Page 2 of Red Fury (The Dragon Tributes #8)

F ury

Four months later…

I look back down at my phone, opening the email for the tenth time, hoping to glean more information that just isn’t there.

I’ve been summoned to the Royal Offices, and I have no idea why. I’d like to think I do. I hope I do, but I can’t be sure.

I stride through the corridors of the palace. Even at this early hour, it hums with activity. There are staff members hurrying about their duties, guards stationed at key points, as well as the subtle scent of coffee and fresh-baked goods drifting from the kitchens.

This place never sleeps.

I look down at my uniform, mask in hand. I’m as ready as I’ll ever be.

The guard at the door to the offices gives me a respectful nod, and I do the same back.

I enter, smiling at the king’s PA. “Good morning, Sally.”

“Good morning, Fury.” She beams at me.

“You are looking lovely, as always.”

“Flattery might just get you far. And by far, I mean a cappuccino and a croissant, freshly baked?” She lifts her brows.

“That sounds amazing. Do you know what this is about?” I ask under my breath, taking a step toward her desk.

She shakes her head. “I’m afraid not. It’s above my pay grade. They’re in there waiting for you.”

I start to look at my watch.

“You’re right on time. They had a meeting already.”

I nod, feeling tension build.

“I’ll be right in with your coffee,” she tells me.

“You’re a honey.”

“And you’re too charming for your own good.” She wags a finger at me as she gets up.

My smile instantly dies as I push open the doors and step inside.

King Arctic’s office is a perfect blend of traditional and modern.

The king himself stands behind his massive desk, impeccably dressed in a charcoal three-piece suit.

Even in civilian clothes, he carries himself like the warrior he is.

“Good morning, Fury.” He looks up from the documents spread across his desk, his gaze assessing. “Right on time.”

“Morning, Your Majesty.” I give him a respectful nod before turning to Steel, who’s leaning against the window frame. The newly appointed general turns to face me; his black leather uniform is molded to his powerful frame. “Good to see you, Steel. Congratulations on the promotion.”

Steel grins, the expression transforming his usually serious face. “Thanks. Still getting used to it, to be honest.”

“I’m so glad you finally accepted,” the king says, he and Steel exchanging a look. They’ve been friends for years, and it’s in moments like this that it’s apparent.

“You’ve earned it.” And I mean that. Steel’s one of the few males I look up to. He’s proven his loyalty time and again, especially after what happened with Anya and the whole mess with Ice.

My attention shifts to the third person in the room, and my expression cools, even though I try hard to remain neutral.

The male standing near the conference table is tall and lean, dressed in a well-tailored suit.

His hair is longer than is in style here on Mistveil.

His golden eyes are sharp, missing nothing.

Octane. The head of liaison between Draig and Mistveil Islands.

A Draiger.

Not my cup of tea. He’s arrogant and, well…a Draiger. I struggle to get past that.

“Morning.” My voice is polite but slightly clipped. I can’t help it. Years of conditioning don’t just disappear overnight because we’re trying to improve our relationship with Draig. Not that too much is happening on that front. I almost feel sorry for the guy.

“It’s good to see you.” Good is pushing it, but I have to try.

What is he doing here, anyway?

Why would he be needed?

Unless I’m not here to be promoted.

Double fucking crap!

“Fury.” He inclines his head, his expression equally guarded. “Good to see you, too. You look well.”

“You, too. The mated life suits you.”

“It does. Being a father, too. Best things that ever happened to me.”

Lucky fuck! What most of us wouldn’t give to have the same. He should have stayed on his island and mated one of his own. It’s not like we have females to go around. I keep my opinions to myself. This is not the time.

Steel clears his throat, shooting me a warning look. Damn. Clearly my thoughts are being betrayed without the need for words. I need to play nice, even if every instinct I have is telling me not to trust the male across from me.

I smile. “I’m excited to learn why I am here. Seems…interesting.” My gaze flicks back to Octane before moving to the king.

“Let’s get to it. Please, sit.” Arctic gestures to the chairs arranged around his desk. Great! We’re not going to sit at the conference table or at the sitting area in the corner. This is more of a formal gathering than I thought it would be.

I put my mask on the side table against the wall and do as instructed, sitting on the chair closest to Steel.

There is a knock at the door. Sally enters, carrying a tray. “I hope I’m not disturbing.” She doesn’t wait for a response. Instead, she walks inside, placing a tray on the desk before us. There are four cups of coffee and a plate full of pastries.

“Thanks.” I wink at her when she looks my way.

Sally throws me a big smile and leaves.

“So,” Arctic begins, sitting on his own chair, “let’s get straight into it.”

Steel picks up one of the cappuccinos, casually sipping the beverage. My stomach suddenly feels like it’s full of rocks. I lean back, trying to appear relaxed.

“First, let me say that your handling of the security breach last week was exemplary,” King Arctic goes on, his gaze on me.

I nod, remembering the incident. “That group of banished males thought they had made it through our defenses, but they were wrong.”

“It could have been a shitshow, but your team saved the day. You saved the day with your quick thinking,” Arctic adds. “It was impressive.”

