Page 6 of Clashing With The Grumpy Wolf

"We'll need to close these access roads." I tap three winding paths leading up to the manor. "Redirect civilian traffic here, here, and here. Set up security checkpoints to verify guests against the list."

Bobby leans over, studying the map. "Expecting trouble?"

"I'm expecting rubberneckers. Half the town's trying to catch a glimpse of the new Draak matriarch-to-be. Plus the usual media vultures." The paper map feels reassuringly tangible under my fingertips as I trace the perimeter. "I want two officers at each checkpoint, rotating shifts every four hours."

"Got it." Bobby nods, making a note on his tablet. "What about the ceremony itself? We stationing anyone inside the grounds?"

"Two at the gate, two patrolling the exterior gardens. The Draaks have their own security for the house interior, dragons mostly." I mark the positions with blue dots. "I'll be at the main entrance, overseeing the arrival sequence."

Bobby's heartbeat ticks up slightly as I continue assigning positions. When I mention the lengthy perimeter patrols, his scent shifts subtly. A touch more musk, a hint of anticipation. I smirk but try to hide it. By the look on Bobby Chemko’s face, I fail.

"I was thinking Maya and I could take the north patrol route," he says with forced casualness. "And have Jared and Mark cover the south."

I look up from the map, one eyebrow raised. "You know, you could just ask her out instead of orchestrating romantic patrol routes."

“It's not like that.” A flush creeps up his neck. "We work well together, that's all."

"Right." I don't push it further, making a mental note to pair them anyway. Maya Lorne is one of my best deputies, and if something's brewing between her and Chemko, then I’m all for it.

A new scent reaches me from the hallway, interrupting my train of thought. Expensive cologne with notes of smoke and minerals. Dragon. Specifically, Percy Ashbane. His distinctive knock follows a moment later.

"Enter."

The door swings open to reveal Percy in all his polished dragon glory. Tall and athletic with sandy-blond hair and warm green eyes that contrast with his tailored charcoal suit. His wings are neatly tucked behind his back, the light-green scales shimmering slightly in the low light. His smile is genuine as he directs it at me.

“Percy.” I rise to grasp his outstretched hand, clasping his forearm in greeting. His handshake is firm, warm with the natural heat all dragons carry. “Didn't expect to see you until this afternoon.”

"Seraphina sent me to town for specialty candles at Primrose Pristine Home Decor. Thought I'd stop by while I was here."

He turns his gaze to my deputy and nods. "Bobby, good to see you."

"Mr. Ashbane." Bobby answers the nod with one of his own.

"Just Percy, please. We've known each other since middle school."

Bobby grins. "That was what, twenty years ago? You nearly set the gymnasium on fire."

"An unfortunate accident with the emergency flares," Percy says with mock dignity. "I'll let you get back to work. I just wanted a word with the sheriff."

"Sure thing. I'll distribute these assignments and check on the equipment order for the strawberry festival." Bobby gathers his paper and coffee, nodding to me. "Back in thirty, boss."

When the door closes, Percy relaxes visibly, loosening his tie and dropping into the chair across from my desk.

"Thanks for handling this personally, Adrian. I know a society wedding isn't exactly your idea of a good time."

I return to my seat, leaning back. "You'd do the same for me."

"If you ever actually settled down, absolutely." His smile widens. "Though I'm beginning to think I'll be gray before that happens."

"Considering dragons don’t turn gray, I’d say it’s rather pessimistic of you." I take a sip of coffee, find it's gone cold, and set it aside. "How are the preparations going? Silverine driving everyone insane yet?"

Percy laughs, the sound rich with genuine amusement.

"She's actually been surprisingly reasonable. It helps that Seraphina handles her perfectly." His expression softens. “She’s going to be one fine matriarch, that’s for sure. I can’t believe my luck that she’s marrying a nobody like me. Can you?”

"No, I don't," I say dryly, but with a smile on my lips. "And I don't need the details on how you made that miracle happen. I remember how wild you were as a young dragon."

Percy’s laughter fills the small office, as warm and contagious as when we were kids. He always had a way with people.