Page 2 of Hex and Scales

“Oh, honey.” Ylan’s laugh filled the shop. “Remember last summer when you?—”

The shop bell chimed. Sabine turned toward the door, grateful for the interruption—and promptly choked on her cinnamon roll.

A man filled the doorway, andfilledwas the only appropriate word. Tall and broad-shouldered, he radiated quiet power like a banked storm. Black hair swept back from a face that belonged on ancient statues of warrior gods: sharp cheekbones, strong jaw, and lips that somehow managed to look stern and sensual at the same time.

Holy catnip, her inner voice squeaked.Is this even legal? Should there be a warning sign before someone this gorgeous walks into a room?

But it was his eyes that stole her breath: warm brown with flecks of gold that caught the morning light. Eyes that sent recognition shooting through her body like lightning.

Her locket burned against her skin. Deep inside, her tigress surged to full alertness, pushing against her human form with unprecedented urgency. A single word thundered through her consciousness:

Mate.

TWO

Sabine’s knees threatened to buckle. She grabbed the counter for support, fighting the absurd reaction. She’d never experienced such an instant, primal response to anyone before. Her tigress paced beneath her skin, radiating absolute certainty.

Down, kitty, she told her inner cat firmly.We are not going to jump the incredibly hot stranger. Even if his shoulders are broader than the doorway. Even if his jaw could cut glass. Even if—oh gods, is that a dimple?

“Good morning.” His voice rolled through the shop like distant thunder, deep and rich enough to send shivers down her spine. “I’m Ren Athran. I’m here about the recent magical disturbances in town.”

The shop door chimed again as Clover and Romi burst in, arms laden with boxes. They froze mid-step, identical expressions of shock spreading across their faces.

“Welcome to Katz ‘n Things.” Sabine amazed herself by keeping her voice steady despite her tigress still chantingmate, mate, mate. “I wasn’t aware of any disturbances.”

“They’ve been subtle so far.” His gaze swept the shop before settling back on her face with an intensity that madeher pulse spike. Something flickered in those incredible eyes—recognition? Confusion? “But significant enough to warrant investigation. I’ll be staying in Mystic Hollow longer than anticipated.”

Was it her imagination, or did his voice catch slightly on those last words? And why did he look so familiar? The dreams flashed through her mind—golden eyes, strong hands, that sense of absolute rightness...

“Oh my gods,” Clover whispered loudly to Romi and Ylan. “That’s him. That’s Ren Athran.”

“Who?” Romi clutched Clover’s arm.

“The founder of Mystic Hollow! I saw him at the elder council meeting last month when he stripped Justus of his ability to shift at will. He’s like, ancient. And powerful. And apparently hot as sin.”

“Founder?” Ylan’s eyebrows shot up. “As in...”

“As in he created this whole town centuries ago. He’s basically magical royalty.”

Sabine’s mind spun. The gorgeous stranger who made her tigress purr was the legendary founder? She straightened her spine, determined to appear professional despite her inner feline’s demands to rub against him like a cat in heat.

“We’d be happy to help however we can, Mr. Athran.” She gestured to the shop’s extensive collection. “We have quite a few magical detection tools that might assist with your investigation. Or protective amulets, if you’re concerned about darker forces at work.”

His lips twitched slightly—definitely a dimple. “Please, call me Ren. And thank you, but I’m quite familiar with most magical artifacts.” His gaze lingered on her face. “Though I admit, I find myself... intrigued by what your shop offers.”

Was he flirting? Surely not. But the way he looked at her...

“Well, feel free to browse.” She waved vaguely at the shelves, trying to ignore how his presence seemed to fill every corner of the space. “I’m something of an expert on magical items myself. If you need any assistance...”

“I’ll know exactly who to ask.” His voice dropped lower, sending another shiver down her spine. “Miss...”

“Katz. Sabine Katz.”

He stiffened slightly, an almost imperceptible reaction she might have missed if she hadn’t been watching him so intently. “Miss Katz.” He inclined his head in a gesture that seemed almost formal. “You’ll be seeing more of me, I expect. Any sign of trouble, I’ll be here.”

The words carried a weight beyond their surface meaning. Her birthmark tingled again as their gazes locked. His eyes... they were exactly like the ones from her dreams. The same blend of brown and gold, the same intensity that seemed to see straight through to her soul.

Keep it together, she told herself firmly.Do not imagine climbing him like a tree. Do not wonder if his lips taste as good as they look. Do not—oh gods, he’s still staring at me.

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