Page 4 of Hot for the Dragon (Saltwater Grove #3)

4

ARCHER

A rcher's Corvette purred to a stop in front of City Hall, its glossy black finish reflecting the morning sun. He adjusted his leather jacket and deliberately took his time stepping out. Let them stare - he'd learned long ago that fear had its uses.

"Is that him?" A woman's whisper carried across the street. "The dragon who used to-"

"Shh! He'll hear you!"

Archer's lips quirked. His dragon hearing picked up every word, of course. He strode toward the building's entrance. His boots clicked against the concrete as he walked up the front steps.

"They say he once took down three rival dragons at once," a teenage boy whispered to his friend, excitement coloring his voice.

"I heard it was five," his companion replied.

"It was seven, actually," Archer muttered under his breath, though he'd never admit it aloud. His dragon prided itself at the memory.

The security guard at the metal detector visibly swallowed as Archer approached. "Mr. Hawke, sir. You can, uh, go right through."

"What, no pat-down?" Archer's black eyes glinted with amusement. "And here I was, looking forward to it."

The guard's face went pale. "No, sir. I mean- we know who you are."

"Do you?" Archer passed through, his dragon satisfied with the guard's discomfort.

Inside, the bustling lobby went quiet. A clerk dropped her stack of papers. Another nearly walked into a wall. Archer couldn't help himself - he winked at her, causing her to flush scarlet.

"Second floor," a receptionist squeaked when he approached her desk. "The Council chamber is-"

"I know where it is."

As he waited for the elevator, a young intern whispered to her colleague, "I heard he's completely ruthless. Like, scary ruthless."

"Brutal," her friend agreed. "My cousin said-"

The elevator dinged, and Archer stepped inside, catching their reflection in the mirrored walls. He flashed them his most dangerous smile, showing just a hint of fang.

Both women froze, then scattered like startled rabbits.

His dragon rumbled with satisfaction. Still got it.

Archer soon pushed open the heavy oak doors to the Council chambers. His dragon's enhanced senses immediately picked up the mix of anxiety and hope radiating from the assembled Council members. The circular room stretched upward to a domed ceiling, the morning light filtering through stained glass panels that cast multicolored shadows across the polished marble floor.

His gaze swept the room, cataloging exits and threats out of habit, when it caught on a familiar figure. Daphne stood near one of the tall windows, the sunlight catching the deep brown of her hair and making it shine. His dragon stirred with interest, and Archer fought down an unexpected surge of pleasure at seeing her again.

"Didn't expect to see you here," he said as he approached the center of the chamber.

"I'm here because I care what happens to this town," Daphne replied, lifting her chin.

His dragon approved of her spirit, even as Archer maintained his cool facade. He turned to address the semicircle of Council members, deliberately positioning himself so he could keep Daphne in his peripheral vision.

"Let's cut to the chase," he said, resting his hands on the polished wooden railing that separated him from the elevated Council seats. "I'll help you deal with Carmen. But don't mistake this for some noble crusade. I expect proper compensation for my time and effort."

He paused, letting his words sink in. "And I make no promises about the outcome. Carmen's not just any dragon - she's clever, ruthless, and she's had years to build her power base while I've been..." He smirked. "Otherwise occupied."

From out of the corner of his eye, he caught Daphne's slight frown. His dragon preened, pleased she was paying such close attention to his words.

Hugo leaned forward in his Council seat. "Name your price, Mr. Hawke."

"Twenty thousand. Half now, half when it's done." Archer's dragon purred at the collective intake of breath from the Council members. He'd purposely asked for more than necessary - never show your hand too early.

"Fifteen," Hugo countered. "And we'll throw in exclusive hunting rights in the northern territory."

Archer's eyebrows rose. The northern territory was prime hunting ground, especially during salmon season. His dragon perked up at the thought of fresh fish.

"Done." He crossed his arms, leather jacket creaking. "I'll track down Carmen, see if she's willing to talk before things get messy." His lips curved into a predatory smile. "Though knowing her, messy is exactly what she wants."

"You think she'll listen?" Daphne's voice carried across the chamber, soft but clear.

Archer turned, meeting those striking green eyes. His dragon stirred again, intrigued by the mix of concern and steel in her gaze. "No. But sometimes you have to go through the motions before you can justify breaking someone's jaw."

"And how do you plan to find her?" Hugo asked.

"Please." Archer rolled his eyes. "Carmen's not exactly subtle. She'll want everyone to know where she is - that's half the point of her little power play. Besides..." He tapped his nose. "Dragon senses. We can track our own kind."

