Chapter 36
THIRTY-SIX
T hora stared at the envelope, an odd sensation stirring in her chest. Her sabertooth shifted beneath her skin, attuned to the symbol in a way she couldn’t explain. “Why would they contact me?”
“The Tiikeris never invite outsiders,” Lucella said, eyes wide with curiosity. “They’re the oldest tiger shifter family in three counties.”
“Maybe they heard about your sabertooth form,” Kalyna suggested, studying Thora with newfound interest. “Sabertooths are rare. Most big cat shifters are standard tigers, lions, or leopards.”
Thora took the envelope, her fingers tracing the wax seal. Something about it felt... familiar. Which made no sense. She’d never known any tiger shifters—her orphanage caretakers had been baffled by her sabertooth emergence with no records to suggest her genetic heritage.
“You should ask Artair about them,” Bryn suggested. “The Maxens and Tiikeris have complicated history.”
“I don’t need Artair’s help,” Thora replied automatically, tucking the envelope into her jacket pocket.
“You know, for someone who’s ‘not interested’ in my brother, you sure get defensive whenever his name comes up.” Bryn’s smile turned sly. “Almost like you’re trying to convince yourself.”
“I’m here to catch a bounty. That’s it.” Thora grabbed her water glass, wishing it held something stronger.
“How’s that going?” Lucella asked, genuine interest in her voice. “Bryn mentioned you’re tracking someone who’s been stealing from bear clan families.”
Grateful for the change of subject, Thora nodded. “Ajax Blackwater. Specializes in thefts from old shifter bloodlines. Apparently, he’s been targeting Maxen properties specifically.”
“Any idea why?” Kalyna leaned forward, her librarian’s curiosity piqued.
“Bear clan artifacts fetch high prices on the black market. Magical resonance.”
“No, I mean why Maxen properties specifically. There are three other bear clans in Enchanted Falls.”
Thora paused, considering. “Good question. Could be opportunity. Could be personal.”
“Or could be someone with a vendetta against the Maxens,” Bryn said quietly, her usual bubbly demeanor subdued. “Our family has enemies.”
The waitress returned with their food, momentarily halting conversation. Thora eyed the massive plate set before her—golden pancakes, crispy bacon, sausage links, hash browns, and two sunny-side-up eggs. Despite herself, her stomach growled appreciatively.
“Told you,” Bryn nudged her with an elbow. “Mo’s food is worth the company.”
The first bite of pancake melted on Thora’s tongue, tasting like... she paused, surprised. It tasted like the rare mornings at the orphanage when the cook made special birthday breakfasts—one of the few times she’d felt something like belonging.
“See that face?” Kalyna whispered loudly to Lucella. “That’s the I-can’t-believe-how-good-this-is face. Gets everyone their first time.”
Thora schooled her expression. “It’s adequate.”
“She likes it,” Bryn stage-whispered. “I can tell.”