Page 46 of Red Fury

Two small countries.

No!

Shit!

He’s talking about Draig and Mistveil Islands. The Mainland government isn’t just planning enhanced security protocols or biological threat assessments. They’re planning to wipe us out completely. Every dragon, and every human living with us, everything we’ve built.

Mass genocide.

Surely not?

Kozlov laughs quietly, and the sound is chilling.

Webb once again swallows thickly, his eyes widening as he realizes he might have just made a mistake. By now, I can scent the fear rolling off him in waves, and I’m not sure why. This is just a business meeting between professionals.

“Nuclear weapons,” Kozlov repeats. “That’s something. You do know that they’re difficult to source. Almost impossible, Iwould say. They’re also expensive.” He steeples his hands on his desk.

“We have the cash,” Webb says quickly. “If you can find the weapons we need, we’re buying for sure this time. I swear to god, Roman…Mr. Kozlov, sir.”

“What do you need such weapons for?” Kozlov asks, his tone conversational, but his blue eyes are like winter.

“I’m sorry, Mr. Kozlov, that’s a state secret,” Webb replies. “I unfortunately can’t divulge the details, but know that it won’t affect you in any way.” He shakes his head, sweat beading on his brow.

Kozlov studies us for a long moment, his eyes moving between Webb and me. Finally, he nods. “I’ll do my best to secure what you need. You need to know that I was reluctant to have this meeting, but I am giving you one last chance. This is it. I won’t be as forgiving if you fuck me around again.”

“Understood.” Webb nods too many times.

Kozlov stands, and we do the same.

Then he moves around the desk. His handshake with Webb is firm but brief. When he turns to me, something shifts in his expression, and I don’t like it.

“Remind me of your name?” he asks, extending his hand.

“Damien Marsh,” I reply, meeting his grip with equal pressure.

His eyes narrow slightly as he squeezes harder. I squeeze back, keeping my gaze locked with his. He has one hell of a grip. My dragon snarls.

He’s just a human.

Relax.

It’s all fine.

“Damien Marsh,” he repeats; his eyes seem to darken. He makes a noise of interest.

“I assure you that Damien is completely above board,” Webb jumps in. “Totally trustworthy. He’s become an invaluable member of my team.”

Kozlov nods slowly, finally releasing my hand. Then he slaps me on the arm, hard enough to knock a smaller man sideways. I don’t budge.

“I like a man who takes care of himself,” Kozlov says, his eyes taking in my build. “I think it’s important to look after yourself. It’s clear that you are disciplined. I like that…I like it a lot.” He steps back, his demeanor shifting slightly. “You should come to my club. Both of you.” He looks at Webb for a second. “Bring friends if you want. You’ll be my guests in the VIP section, everything on the house, of course.” He looks my way.

“Thanks for the offer, but—” I start to decline, but Webb cuts me off.

“We’ll be there for sure,” he says, nodding some more, a wide smile on his face. “Thank you, Roman…um…Mr. Kozlov. This is… It… We really appreciate it. I appreciate you agreeing to see me.”

Kozlov nods once, then dismisses us with a gesture. “My people will be in touch.”

The elevator ride down is silent, and then we quickly retrieve our weapons. The moment we step outside, Webb practically vibrates with excitement. His smile is a mile wide.