Page 43 of Hot for the Dragon

"At least he can't make those awful threats in dragon form," she gasped.

Daphne's back pressed against rough brick as Ned's massive dragon form loomed over her, his wings spread wide to block any escape route. Her magic had run dry, every plant within reach already spent in her desperate attempts to escape. Heat radiated from Ned's scales as he drew back his head, preparing to strike.

Suddenly, a thunderous roar split the night air. A blur of crimson scales crashed into Ned, sending both dragons tumbling across the street. Daphne's knees nearly buckled with relief as she recognized Archer's distinctive red coloring.

The two dragons clashed in a fury of teeth and claws. Archer fought with a savagery she'd never witnessed before, his attacks precise yet brutal. His tail whipped around to slam Ned into a building, sending bricks cascading down. When Ned tried to take flight, Archer's jaws clamped down on his wing, yanking him back to earth.

The raw power of their battle made the ground shake. Daphne pressed herself against the wall, unable to look away. She'd seen Archer fight before during their investigations, but this was different. His movements held a desperate edge, an almost personal fury in every strike.

Ned managed to rake his claws across Archer's chest, drawing blood. Archer's answering roar of rage echoed off the buildings. He didn't even seem to notice the injury, launching himself at Ned with renewed intensity. His attacks grew more aggressive, driving Ned back step by step.

The look in Archer's eyes sent a shiver down Daphne's spine - not from fear, but from the realization that his fierce protectiveness was for her. He wasn't just fighting to win - he was fighting because Ned had threatened her.

Ned attempted to blast Archer with fire, but Archer twisted away, his own flames catching Ned's wing. The smell of burned scales filled the air as Ned screamed in pain. Archer pressed his advantage, his claws leaving deep gouges in Ned's side.

Blood dripped from both dragons now as they circled each other. Archer positioned himself between Ned and Daphne, his wings spread wide in an unmistakably protective stance. His tail lashed back and forth as he advanced on Ned, each step deliberate and menacing.

Daphne watched as Archer's relentless assault finally broke Ned's resolve. The lieutenant took to the sky with labored wing beats, leaving a trail of blood droplets in his wake. Her hands trembled as the adrenaline began to fade, leaving her knees weak.

The massive red dragon that was Archer watched Ned's retreat until he disappeared into the night sky. Then his form shimmered and contracted, scales melting away until he stood before her in his human form. His auburn hair was disheveled, and his black t-shirt had tears across the chest where Ned's claws had struck.

"Are you hurt?" His deep voice carried an edge of urgency she'd never heard before. Blood trickled from a cut above his eyebrow, but he seemed oblivious to his own injuries.

Daphne couldn't form words. The image of those massive dragons locked in combat, of Archer's savage protection, kept replaying in her mind. Instead of speaking, she closed the distance between them and wrapped her arms around his waist, pressing her face against his chest. His heartbeat thundered against her cheek, still racing from the fight.

For a moment, Archer went rigid at the contact. Then, to her amazement, his arms encircled her, pulling her closer. One hand spread across her back while the other cradled her head. He held her like she might disappear if he loosened his grip.

"I caught Ned's scent on the wind," he murmured into her hair. "When I heard you call for me..." His arms tightened fractionally. "I've never flown so fast in my life."

The warmth of his embrace and the rumble of his voice in his chest began to chase away the lingering fear. Daphne breathed in his scent - wood shavings and something distinctly dragon, like smoke and spice. Her fingers clutched at the back of his shirt, and she felt him shift to better shelter her with his body.

They stood like that for several long moments, neither willing to be the first to let go. Archer's thumb traced small circles on her back, and Daphne felt the last of her tension dissolve under his touch.

Daphne reluctantly pulled back from Archer's embrace, though his warmth lingered on her skin. Her fingers fidgeted with the hem of her shirt as she recounted Ned's threats.

"He said they've been watching us. That Carmen's not happy about..." She swallowed hard. "About me trying to turn the dragons against her, and about us working together."

Archer's jaw clenched, his eyes flickering with that dangerous fire she'd seen during the fight. "What else?"

"He wanted to know what you'd do if something happened to your 'little witch.'" Daphne attempted a light laugh, but it came out shaky. "Apparently they think targeting me will make you show your true colors."

A low growl rumbled in Archer's chest. "You're staying with me until this is over."

"I can't just move in with you," she protested, though her heart skipped at the thought. "What about my things? My brother would have a fit-"

"Your brother will understand when I tell him Ned just tried to kill you." Archer stepped closer, his presence overwhelming her personal space. "This isn't a request, Daphne."

She crossed her arms, lifting her chin. "You can't just order me around, you know. I'm not one of your wing members."

"No, you're much more stubborn." His expression softened slightly. "Please. I need to know you're safe."

Daphne's resolve wavered at the genuine concern in his voice. "You're not going to let this go, are you?"

"Not a chance." He reached out to brush a loose strand of hair from her face.

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ARCHER

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