"When can you start?" another Council member asked.

Archer stretched, deliberately casual. "Already have. Picked up her scent the moment I drove into town."

"Mr. Hawke-" Hugo began.

"Archer," he corrected. "If we're going to work together, might as well use my first name." His gaze flickered to Daphne. "All of you."

"Archer, there's one more condition," Hugo said. "We'll be sending someone to monitor your progress."

"Like hell you will." Archer's dragon roared at the suggestion. "I work alone."

"This isn't negotiable."

"Anyone from City Hall would be a liability." Archer's lips curled into a smirk. "Or did you forget Carmen's trying to take all of you down?"

"That's why I volunteered."

Archer's head snapped toward Daphne, his dragon suddenly alert. She stood with her shoulders back, chin raised.

"You?" He arched an eyebrow. "And what makes you qualified to tag along while I hunt down the most dangerous dragon shifter in the territory?"

"I've already faced her once," Daphne said.

"No." Hugo's voice cut through the chamber. "Absolutely not."

"You already agreed," Daphne reminded her brother.

Archer's eyes narrowed. Now this was interesting. She wasn't part of City Hall, yet here she was, volunteering for what could be a suicide mission. His dragon's curiosity peaked.

"I don't need a babysitter," Archer growled, but his protest lacked its usual bite. Something about her quiet confidence intrigued him.

"The Council has spoken," Hugo said firmly. "Either accept our terms or the deal's off."

Archer studied Daphne, noting how she met his gaze without flinching. His dragon approved, even as Archer maintained his scowl.

"Fine," he bit out. "But when things get dangerous - and they will - don't expect me to play bodyguard."

"I don't need a bodyguard," Daphne snapped.

Archer locked eyes with Daphne across the Council chambers. His dragon noted how the morning light caught her golden-brown face, highlighting a determination that made his dragon hum with interest. Without another word, he turned on his heel and strode out, his boots echoing against the marble floor.

As Archer headed for the exit of the building, the security guard practically dove out of his way. The morning air soon hit his face, bringing with it the scent of fresh-cut grass and-

"Wait up!"

Quick footsteps approached from behind. His dragon's senses had already picked up her floral scent before she called out. He kept walking.

"Has anyone ever told you it's rude to walk away from people?" Daphne fell into step beside him, matching his long strides.

"Has anyone ever told you it's dangerous to chase after dragons?"

"Only about five times this morning." She flashed him a smile that made his dragon stir. "Look, if we're going to be working together, we should at least get to know each other. Come have coffee with me at Cauldron & Cup."

Archer stopped short, turning to face her. "Is this you asking me out?"

"This is me trying to figure out if I can trust the dragon I'm supposed to work with." She crossed her arms, meeting his gaze steadily. "Unless you're afraid of a little conversation?"

His dragon bristled at the challenge in her voice. "I don't do coffee dates."

"Good thing this isn't a date then." Her green eyes sparkled with amusement. "Think of it as... strategic planning."

Archer studied her for a moment. Most people couldn't maintain eye contact with him for more than a few seconds, yet here she was, practically daring him to say no. His dragon found her lack of fear... intriguing.

"Fine," he growled, though it came out less threatening than he'd intended. "One coffee."

"That's all I'm asking." She smiled again, and this time his dragon purred in response. "Though you might change your mind when you try their Dragon's Breath Hot Chocolate."

"Doubtful." But his lips twitched despite himself.

Archer glanced sideways at Daphne as they walked down Main Street. The morning crowd parted before them like water around a boulder - though he noticed several people nodding hello to his companion.

"So, what exactly can you do?" he asked, his dragon's curiosity getting the better of him. "Besides running a flower shop that got torched."

"I'm a green witch." Daphne's eyes lit up. "Here, let me show you."

She stopped walking and held out her palm. Archer watched, skeptically, as she closed her eyes in concentration. A tiny green shoot sprouted from her palm, growing rapidly until it unfurled into a perfect red rose.

"Ta-da!" She offered it to him with a bright smile.

Archer stared at the flower, then at her. His dragon huffed in disbelief. "You're telling me the Council paired me - one of the most powerful dragon shifters in existence - with someone whose special power is... gardening?"

"Hey, plants can be pretty powerful." She tucked the rose into his jacket pocket, ignoring his scowl.

"Great." Archer shook his head. "I'm stuck with a cheerful florist while hunting down a vicious dragon."