Page 147 of Red Fury

“You had better be about to board your flight.” Steel’s voice is clearly audible.

“I am.”

“Why are you calling me, then?”

“There’s been a development. Kozlov pulled out of the arms deal. And Secretary Harrison was in a fatal car accident not so long ago.” Fury trails off.

“Kozlov moves quickly.”

“He does,” he says, pulling in a fortifying breath.

“We can talk about it when you land? You’ll be here in a few short hours. I—”

“I need you to do a huge favor for me, Steel.”

Steel’s sigh is so loud it’s audible. “I’m not liking the sound of this.”

“I need you to get Shadow on my flight back. I want her to return to Mistveil with me.”

There’s a long pause. “The Draiger? Why?” Another pause, then Steel’s voice changes, becoming knowing. “Let me guess. You’re in love with her.” He still sounds flat.

I’m sure he disapproves. I guess I can’t blame him. Fury and I have pushed past the bias, but others haven’t.

I’m a Draiger to them.

“Yes,” Fury says, his eyes locked with mine. He takes my hand, running his thumb over my palm. “I’m completely and totally in love with her. She can’t go back to Draig Island. She’s overdue on her vaccination,” he says more quietly. “She’s in control. It’s proof that everything Kozlov said is true. I can prove it. I just need her to do it. I need her to come with me, and she can show you for herself.”

“So, this is about proving your point, then? Not love?”

Fury’s eyes never leave mine. “For me, it’s about love. But if you need a reason that you can sell to Arctic, use that one.”

I smile at him, my heart full of affection and hope despite everything.

“There’s no way I can get this approved before your flight takes off,” Steel says. “It’s just not possible.”

“You’re the General. Surely you can make decisions for yourself? You don’t need approval.”

“If I’m making this decision as the General, it’s a straight no. Forget about it.”

My heart sinks.

“I’m asking you as a friend, then. As someone who’s in love himself. You fell in love with your human charge. You broke every rule in the book for her. Surely you, of all people, understand—?”

“Stop!” Steel says, but I can hear the smile in his voice even though I don’t have the phone to my ear. “You’re sure she’s in control?”

Fury glances at me.

I bite my lip and nod. “I am,” I mouth.

“I’m very sure,” Fury says, grinning at me.

“She’s your responsibility.”

“I know she is. She’s mine.”

There’s another long pause. “Fine. I’ll have it sorted in five minutes. You can bring your female back with you.”

Fury’s whole face lights up. “Thank you. Thank you so much. I owe you one, Steel. I—”