Page 12 of Hex and Scales

But that wasn’t quite true, was it? Something about Ren resonated within her like a half-remembered melody from childhood. The rumors about his lost mate whispered through her mind—could that explain the bone-deep sadness that haunted her dreams? She must have conjured the vision based on Eiji’s words about him losing his mate eight centuries ago.

Her phone buzzed on the nightstand, startling her. A text from Ylan lit up the screen:Got those flowers you wanted for the display. Also, don’t forget your “totally not a date” coffee meeting with tall, dark & brooding today! Should I start planning the mating ceremony now or...

“Oh my god.” Sabine flopped back onto her pillows, groaning. A second message appeared.

By the way, damn girl. Those ARMS.

Color rose in her cheeks. She’d been avoiding thoughts of Ren’s arms, how his suits emphasized his broad chest, how his powerful hands could probably lift her effortlessly?—

Stop it, she ordered herself firmly. This was supposed to be a professional meeting about magical disturbances. Nothing more.

Her tigress snorted in derision.

The pre-dawn light offered no help with her dignity. With a sigh, she swung her legs out of bed. No point trying to sleep now, not when her mind insisted on conjuring images of golden eyes and that devastating dimple.

The shop was quiet when she arrived, early sunlight streaming through the windows and painting dust motes in golden ribbons. Ylan bustled around arranging fresh flowers in crystal vases, humming what sounded suspiciously like “Here Comes the Bride.”

“Really?” Sabine hung up her coat. “It’s way too early for this.”

“It’s never too early for true love.” Ylan’s eyes sparkled with mischief. “And, honey, the way that man looked at you yesterday? That was not a ‘just business’ look. That was an ‘I want to strip you and lick whipped cream off you’ look.”

“Ylan!”

“What? Don’t give me that face. You were doing the same thing. Looking at him like he’s a big, sexy tree you want to climb.”

“Stop!”

“What? I’m just speaking truth. Besides...” Ylan gestured dramatically at the flowers she’d been arranging. The buds had suddenly awakened, petals unfurling in a cascade of vibrant color. “Your inner nature agrees with me. I’ve never seen your presence affect plants quite like this.”

Sabine gaped at the display. Her essence had always influenced plants subtly—common among shifters—but lately, that connection intensified whenever thoughts of Ren surfaced.

“I didn’t mean to?—”

“Oh, I know. Your power’s just getting a little... excited lately. Especially when a certain dragon is mentioned.” Ylan’s eyebrows danced suggestively. “Want to talk about why?”

“No.” Sabine busied herself with already-neat shelves. “There’s nothing to discuss. We’re meeting about the magical disturbances. That’s all.”

“Uh-huh. And I’m secretly a unicorn.” Ylan’s voice softened. “Sweetie, I’ve known you since you were knee-high to a grasshopper. I’ve never seen anyone affect you this way. Maybe instead of fighting it, explore why he makes your essence sing.”

“He doesn’t—” Another blossom burst forth unexpectedly. Sabine shot it a betrayed look. “That proves nothing.”

“Keep telling yourself that.” Ylan patted her shoulder. “Meanwhile, I’ll be documenting your magical courtship for posterity. Clover and Romi are already betting on when you’ll finally jump his bones.”

“Don’t you have books to shelve?”

“Nope! My job is making sure my favorite tiger doesn’t miss out on the best thing that’s ever walked into this shop on those spectacular legs of his.”

TEN

Sabine retreated to the back room, her face aflame. She attempted to focus on paperwork, but her thoughts kept straying into dangerous territory. Like wondering if Ren’s hair felt as silky as it looked, if his lips carried the taste of his morning coffee, if those strong hands might?—

The potted plant on her desk suddenly sprouted three new buds.

“Everything okay back there?” Ylan called innocently. “Those plants giving you trouble?”

“You’re fired!”

“Love you too, sweetie!”

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