Page 7 of Hex and Scales

Before Sabine could respond, the temperature in the shop dropped several degrees. A familiar presence filled the doorway, radiating quiet power and barely contained irritation.

“Linus.” Ren’s voice could have frozen hell. “I wasn’t aware the Board had jurisdiction here.”

“Founder.” Linus’s greeting dripped honey-coated venom. “Simply offering assistance with quality control. We wouldn’t want any... accidents.”

The tension crackled like static electricity. Sabine’s tigress growled at Linus while simultaneously trying to preen for Ren. The conflicting impulses gave her emotional whiplash.

“Speaking of accidents,” Ylan piped up with forced cheer, “who wants stress-relieving muffins? Guaranteed to reduce tension or your money back.”

Linus’s laugh tinkled like broken crystal. “Another time, perhaps.” He pulled a business card from thin air—literally, it materialized between his fingers in a shower of silver sparks. “Do call if you notice any other... irregularities.”

The card felt cold against Sabine’s palm. Her tigress wanted to shred it.

“How kind,” she managed, filing the card under ‘suspicious things to investigate later.’ “Though I’m sure any issues can be handled by our founder.”

Speaking of whom... Ren hadn’t moved from his position by the door, his broad shoulders blocking most of the morning light. His golden eyes tracked Linus’s every movement like a predator watching prey.

“Indeed.” Linus’s smile remained perfect, plastic. “Though the founder must be quite busy. So many disturbances lately. The illusions by the lake, the ward fluctuations near the school...” He tsked softly. “One might think Mystic Hollow needs extra oversight.”

Ren’s low growl vibrated through the shop. Several crystal balls hummed in response.

“Oh my,” Mrs. Peterson whispered to Ylan. “The sexual tension is making my arthritis act up.”

Ylan choked on her muffin.

The bell chimed again as Clover and Romi walked in, carrying the usual morning coffee and pastries. Grins grew across their faces at the sight of Ren and Linus squared off like rival tomcats in Sabine’s territory.

“Well!” Clover’s eyes sparkled with unholy glee. “This is cozy.”

“Very cozy,” Romi agreed, setting cups down. “Though if I were marking this romance novel, I’d say the mysterious-but-obviously-evil suitor should exit stage left about now.”

Linus’s perfect mask slipped for a fraction of a second—long enough for Sabine to glimpse something cold and ancient in his eyes. Then his charming smile returned. “Ladies. Always a pleasure. I’ll be in touch about those safety regulations, Miss Katz.”

He swept out, leaving behind a lingering chill and the faint scent of ozone.

SIX

“Okay, what was that?” Sabine rounded on Ren. “Why does the Supernatural Commerce Board want to investigate minor malfunctions? And why did you look ready to breathe fire when he touched my stock?”

“The Board,” Ren bit out, “has no authority here. And Linus—” He cut himself off, jaw clenching.

“Uses too much hair product?” Romi suggested. “Kicks puppies? Has suspicious taste in suits?”

“Is not to be trusted,” Ren finished. His gaze softened marginally when it met Sabine’s. “These incidents. They’re escalating?”

“Small things, mostly.” Sabine gestured at the display of now-dormant cat toys. “But there’s been talk of stronger illusions around town. Strange shadows by the lake, whispers in the forest...” She squared her shoulders. “I could help investigate. My shifter magic is stronger than most, and with Clover and Romi’s witch abilities?—”

“No.” The word cracked like a whip.

Her tigress bristled at his tone. “Excuse me?”

“It’s too dangerous.”

“I don’t recall asking permission.” Sabine planted her hands on her hips. “This is my town too. And if someone’s targeting magical businesses?—”

“I said no.”

“And I said?—”

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