Page 43 of Reptile Dysfunction
“Leave the paperwork to me,” Sloane says. Her hand finds my arm as she speaks, a casual touch that sends warmth radiating through my entire body. Was it only a month ago that I thought I’d be a lonely ex-enforcer forever? And now I get to touch and be touched by this amazing, brilliant woman whenever we want.
“I’ll start the process tomorrow,” she says. “We’ll march through all the paperwork one step at a time. Meanwhile, we can build our client list, hire people you know and trust, and be fully operational by the Revelation Day celebration.”
She looks at my older brother and clearly gets another idea. “Sebastian, do you think the library board would be interested in hosting some educational seminars about monster abilities and professional integration?”
Sebastian’s snakes do their pleased, almost haughty, wiggle. “I’m sure we could arrange something. Especially with the Revelation Day celebration coming up…”
The pieces fall into place like a masterful swim stroke, each motion supporting the next, creating momentum.
“Guardian Solutions,” I test the name again. “Expert protection without intimidation.”
“Unless intimidation is part of the job,” Sloane amends with a smile. “In which case, we’ll have protocols for that too.”
The werewolf grins. “Thanks again. You got me out of a jam.”
Looking at Sloane’s eager expression, Sebastian’s proud smile, and the kid’s hopeful eyes, I realize I’m already thinking ten steps ahead. This is the first time I’ve felt optimistic in a long time.
Sloane moves closer, and when her hip brushes against my thigh, the casual intimacy sends warmth through me. My snakes react immediately, several reaching toward her with obvious longing.
Sterling stretches hopefully toward her, and when she absently strokes his scales, the gentle touch makes me shiver.
“I’m proud of you, brother,” Sebastian says, clapping me on the shoulder before heading back to his own work. “This is exactly what the community needs.”
After the werewolf leaves and Sebastian disappears, Sloane slips her hand into mine. “Ready to go change the world?” she asks with a grin.
“With you? Absolutely.”
Because maybe this is what evolution looks like—taking the strength of the past and reshaping it into something new. Something better.
Something that protects without hiding in the shadows.
Chapter Nineteen
Sloane
“The snakes are wearing bowties.”
Standing in my parents’ foyer, I stare at Thad—specifically at his snakes, each one sporting a tiny silk bowtie in varying shades of blue. Even Sterling has one, though he can’t tear his eyes from the hallway mirror as he admires the effect.
“Sebastian’s idea.” Thad shifts uncomfortably. “Said something about making a good impression. Apparently, proper accessories are important for family dinners.”
“They’re adorable.” And they are, especially when several snakes try to strike dignified postures. “Though Sterling seems a bit too pleased with himself.”
“When isn’t he?” But his voice holds unmistakable fondness. “You should have seen the production of getting them all dressed. Like herding cats, but with more hissing.”
Before I can respond, my mother wheels into the foyer. “Oh! The bowties are adorable! Charles, come see this!”
My father emerges from his study, pausing at the sight of a six-foot-four Gorgon trying very hard to look non-threatening while wearing snake accessories.
“Mr. Mayor.” Thad extends his hand, careful not to move too quickly with his still-healing back. “Thank you for having me.”
Dad eyes the offered hand, then the snakes, then the obvious care Thad is taking to appear nonthreatening. After a moment that feels eternal, he reaches to shake Thad’s hand.
“Those are very… nicely coordinated bowties,” he manages, holding back a bemused smirk.
“Thank you, sir. My brother’s influence. He’s the fashionable one.”
“The librarian,” Mom says brightly. “With the storytime dreams! You must tell us about growing up together. Charles, didn’t you say the library’s children’s program numbers are up since he started?”
