The Fake Heiress and Her Purrfect Partner novel Chapter 60

**TITLE: Dreams Rise Again by Braxton**

**Chapter 60**

As Nina busily attended to Caesar the Panther within the lush confines of the Jungle Pavilion, a wave of excitement radiated from Misty Fang, who was practically vibrating with enthusiasm.

Misty leaned in, her voice a tantalizing whisper that danced in Nina’s ear. “Look at that fur! It’s like liquid silk, shining under the light, and those legs—so long and powerful!”

Misty Fang’s gaze was fixed on the panther, her eyes wide with admiration as she twisted around Nina like a pretzel, utterly captivated by the panther’s muscular form.

“When it runs, it’s like a shadow gliding across the ground. That fur gleams with such intensity, it’s like a piece of night sky come to life. And the way it walks—oh my goodness, it’s sheer poetry in motion!” Misty Fang exclaimed, her voice dripping with awe.

Nina couldn’t help but chuckle, a mix of amusement and concern bubbling up inside her. She leaned slightly away, worried that Misty Fang’s excitement might lead to an accidental drool on her hand. “Hey, wipe that mouth of yours. You’re a cool snake, not some drooling Husky!” she teased, poking Misty playfully with a pair of tweezers.

Just as they were about to exit the Jungle Pavilion, Misty Fang slithered up to perch on Nina’s shoulder, casting a dramatic, lovesick glance back at Caesar the Panther.

With a playful hiss that was almost melodramatic, Misty Fang declared, “Oh, my dashing Caesar, your devoted fangirl shall return to visit you again soon!”

Later, as Nina prepared a special meal for the skin-and-bones tiger in the Tiger Enclosure, Misty Fang’s impatience was palpable. She squirmed and wriggled, barely able to contain her excitement.

“Seriously, what’s so fascinating about this scraggly excuse for a tiger? It doesn’t hold a candle to my Caesar. Not even close,” Misty Fang thought, her frustration bubbling just beneath the surface.

Nina mused inwardly, realizing that Misty Fang was indeed a lovesick snake, enchanted by the allure of handsome creatures. It dawned on her that Misty Fang’s melancholy moments spent alone in her enclosure might stem from the lack of eye candy, leaving her feeling lonely and cold.

As they moved on to check out the other animals, Misty Fang launched into a relentless stream of chatter.

“Oh my gosh, look at that deer! Isn’t it just stunning? Those antlers are practically a crown fit for a king. I would love to coil up on them,” she gushed, her enthusiasm unrestrained.

“And that snow wolf? Wow! Those eyes? They radiate such a stoic badass energy. He’s like the ultimate forbidden fruit. I’m swooning!” Misty Fang continued, her voice a blend of admiration and longing.

“And that tourist we saw earlier? He was kinda adorable. I could totally give him a little nip just to catch his attention,” she added, her eagerness spilling over.

By the time they completed their rounds, Nina felt as though she might go cross-eyed from all of Misty Fang’s boy-crazy ramblings. Just as she examined the shell of the last sea turtle, her phone buzzed with a call from Evan.

“Ms. Summer, we’re flying overseas in two days, and the whole squad wants to treat you to dinner tonight to say thanks. Are you free to join us?” Evan’s voice was clear and magnetic, sending a thrill of excitement through Nina.

Misty Fang perked up immediately, her tail twitching in anticipation as Evan’s deep voice flowed through the phone.

Nina’s face lit up at the invitation, a broad grin spreading across her features as she replied, “Absolutely! Count me in.”

Evan chuckled, his tone warm and inviting. “You’re welcome to swing by the Swim Training Center first. We’ll all hop on the team bus to the restaurant together afterward.”

Nina’s curiosity was piqued. “Really? I get to see your team in action?”

“Of course! Just give Mr. Warren a call when you arrive,” Evan instructed.

After hanging up, Nina looked down at Misty Fang, who was still coiled around her arm, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. “Alright, Misty Fang, we’ve toured the park for nearly the whole day. It’s time for you to—”

But before she could finish, Misty Fang’s eyes blazed with an intensity that sent a shiver down Nina’s spine, her expression hungry and eager, reminiscent of a wolf poised to pounce.

“Ms. Summer,” Misty Fang hissed, urgency dripping from her voice. Her gaze was almost piercing as she implored, “I want to go to the Swim Training Center too.”

‘Bet all those swimmers have bodies to die for,’ Misty Fang thought, her mouth practically watering at the image.

Nina responded instinctively, “Sorry, girl, but no way. Those guys would be terrified if you showed up.”

Misty Fang’s usual confidence evaporated, replaced by a desperate squirm as she coiled around Nina’s arm, trying her best to appear adorable. “Please! I’ll do anything you say. I promise I’ll be super good and just hide in your pocket. I’ll quietly check them out from afar; no one will even notice me.”

“Just one little look and my fangirl fever will be completely cured!” Misty Fang pleaded, her tone laced with melodramatic flair.

Nina remained firm. “Absolutely not. If you scare the swimmers, it’ll be a total disaster. They have a flight in just two days, and next week is their big competition!”

Misty Fang shifted into full whiny mode, wrapping herself stubbornly around Nina’s arm. “Then I’m not letting go unless you take me!”

Nina recognized Shane as the oldest member of the swim team, a former sports star whose recent performances had been less than stellar.

Shane hung his head, his voice heavy with defeat. “Mr. Warren, I’m just too old now. My body can’t keep up anymore. After the World Aquatics Championships, I think it’s time for me to hang up my goggles.”

“What are you talking about?” Tony barked, his glare fierce. “With the competition this close, the one thing an athlete can’t afford to lose is their grit!”

Suddenly, an idea sparked in Nina’s mind. Hesitating only for a moment, she cautiously spoke up, “Mr. Warren, you know what? I might have a way to determine if Shane’s issue is physical or just mental.”

Everyone turned to her, puzzled looks on their faces. The assistant coach, Eddie Welch, frowned, clearly displeased. “Sorry, we’re in the middle of training. Please don’t disrupt the swimmers.”

“What do you have in mind?” Tony asked seriously, leaning closer, clearly intrigued. He trusted Nina’s judgment.

Nina leaned in and whispered her idea to Tony. Both of them glanced at the snake carrier holding Misty Fang. “Shane’s already at rock bottom right now, so maybe it’s worth taking a chance,” Tony agreed.

Nodding, he signaled for the other swimmers to step aside, giving Shane some space. “Shane, we’ve got a special test lined up. Let’s see if this is really about your body or just your mindset.

“Heads up, it might get a little intense. You in?” he asked, his tone encouraging.

“I’m ready,” Shane replied firmly, a flicker of anticipation igniting beneath his resolve. ‘Can I still swim like I used to?’ he wondered, a hint of hope creeping in.

“Good, go get ready by the pool,” Tony instructed.

He shot Nina a meaningful look, and she picked up her case, moving behind Shane Lynn. “After the whistle, you can chase this handsome guy, but absolutely do not bite, got it?”

Misty Fang wriggled excitedly. “Don’t worry, I wouldn’t bite someone this handsome.”

“Get ready!” Tony called out.

Shane took his starting position, his body tense and focused. The moment Shane dove into the pool, Nina released Misty Fang into the water.

“Holy crap!” Shane exclaimed, feeling a sudden cool sensation around his ankle, as if something serpentine had brushed against him. Instantly, he burst into an incredible sprint, propelled by a mix of fear and adrenaline.