Page 24 of Red Fury

I finish getting dressed, hyperaware of her gaze on me as I pull my shirt over my head. When I catch her staring, there’s a look in her eyes that makes my cock twitch.

I really can’t go there. I have a job to do, one that could include ending her life if necessary. I hope it doesn’t come to that, because she’s growing on me. And that right there is a problem in itself.

A big fucking problem.

“We should get back to the hotel,” I say, my voice gruff.

“Yep…we have an early start tomorrow.”

I wish she’d just trust me enough to shift, but she doesn’t. I fully understand why that is. Hell, I can’t trust her, either. I can’t afford to let my guard down. Not for a second. Not with this female. Not ever!

8

Shadow

I walk beside Secretary Harrison through the sprawling corridors of the UN headquarters. Day three of this security briefing, and I’m already exhausted from maintaining my cover while trying to absorb every scrap of intelligence that crosses my path.

So far, I have to say, there hasn’t been much, which is disappointing.

“The Chinese delegation is going to push back on the cybersecurity protocols,” Harrison mutters to his Chief of Staff, Jack Deveraux, who’s keeping pace on his other side. “Make sure we have the revised numbers ready for the afternoon session.”

“Already taken care of, sir,” Deveraux replies, adjusting his wire-rimmed glasses.

Behind us, Jake Reynolds and Peterson form part of our security detail, their eyes constantly scanning for threats. I can hear their low conversation about perimeter protocols. I listen with half an ear since it isn’t the kind of intel I’m after.

My dragon stirs, but I push the sensation down, focusing on the rhythm of my footsteps. Thank god, she does as I ask. We’re off to a good start.

We turn toward the bank of elevators, and my breath catches in my throat.

Fury stands near the elevator bay with Thompson, another member of the security team. He’s dressed in his standard black suit, looking every inch the professional bodyguard. When his eyes meet mine across the space, there’s a flash of something in them. It’s gone before I can decide what it is.

“Good morning, gentlemen,” Harrison says as we approach. “Ready for another thrilling day?” He sounds like he is being sarcastic.

“Always, sir,” Thompson replies formally.

The elevator doors slide open and our small entourage files inside. Peterson steps in first, assessing the area. He’s followed by Harrison, who steps to the back corner, immediately pulling out his phone. Deveraux positions himself beside the Secretary, tablet at the ready. Reynolds holds back the elevator, and Thompson takes position just inside, while I stand closer to the control panel.

Fury steps in just as the doors begin to close, squeezing into the already cramped space. The elevator suddenly feels much smaller with his huge frame taking up so much room.

The elevator lurches upward as Harrison’s phone vibrates with an incoming call. He checks the caller ID before answering.

“This is Harrison.” He presses the device to his ear.

I strain to listen without appearing obvious. Deveraux is scrolling through his tablet, but I notice Fury’s subtle shift in posture that tells me he’s listening just as intently as I am.

“Yes, I understand the timing is tight,” Harrison continues. “But given the recent intelligence reports, I think we need to add the enhanced security protocols to today’s agenda…” He listens for a few seconds. “No, not just the cyber threats, but for the biological ones, as well.”

My heart rate spikes. Biological threats? What does he mean by that?

“The dragon situation in particular needs to be classified under potential domestic terrorism,” Harrison says, his voice dropping slightly. “I want them moved from the monitoring category to active threat assessment, where they belong.”

Crap! He is talking about my kind.

I catch Fury’s eye, and I can see he heard every word. His jaw is clenched tight, but his expression remains neutral.

“I don’t care what the previous administration classified them as,” Harrison continues. “The intelligence we’ve gathered suggests they’re more organized and potentially more dangerous than we initially assessed. Yes, both island populations. We need to put this particular item on the agenda for tomorrow’s—”

He listens again, nodding and making noises that tell the person on the other line he is listening.