

“Just dropped by to remind you about the lab tour you set up with Clover. Though from that dopey smile, I’m guessing you hadn’t forgotten.”

“I don’t do dopey.” But his tiger perked up at Clover’s name. They had plans to work on the spa’s signature scent today, combining their different approaches into something unique.

“Sure, you don’t.” Banner dropped into a chair. “So, you and the little witch...”

“Don’t start.”

“I’m just saying, it’s nice seeing you both stop fighting the obvious.” Banner’s teasing tone shifted to something more serious. “The pride’s noticed too. Most of them are thrilled their alpha found his mate.”

“Most?” Rook’s tiger bristled at the implication.

“Justus’s old guard is grumbling. The same people who added to the issues Xabir and Romi encountered when they started pacifying the shifter-witch relations. Traditional types who think alphas should mate with shifters, preserve bloodlines.” Banner’s lip curled. “Keelan tried stirring up trouble at the den this morning, spouting nonsense about diluting pride strength.”

A growl rumbled in Rook’s chest. “What did you do?”

“Reminded him that challenging the alpha’s mate choice is grounds for exile.” Banner grinned. “He shut up pretty quick after that.”

“Good.” But Rook filed the information away. He’d need to watch Keelan and anyone else still loyal to Justus.

His phone buzzed with a text from Clover: On my way. Bringing coffee because your corporate stuff tastes like sadness and broken dreams.

Warmth bloomed in his chest as he typed back: My coffee is perfectly adequate.

Adequate? You’re proving my point. See you soon, tiger. Try not to knock over any displays before I get there.

“There’s that dopey smile again,” Banner said.

“Don’t you have work to do?”

“Probably.” But Banner made no move to leave. “Lane’s been asking about her.”

Rook’s tiger snarled. His nephew’s obvious interest in Clover had been amusing before. Now it made him want to break things. “Tell him to back off.”

“Feeling territorial?”

“She’s my mate.”

Banner sighed. “I know she knows. You know she knows. We all know you both know. But you might want to seal the deal before someone else decides to make a move.”

“She knows how I feel.” The memory of their intimacy heated his blood. “We’re not rushing.”

“Right. Because you’re so good at patience.” Banner stood. “Just don’t wait too long. A woman like that won’t stay single forever.”

The thought of anyone else touching Clover made Rook’s tiger rage. But before he could respond, another text arrived: Here. Your security guard is giving me suspicious looks. Come rescue me before I turn him into a toad.

“That’s my cue.” Rook grabbed his jacket. “Try to keep the pride from imploding while I’m gone.”

“No promises. Keelan’s not the only one stirring up trouble. Three more businesses pulled their contracts this morning. Hudson’s been busy.”

Rook cursed. His uncle’s influence ran deep in the business community. “Monitor the situation. I’ll deal with it later.”

He found Clover in the lobby, looking edible in a flowing green dress that made her eyes sparkle. The security guard—a new hire, obviously—was indeed watching her suspiciously.

“She’s with me, Davies.” Rook wrapped an arm around Clover’s waist, relishing how she leaned into him. Her familiar magic signature brushed against his, warm and welcoming.

“Sorry, sir.” Davies straightened. “Protocol requires?—”

“New protocol.” Rook grabbed the visitor badge from Davies’s desk. “Ms. Weaver has unlimited access. Clear?”

“Yes, sir.”

“I guess lack of sleep and keeping me up all night is finally catching up with you, huh? You’re very growly this morning.” Clover’s eyes danced with amusement as they walked to the elevator. “Poor Davies looked ready to faint.”

“I don’t growl.”

“You absolutely growl. It’s kind of hot, actually.”

Heat flared in his veins. He backed her against the elevator wall as soon as the doors closed. “Is that so?”

“Mmm.” She tilted her face up, teasing. “Though your coffee still sucks.”

He shut her up with a kiss, deep and thorough. She tasted like cinnamon and honey, and her magic sparked against his tongue. When they broke apart, her cheeks were flushed and her lips deliciously swollen.

“That’s cheating,” she accused breathlessly.

“All’s fair in love and coffee criticism.” But his tiger preened at her dazed expression.

The elevator dinged, and Clover quickly smoothed her dress. “Behave yourself. We have work to do.”

The lab hummed with quiet energy, machines processing data while technicians moved between workstations. Rook led Clover to his private research area, separated from the main lab by glass walls.

“Very mad scientist chic,” she observed, setting her bag on a counter. “Though I see Frederick’s looking perkier today.”

The ficus she gifted him did seem lively. Rook suspected the plant responded to Clover’s natural magic. “He missed you.”

“Just Frederick?” She unpacked various bottles and herbs, arranging them with practiced efficiency.

“Maybe I missed you too.” He stepped close behind her, breathing in her wildflower scent. “A little.”

“A little?” She leaned back against his chest. “Guess I’ll take my coffee and go then...”

He growled—fine, yes, he did growl—and nipped her ear. “Stay.”

Her laugh warmed him to his bones. But she pulled away, all business now. “Okay, tiger. Let’s get to work. Before we continue where we left off, show me some of what you’ve got going here.”