A Roar for Magic (Mystic Hollow #2)

Chapter 27

TWENTY-SEVEN

T ension thickened the air in the pride meeting hall like smoke. Rook breathed in the mingled scents of agitation, fear, and anger rolling off his pride members in waves. His tiger bristled at the underlying current of challenge.

Beside him, Clover radiated serenity, though her magic sparked occasionally like static electricity against his skin. She leaned close, her breath tickling his ear. “Your left eye twitches when you’re trying not to maim someone. It’s kind of adorable.”

Despite everything, his lips twitched. Trust his mate to notice that detail.

“This is outrageous.” Keelan’s voice cut through the tension. His face had turned an impressive shade of purple. “First, we accept a witch into our ranks, next thing you know we’ll be hosting tea parties with unicorns.”

“Actually,” Clover whispered, “unicorns prefer coffee. They’re quite particular about their French press technique.”

Rook bit back a laugh. His tiger settled slightly, soothed by her presence.

“Look what’s happened to Xabir’s pack,” Justus added, gesturing dramatically. “They’ve gone soft. Yesterday I saw one of their enforcers helping an elderly woman cross the street!”

“The horror.” Banner rolled his eyes. “Clearly we’re witnessing the downfall of shifter society. Quick, someone alert the council – basic kindness is spreading.”

“You mock our traditions?” Keelan demanded.

“No, I mock your ridiculous prejudice.” Banner crossed his arms. “Though I suppose we can’t expect much insight from someone who still thinks cargo shorts are acceptable business attire.”

Lane snorted. “He’s just bitter because no witch would look twice at him. When was your last date, Keelan? The Bronze Age?”

“Children.” Hudson’s smooth voice cut through the bickering. He stood with perfect posture, every hair in place. “Let’s be civilized about this.”

Rook’s tiger growled. Clover’s fingers traced soothing patterns on his arm.

“Breathe,” she murmured. “His tie doesn’t even match his suit. Clearly his judgment can’t be trusted.”

Her quiet commentary helped him maintain control as Hudson continued.

“While our young alpha plays house with his... companion,” Hudson’s lip curled slightly, “our company secrets appear on competitor websites. Our equipment suffers mysterious damage. Coincidence?”

“Oh yes,” Clover whispered, “because I’m clearly a criminal mastermind. Me using my nefarious powers to make all the office plants bloom out of season is the height of evil. Truly diabolical.”

Rook’s shoulder shook with suppressed laughter.

“The timing seems relevant,” Hudson pressed. “Perhaps the board should consider a leader with more dignity and the ability to focus.”

“Focus on what?” Banner demanded. “Taking three-hour lunch breaks? We all know your idea of hard work is deciding which country club to join.”

“At least, I maintain appropriate company,” Hudson snapped.

“You’re right.” Lane nodded seriously. “Much better to be like you – alone and bitter, with only your reflection for company. Oh wait, never mind. Even your reflection probably gets tired of hearing you talk.”

Ilaria’s voice cracked through the room. “Enough! You forget yourself, Hudson. The alpha’s mate is sacred?—”

“Even when it threatens everything my father built?” Hudson turned to address the pride. “Look at our legacy crumbling. The formula leak, the machinery?—”

“The fact that you can’t get a date,” Banner muttered.

“—who will take responsibility?”

“I’ve known Clover since she was knee-high.” Elder George’s weathered face creased with disapproval. “That girl once spent three days straight brewing healing potions during the winter flu outbreak. Didn’t sleep, barely ate, just kept working until everyone recovered.”

“And you blind yourself to weakness,” Justus countered. “Our bloodlines?—”

“Could use some fresh perspective,” Elder Luis cut in. “Or have you forgotten the Northern Ridge Pride? They got so obsessed with pure bloodlines, they ended up with a generation that couldn’t shift without getting stuck halfway. Poor Bradley spent six months with a tail before they figured out how to fix it.”

The arguments exploded, voices overlapping in chaos. Sabine defended Clover’s character while Lane made increasingly creative comments about Hudson’s lack of social life. Azella tried reasoning with Hudson, who spoke over her, listing every business setback since Rook’s return.

“Five bucks says Keelan’s head actually explodes,” Clover whispered. “Look at that vein in his forehead. It’s practically doing the Macarena.”