Page 7 of Crocodile Tears
“Most people in your situation want one or the other.Either they’re looking for someone so normal and peaceful they can pretend their previous life never happened, or they want someone who won’t be scared off by the reality of what they’ve done and who they are.”
I consider her words while studying the collection of successful match photos on her wall.The couples look genuinely happy, but more importantly, they look like they’re being themselves with each other.No pretense or carefully maintained facades.
“I want someone who won’t freak out if I accidentally shed my skin at an inopportune moment.”The words come out before I can stop them, and I immediately regret the admission.
Red just nods like I’ve said something perfectly reasonable.“Gila monster?”
“How did you—”
“The way you positioned yourself in your chair, the way you checked ambient temperature when you entered the room, and the faint pattern on your forearms when you’re thinking hard.”She grins.“Plus, you mentioned shedding, which narrows down the possibilities.”
I look down at my arms, surprised to see the orange-black patterning that appears when I’m stressed or emotional.“I thought I was keeping that under control.”
“You are, mostly, but shifter biology has its own timeline, especially when we’re dealing with change or uncertainty.”She sets down her tablet.“Shedding at awkward moments is barely in the top ten weirdest shifter dating issues I deal with.Trust me, we’ll find someone who thinks your reptilian traits are assets, not problems.”
The confidence in her voice is reassuring in a way I wasn’t expecting.“What kind of assets?”
“Reptile shifters tend to be patient, observant, and excellent at reading situations.You’re probably calmer under pressure than most people, you have better temperature regulation, and I’m guessing your night vision and reaction times are significantly above human normal.”
“All true.”
“Those are attractive qualities to the right person—someone who values competence and reliability over flashy romance.”She turns back to her tablet, scrolling through what appears to be client profiles.“Actually, I might have someone perfect for you.Dr.Rebecca Lawson, crocodile shifter, and a research scientist.”
The tablet screen shows a photo of a woman with dark hair pulled back in what was probably meant to be a professional bun but looks more like organized chaos.She’s clearly mid-lecture, gesturing with hands that are partially shifted into clawed form, while a woman in the background—probably her assistant—looks on with the resigned expression of someone who’s seen this before.
“She stress-alphabetizes lab specimens and has been known to accidentally bite through lab equipment when she gets excited about research results.”
Something about the image makes me smile.The woman looks like she’s completely absorbed in whatever she’s explaining and passionate enough about her work to shift without noticing.There’s a genuineness to the moment that’s been missing from every carefully posed dating profile I’ve seen.“What kind of research?”
“Genetics and regenerative medicine.She’s brilliant, dedicated, and recently single after a series of men who apparently thought her career wastoo intimidating.”Red looks up from the tablet.“Sound familiar?”
“What makes you think we’d be compatible?”
“You both have careers that require precision and dedication.You both understand what it’s like to be judged for aspects of yourself you can’t change, and you both need someone who appreciates competence and intelligence over conventional romance.”
She shows me more photos of Dr.Lawson in her lab coat examining genetic samples, Dr.Lawson at what appears to be a scientific conference looking simultaneously bored and brilliant, and Dr.Lawson with what looks like a large iguana wearing a tiny bowtie.
“She keeps a pet iguana named Galileo and emergency raw meat in her lab refrigerator.Her last boyfriend suggested she ‘tone down her ambition’ if she wanted to find a mate.”
The casual way Red delivers this information tells me she’s dealt with similar issues before.In my world, competence and dedication are survival traits.The idea of someone being criticized for excellence seems fundamentally backward.
“She sounds intense.”
“She is.The question is whether you find that attractive or intimidating?”
I study the photos again, particularly the one where Dr.Lawson is clearly explaining something complex while her hands gradually shift into their crocodile form.Most people would be disturbed by the casual mixing of human intellect and reptilian biology.It strikes me as perfectly natural.“I think I’d like to meet her.”
She claps her hands together like I’ve just made her day.“Excellent!I have a feeling you two would click.Let me call her and set up something.”
While Red makes the call, I continue studying Dr.Lawson’s photos.Something about her reminds me of the best officers I served with, who were completely focused when working, intense about things that matter, and devastated when someone underestimated their capabilities.
“Rebecca?It’s Red from Romance Expected.I have someone I’d like you to meet… ”
The conversation that follows sounds promising from my end, though I can only hear Red’s side.Dr.Lawson apparently has questions about my background, my “security consulting” work, and whether I’m “the type who gets upset about reptilian biology in professional settings.”
“No, he’s definitely not that type… Yes, he’s a reptile shifter, too… Gila monster… I think you’ll find him very understanding about the pressures of a demanding career… ”
When she hangs up, she’s grinning like someone who’s just solved a particularly complex puzzle.“Dinner tomorrow night at Scales and Tails—it’s a shifter-friendly restaurant with reinforced furniture and excellent soundproofing.Seven o’clock.”
