Page 68 of Winterfall Destiny

Oh yeah, so do I. Maeve's lipstick is smeared, and I wipe at her mouth with a thumb. I'm glad she wasn't more specific about what later because I wouldn't be able to think about anything else tonight if even one dirty word came from her mouth.

Because I can see everything Maeve's imagining behind her eyes, and the thoughts match mine.

26

ASH

I'm bloody glad I dressed in a suit tonight, otherwise I would stand out amongst the beautiful, stylish people passing in and out of the vast hotel entrance. I sidestep a couple who've handed their keys to a valet, my eyes bugging at the expensive red Porsche.

Okay. I'm now feeling underdressed—I'm not an expert, but people arriving in a car like that are wearing designer clothes. Maeve's hand tightens in mine, her palm damp.

What else would I expect from one of the most exclusive hotels in the city, where a night would match a week's rent for those living at homes in the street we currently share?

I've never felt so out of place in my life as I step through the glass doors into an expansive lobby. Polished marble floors, adorned with intricate gold patterns shimmer in the soft glow of crystal chandeliers hanging from the ceiling above. I catch the subtle fragrance of the fresh lilies on a nearby table, bemused that they're real. That and the intricate artwork that adorns the walls places me a world away from the Holiday Inn I last stayed in.

Ethan rests against a pillar beside one of the velvet upholstered chairs and sofas arranged throughout the space to invite guests. Although the man with hands casually in his trouser pockets doesn't look as inviting.

If he weren't an unmissable person, I would've needed to look twice to be sure this is Ethan. He's one of the scruffiest guys I know, always wearing faded T-shirts and worn pants. Now? Ethan perfectly matches the others walking by him towards the casino. The guy even tamed his hair.

Some guests veer around him, Ethan's size and stance warning people to stay away. Or behave—do some believe he's hotel security? His jacket and shirt entirely cover the usually visible scales, and someone would need to get close to see any of the tell-tale ones uncovered. No human walks in here expecting to see a dragon, so anybody who stood too close would presume Ethan has an unusual neck tattoo.

Ethan lifts his chin as he sees us, and we cross the grey marble floor to reach him. Pulling on his bottom lip, he looks between us, no greeting.

"Is Zeke alright?" asks Maeve. "Why isn't he with you?"

His eyes settle on her—a normal colour today. Contacts? "Zeke didn't want to come."

Which prompts the question why, but Ethan's look tells us not to ask. I'd query if they'd heard anymore from the First but would probably get a worse look than the one he has now.

"The man we're meeting—Callum—owns the hotel and casino, but makes his fortune from illegal activities." Ethan takes a slow look around. "That's why we're positive that Gabriella approached him—he runs a business with expertise in moving rare items from place to place. Since the dragons have the biggest network in the country and, of course, contacts with others around the world, they're the logical choice for Gabriella."

"I've explained some of this to Maeve," I say.

Ethan scrutinises me silently for a moment. "And I am reminding her."

Maeve's fingers grip even harder. "I understand. Be careful."

"How are we getting this information?" I ask.

"Gentle persuasion," Ethan says, deadpan.

"I hope you mean threats and not violence."

He looks at me. "Whatever is necessary."

Crap. I exchange a look with Maeve. But this dragon guy we’re meeting isn't likely to hand over information readily.

"And my mind-reading," adds Maeve. "I'll let you know as soon as I've picked up something, and then we can leave."

"Which is why we should've brought Tobias," I grumble. "Safer."

"Ash. Part of the reason you're here is to show these dragons that you'll live by your own rules—with Maeve, a witch, as your partner, and that to gain your loyalty they must accept and respect this."

"Their loyalty?" I blink. "To me? You didn't mention I'm here to butt heads with an alpha."

"We've shown Declan not to screw with you and that you're powerful enough to disrupt their hierarchy." Ash opens his mouth to protest. "Mate, deny you're a dragon all you want, but you can't escape the dragon bonds. The difference is, you'll be part of the new order I'm creating."

"You're taking over as leader of dragons?"

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