“My team followed orders and did what needed to be done.” I take a cappuccino off the tray and take a sip. “I have to give them most of the credit.” I’m not being modest; it’s the simple truth.

“Which brings us to why you’re here,” Steel continues, his expression growing serious.

This is it. Fingers and talons crossed.

I pray that they are finally going to offer me the position of a lifetime. Head of Security for Mistveil Island. Steel’s old position. A role I want so badly I can taste it. I deserve this promotion.

“Our IT division finally managed to crack my brother, Ice’s, computer,” the king says.

That’s not what I was expecting. In fact, it’s the very last thing I was expecting to hear. What does this have to do with me?

“Ice had some pretty sophisticated security protocols in place,” Steel explains. “Most of the data was corrupted or deleted the moment we breached the system, but we managed to salvage a few key pieces of information.”

Octane leans forward in his chair. “What we found was…disturbing.”

Why does Octane have access to this kind of information?

I glance between the three of them, my dragon stirring restlessly beneath my skin. “What kind of information?” My voice is deep, almost too deep.

Arctic’s jaw tightens. “Evidence that Ice was in communication with someone on the Mainland, possibly more than one person. We couldn’t determine who or get specifics about their discussions, but the communications were definitely there.

Based on bits and pieces of information, we suspect that it was with someone in the government. ”

“He was monitoring at least two Council members on Draig Island, as well,” Steel adds, looking directly at Octane. “Again, we couldn’t recover the details, but he was keeping tabs on your people.”

Octane’s face remains impassive, but I catch the slight tightening around his eyes. “That is concerning.”

“It gets worse,” Arctic continues. “We also discovered that there’s an undercover Draig operative on the Mainland. They’ve infiltrated the government and currently hold a position on Secretary Harrison’s payroll.”

“Really?” I lean forward in my seat, putting my still-full cappuccino back down. “That’s…strange. Do we know who it is? Do you know this person?” I ask Octane.

“No,” Steel says grimly. “That information was completely wiped. We don’t know their identity, their mission, or how long they’ve been there.”

I look at Octane, whose face has gone pale. Either he’s a hell of an actor, or this is news to him, too.

“I didn’t know about this,” Octane says quietly. “Then again, I’m not privy to such information. Trying to build relationships between the two islands has been…challenging.”

I’m sure it has.

Arctic studies him for a long moment. “That’s what concerns us. Either your Council is operating without your knowledge, or…”

“Or this is a rogue operation,” Steel finishes.

There is a third option: perhaps Octane knew about this but didn’t share it.

“I’m sure the Council knows about this, and they aren’t telling me, but I can’t say either way.” Octane shrugs.

Crap!

A Draiger with access to the Mainland government. Someone with the potential to influence policy regarding both islands. Someone who could be feeding information to enemies we don’t even know we have.

“This is pretty bad,” I state the obvious.

“It sure is,” Steel agrees.

“What do you need me to do?” I ask. There’s a reason they’ve asked me to come today.

The king’s expression grows grave. “I know it’s unorthodox, but we’re sending you to the Mainland, Fury. As a bodyguard for Secretary Harrison, working for a company called Sentinel Security.”

I lean back in my seat, lifting my brows. “You’re right, that’s unheard of and completely against every rule in every book. If I’m caught, I’ll be executed, and it could spell trouble for both islands.”

“Your mission is threefold,” Steel continues, as if I didn’t speak. “Find the Draig infiltrator. Determine their agenda. And gather as much intelligence as possible while you are there. Anything is better than what we have now.”

“I’m going to add a fourth,” the king says. “Neutralize the Draig agent if you deem them a threat to us, or to the humans. You do it by any means necessary.”

“Without acting too hastily,” Octane adds.

“Yeah, agreed,” Steel says. “Be sure about the agent being a threat before you take drastic measures.”

“But do what you need to keep our island safe,” Arctic adds.

I nod slowly, my mind already racing through the implications. This isn’t just a mission, it’s a potential death sentence. One wrong move, and I’ll be executed. Or worse.

“It’s up to you whether you want to take this on or not,” Steel says.

“It’s a big deal. We’re asking you to leave the island, which is in direct breach of the rules.

We’re not sure how long this could take; it might be days, but it could be months, and it’s not without significant risk.

” That’s a drastic understatement. “We have two other potential candidates lined up, if you decline. Know that you are our first choice.”

Arctic nods, “Successfully complete this mission, and the position of Head of Security for Mistveil Island is yours.”

My heart stops for a few moments before starting back up again.

Head of Security. The position I’ve wanted for years. The role I’ve worked my entire career toward. It’s right there, dangling in front of me.

But the price… Good thing I have very little to lose.

“I understand the risks,” I say. “When do I leave?”

“Monday,” Steel replies. “Five days from now. That gives us time to establish your cover and get you properly equipped.”

I nod, my mind already shifting into mission mode. “I’ll need detailed information on Secretary Harrison. His routines, his security protocols, his personal preferences. Everything.”

“Already being compiled,” Arctic assures me. “I take it you’re on board?” He lifts his brows.

“Yes, I am.”

I’m not sure what the hell I’m getting myself into, but I’m doing it anyway.