Page 95 of Red Fury

“I’m sorry. And that’s the best I have for you.” I sound defeated. “I was afraid of what you might command me to do.”

“Bottom line, you didn’t have the balls to tell me about all of it!” Steel explodes. “What else are you holding back from me?”

“Nothing. Although there has been a new development. I had planned on telling you as soon as I got back to DC.”

“You mentioned last night, something about a major threat to both islands. Then nothing until now,” Steel says.

“I was hoping to gather more intel before disclosing. I wanted to be sure of a few things first. We’ve reached a point where you need to know what’s going on.”

“I’d say,” he pushes out.

“An arms dealer by the name of Kozlov is securing nuclear weapons for the Mainland as we speak,” I tell him. “They’re talking about targeting two small countries, Steel. Two small countries that sound suspiciously like our islands.”

The line goes quiet again.

“Holy fuck!” Steel whispers almost to himself.

“I was there when the order was placed. It sounds like they’re planning genocide, Steel. Complete annihilation of both dragon populations.”

“Fuck.” Steel snarls. “Are you certain?”

“That’s just it. I’m not certain. The islands weren’t specifically named, but the order went in at the same time a biological threats meeting was being held. We were definitely on the agenda. Which is why I needed Shadow’s help. She’s the only one positioned to gather intel from Harrison’s inner circle. The only one who might be able to find out exactly when and how they’re planning to strike. We need that information in order to act. We need her to dig up further information.”

“That makes sense. Not that I’m letting you off the hook here because I’m not. Where is she now?” Steel asks. “Can she get us more details?”

My jaw clenches so tight.

“That’s the other problem. Kozlov – the arms dealer – has her.”

“What do you mean, he has her?”

“I mean, he had her kidnapped from the airport parking garage this morning. She’s being held in his penthouse right now.” I glance up at the building again, my dragon roaring for blood. “I’m going to get her back myself.”

“Why has he taken her? This isn’t making any sense.”

“I don’t know why, and quite frankly, I don’t give a shit. I’m going in tonight…right after I end this call.”

“Fury, no. Stand down immediately.”

“Like hell I will.”

“That’s an order!” Steel barks. “You will not engage Kozlov without backup. We’ll coordinate a proper extraction. We’ll—”

“There’s no time for that. Every minute we waste talking is another minute she could be—” I can’t finish the sentence. The thought of what Kozlov might be doing to her makes me see red.

“She’s a Draiger, Fury. She’s not even one of us, not really. Why are you willing to risk your career, your life, to save her? You’re putting your own people on the line.”

“It doesn’t matter that she’s a Draiger. She’s my partner in this. I have to save her just like I would run in to save you. It’s as simple as that,” I say through gritted teeth. “We’re working together to save both our islands. She doesn’t deserve whatever that sick fuck has planned for her. I’m going in now and, with all due respect, nothing you can say will stop me.”

“Why are you so damned emotional about this? You’re not being rational, Fury. You’re acting completely out of character here.” There is a long pause. “Fucking hell! Fuck no! What the actual… Please tell me you’re not sleeping with her.”

I don’t answer immediately, which is answer enough.

“Jesus Christ, Fury. You’re fucking one of them…a Draiger.” It’s not a question this time. “Do you have feelings for this female? Because it would seem to me that you do.”

“No,” I snap. “It’s not like that. It was just—”

“Just what? A casual hookup?” Steel’s voice is getting louder with each word. “It’s safe to say you’ve gone rogue here. That you’re in over your head and not thinking clearly.”