Page 37 of Red Fury

Several minutes pass before Reed responds:

The risk is substantial. The vaccination aside, extended time without shifting will make your dragon increasingly unstable.

I can handle my dragon. I am fine. I swear.

And if you’re discovered? If you shift in public? The consequences would be catastrophic for all of us.

I won’t let that happen.

I can say that with certainty because I shifted just the other day. I can’t tell her that.

Another long pause. Then:

I don’t like it

Neither do I, but this could be our only chance to understand their true intentions.

Fine. You have up to 3 extra days and no more. Gather what you can and return as soon as possible. The vaccination delay will be noted, but we can hold them off, if need be.

Relief floods through me.

Thank you. I won’t waste this opportunity.

See that you don’t. And Shadow? Be careful. The Mainland is more dangerous than you know.

Noted.

I delete the conversation thread and take a deep breath, steadying myself. I can do this. I have three days to gather the most crucial intelligence of my career. I’m sure I’ll get to the bottom of everything, and then I’ll return to Draig Island and hopefully never have to see Fury again.

The thought should be comforting, but instead it… I don’t know… It makes me feel uncomfortable.

I worry what he will get up to in my absence. That must be it.

I unlock the stall door and step out, then I wash my hands and leave, only to find Fury waiting right outside in the hallway.

He steps up toward me so that he can speak under his breath.

“Interesting conversation in there.” He uses his thumb to point toward the conference area.

“You were listening in?” It isn’t really a question.

“Yes, how could I not?” he replies. “Please tell me you’re staying for this meeting.”

“Yes. I’m postponing my trip home.”

“Good.” He nods once. “I’ve been called in for additional security protocols during the meeting, but I doubt I’ll beanywhere near the actual discussions. You, on the other hand, will be right in the room where it’ll all take place.”

“I know.” I take in a deep breath.

“This is it, Shadow. This is what we’ve both been waiting for. Finally, we’ll know what they’re really planning. Are we still together on this? Still a team?”

I nod, unable to trust my voice.

He leans in closer, his proximity making my skin tingle with awareness. “If you need to shift again before then,” he murmurs, his breath warm against my ear, “you know where to find me.”

The memory of his hands on my skin, his mouth between my legs, crashes over me with renewed force. My body responds instantly, nipples tightening and heat pooling low in my belly.

I snort and roll my eyes. “Not happening, Red,” I whisper.