Page 12 of Hot for the Dragon

"No," Daphne agreed, absently creating a small vine that curled around her coffee cup. "It's a story about a town that needs protecting, and sometimes that means trying every possible solution."

Archer's eyes tracked the movement of her vine, his expression unreadable. "Your optimism is going to get you killed."

"Maybe," she shrugged, making the vine sprout a tiny purple flower. "But at least I'll die trying to make things better instead of hiding in a mansion carving wooden models."

His eyes snapped to hers, dangerous and dark, but Daphne met his gaze steadily. The whispers around them had started up again, but she ignored them, focused entirely on the brooding dragon shifter across from her who seemed surprised that anyone would dare challenge him.

6

ARCHER

The bell chimed as Archer held the door open, following Daphne out into the afternoon sun. His keys jangled as he pulled them from his pocket, the remote chirping as he unlocked his black Corvette parked down the street.

"That's your car?" Daphne's eyebrows lifted as she looked at the sleek vehicle.

"What were you expecting? A minivan?"

"I don't know. Maybe something less... flashy?"

"Get in." He opened the passenger door, fighting back a smirk at her surprised expression. The leather seats creaked as they settled in, and the engine roared to life.

As he navigated through the winding streets, Archer's mind drifted back to the café. He hadn't needed her defense - he'd learned long ago to tune out the whispers and stares - but something about the way she'd stood up for him, a complete stranger, nagged at him.

"Why did you do that back there?" The words slipped out by accident.

"Do what?"

"Defend me. You don't know me."

Daphne shrugged, watching the scenery blur past. "Because it wasn't right. People shouldn't judge others based on rumors."

The coast soon came into view, the waves crashing against the cliffs ahead. Archer pulled off onto a hidden path and concealed the Corvette behind a natural rock formation.

"I'll have to shift here," he said, stepping out. "The entrance is up there." He pointed to a barely visible opening halfway up the cliff face.

"Shift? You mean..." Daphne's voice trailed off.

"Unless you've grown wings in the last five minutes, you'll need to ride on my back."

Her eyes widened. "Is that safe?"

"Safer than trying to climb these cliffs." He shrugged off his leather jacket, laying it across the car's hood. "Though if you're having second thoughts..."

"No." Daphne squared her shoulders. "I can do this."

"Then step back."

The transformation rippled through him, muscles expanding, bones elongating. His skin hardened into crimson scales that caught the sunlight like polished rubies. When it was done, he lowered his head to her level, watching as she took in his dragon form with a mix of awe and apprehension. He nudged his head, signaling her to get on, and she reluctantly climbed up onto his head and onto his back.

Daphne's hands gripped his scales tightly as they soared upward, her weight barely noticeable on his back. The wind whipped past them and carried the tang of salt from the ocean below. He angled his wings, catching an updraft that carried them higher along the cliff face.

As they landed in the hidden clearing, six dragon shifters emerged from the shadows. Their scales glinted in various hues - emerald, bronze, and amber. Archer kept his body between them and Daphne, spreading his wings in the ancient gesture of parley.

A dark blur streaked across the sky, and Carmen's massive blue form descended into the clearing. Her landing scattered loose rocks and dirt. She shifted smoothly, her human form emerging with a predatory grace that hadn't changed since he'd known her.

"Well, well. The great Archer Hawke." Carmen's lips curved into a sharp smile. "Have you finally come to pledge your loyalty?"

Archer shifted, his clothes settling perfectly into place - a trick that had taken years to master. He caught Daphne steadying herself out of the corner of his eye.

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