Page 53 of Reptile Dysfunction
Thad’s snakes all perk up at the opportunity. Even the ones still trying to maintain their intimidating image can’t hide their interest.
“We’d be happy to help,” Thad says, his voice sliding into what I’ve come to think of as his “professional protector” tone. “Though we’ll need details on expected attendance and potential risk factors.”
“Of course.” Dad sets down his glass, looking between us with an expression I can’t quite decipher. “I’ll have my assistant send over the briefing materials.” He pauses, then adds with unexpected sincerity, “I appreciate what you’re doing, you know. Both of you. This town needs its protectors working in the open.”
The compliment hangs in the air for a moment before Dad clears his throat awkwardly.
“Well,” he says, gesturing to the sequin mountain, “I’ll leave you to your… artistic endeavors. Good luck with the performance. Uh… should I say I’m looking forward to it?”
Is that a smirk on my father’s face?
“Don’t want to get your hopes up, Sir. Although I can guarantee it will be… memorable.”
“That was…” I search for the right word.
“Progress?” Thad supplies, his fingers finding mine again across the table. “Definitely progress.”
His thumb traces over my knuckles, and even this simple touch sends warmth up my arm. The easy intimacy we’ve built amazes me sometimes—how we shifted from a business interaction to this, whatever this is. Partnership, certainly. But deeper than that.
“I have something to tell you,” I say quietly, then hesitate.
“What?”
“I might be falling for you. Hard.”
His smile transforms his entire face. “Might be?”
“Definitely am.”
“Good,” he says, leaning across the table to kiss me softly. “Because I’m already there.”
Sterling immediately abandons his sequin project to drape himself across both our joined hands, as if blessing the moment. The other snakes follow suit, their warm weight settling over our joined fingers like a seal of approval.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Thad
Town Hall is packed to capacity for the emergency zoning meeting. The energy in the room crackles with tension—angry business owners, concerned citizens, and several Harrington Development employees strategically positioned throughout the crowd. My snakes detect them easily, tracking their subtle communications and heightened heart rates.
“Guardian Solutions is a go,” I murmur into my earpiece. Four of my newly hired security staff—two werewolves and two former Gorgon enforcers—confirm with professional acknowledgments.
Sebastian stands by the side entrance, his sanctuary ability creating a bubble of calm around the more agitated monster business owners. His snakes, serious in black bowties tonight,maintain a dignified alertness that contrasts with my team’s more obvious vigilance.
“Mayor’s arriving,” Sloane says, appearing at my side with press credentials around her neck. “And here comes Harrington Senior.”
My snakes rise slightly, tracking the entry of Bradley Harrington II—Bradley’s father and the CEO of Harrington Development. The older Harrington’s expensive suit and practiced smile can’t hide his predatory energy, something my enforcer senses pick up immediately.
“They’re nervous,” I observe, noting the subtle tells—tightened jaw, adjustments of his tie, the too-firm handshakes with council members. “Your evidence must be solid.”
“Three signed affidavits, recordings of veiled threats, and documentation of systematic undervaluing of monster-owned properties.” Sloane’s voice holds professional satisfaction. “Dad’s legal team says it’s enough to trigger an investigation even without tonight’s vote.”
My snakes pick up movement near the back—Bradley entering, scanning the crowd until he spots Sloane. His expression darkens when he sees her standing with me.
Sloane’s breathing quickens slightly and she eases a half-step closer to me. The faint scent of her perfume mingles with the sharp tang of adrenaline as tension fills the space between us.
“Your admirer’s here,” I say dryly, and several of my snakes actually snicker.
“Funny, I only see one man I admire in this room, and he has much better hair.” Sloane grins as my snakes preen shamelessly at the compliment. “Speaking of which, Sterling’s doing that show-off routine again.”
