Page 38 of Hot for the Dragon

"I had it under control." He didn't, but he'd never admit it. Her diplomatic skills had prevented what could have been an ugly scene with some of Carmen's more aggressive supporters.

The late morning sun caught her hair as she laughed, bringing out auburn highlights that made his breath catch in his chest. Even his dragon stirred restlessly, wanting to curl around her protectively. The feeling had only grown stronger over their weeks together.

"Sure you did." She flipped through her notebook. "Speaking of control, there's another gathering at The Claw tonight. We should go."

Archer tensed. "Those dragons won't listen. They're too set in their ways."

"Maybe. But I have to try." Her determination shone in her eyes. "Everyone deserves a chance to choose what's right."

And there it was - that unwavering optimism that had first drawn him in. His dragon rumbled with satisfaction as she outlined her latest plan to win over Carmen's followers. She was brilliant, passionate, and completely fearless in the face of creatures that could reduce her to ash.

"Fine," he conceded, unable to deny her anything when she looked at him like that. "But I'm stepping in at the first sign of trouble."

"My hero," she teased, and his heart did something complicated in his chest.

Archer watched her gather her things, fighting the urge to pull her close and confess everything. But the timing wasn't right. They had a job to do first. Still, as she chattered about their next move, he couldn't help thinking how perfectly she fit into his life, filling spaces he hadn't even known were empty.

Later that day, Archer leaned against the wall of Hugo's office during their daily afternoon meeting. He crossed his arms as he listened to the latest intelligence report. His dragon prowled beneath his skin restlessly with the knowledge of the coming attack.

"A month," Hugo said, spreading maps across his desk. "That's what three separate informants have confirmed."

"Plenty of time to prepare," Archer growled, his eyes tracking Daphne as she studied the tactical layouts. The sight of her biting her lower lip in concentration made his chest tighten.

"Or plenty of time for Carmen to gather more forces," Daphne pointed out.

"Let her." Archer pushed off the wall, stalking over to the desk. "More dragons mean more potential allies if we can turn them."

Hugo nodded, smiling. "My sister's optimism is rubbing off on you, Hawke."

"Don't remind me." But Archer couldn't keep the warmth from his voice. Working with Daphne had changed him, softened his edges just enough to see other possibilities besides brute force.

"We should focus on the southeast entrance," Daphne said, pointing to the map. "It's the most likely approach given the wind patterns."

"Smart thinking." Archer's dragon preened at her tactical insight. "Dragons always prefer a tailwind for large-scale attacks."

"Speaking from experience?" Hugo raised an eyebrow.

"Obviously." Archer smirked. "I wasn't always this charming and diplomatic."

Daphne snorted, the sound making his dragon rumble with pleasure. "You? Diplomatic? Since when?"

"Since your brother stopped arguing with me and started appreciating my expertise."

"More like since my sister started keeping you in line," Hugo muttered, but there was no heat in it. Their weeks of working together had forged an unexpected respect between them.

Archer's retort died in his throat as Daphne's hand brushed his arm. Even that slight contact sent electricity racing through his veins.

"So," Daphne said, all business despite the slight flush in her cheeks, "shall we start executing our new defense measures?"

The next day, Archer watched Daphne demonstrate proper evacuation procedures to a group of townspeople, her hands animated as she spoke. His dragon hummed with satisfaction at how naturally she took charge.

"Remember, when you hear the third bell, head straight for the tunnels. No stopping for belongings," she explained.

"The tunnel walls are reinforced with protection spells. You'll be safe inside," Archer added.

Later, as they inspected the underground passages, Archer's enhanced vision picked out every detail in the dim light. "The support beam here needs strengthening."

"Already on it." Daphne touched the wooden beam, coaxing vines to wrap around and reinforce it. The sight of her magic at work never failed to captivate him.

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