Page 8 of Hot for the Dragon

"Second floor," a receptionist squeaked when he approached her desk. "The Council chamber is-"

"I know where it is."

As he waited for the elevator, a young intern whispered to her colleague, "I heard he's completely ruthless. Like, scary ruthless."

"Brutal," her friend agreed. "My cousin said-"

The elevator dinged, and Archer stepped inside, catching their reflection in the mirrored walls. He flashed them his most dangerous smile, showing just a hint of fang.

Both women froze, then scattered like startled rabbits.

His dragon rumbled with satisfaction. Still got it.

Archer soon pushed open the heavy oak doors to the Council chambers. His dragon's enhanced senses immediately picked up the mix of anxiety and hope radiating from the assembled Council members. The circular room stretched upward to a domed ceiling, the morning light filtering through stained glass panels that cast multicolored shadows across the polished marble floor.

His gaze swept the room, cataloging exits and threats out of habit, when it caught on a familiar figure. Daphne stood near one of the tall windows, the sunlight catching the deep brown of her hair and making it shine. His dragon stirred with interest, and Archer fought down an unexpected surge of pleasure at seeing her again.

"Didn't expect to see you here," he said as he approached the center of the chamber.

"I'm here because I care what happens to this town," Daphne replied, lifting her chin.

His dragon approved of her spirit, even as Archer maintained his cool facade. He turned to address the semicircle of Council members, deliberately positioning himself so he could keep Daphne in his peripheral vision.

"Let's cut to the chase," he said, resting his hands on the polished wooden railing that separated him from the elevated Council seats. "I'll help you deal with Carmen. But don't mistake this for some noble crusade. I expect proper compensation for my time and effort."

He paused, letting his words sink in. "And I make no promises about the outcome. Carmen's not just any dragon - she's clever, ruthless, and she's had years to build her power base while I've been..." He smirked. "Otherwise occupied."

From out of the corner of his eye, he caught Daphne's slight frown. His dragon preened, pleased she was paying such close attention to his words.

Hugo leaned forward in his Council seat. "Name your price, Mr. Hawke."

"Twenty thousand. Half now, half when it's done." Archer's dragon purred at the collective intake of breath from the Council members. He'd purposely asked for more than necessary - never show your hand too early.

"Fifteen," Hugo countered. "And we'll throw in exclusive hunting rights in the northern territory."

Archer's eyebrows rose. The northern territory was prime hunting ground, especially during salmon season. His dragon perked up at the thought of fresh fish.

"Done." He crossed his arms, leather jacket creaking. "I'll track down Carmen, see if she's willing to talk before things get messy." His lips curved into a predatory smile. "Though knowing her, messy is exactly what she wants."

"You think she'll listen?" Daphne's voice carried across the chamber, soft but clear.

Archer turned, meeting those striking green eyes. His dragon stirred again, intrigued by the mix of concern and steel in her gaze. "No. But sometimes you have to go through the motions before you can justify breaking someone's jaw."

"And how do you plan to find her?" Hugo asked.

"Please." Archer rolled his eyes. "Carmen's not exactly subtle. She'll want everyone to know where she is - that's half the point of her little power play. Besides..." He tapped his nose. "Dragon senses. We can track our own kind."

"When can you start?" another Council member asked.

Archer stretched, deliberately casual. "Already have. Picked up her scent the moment I drove into town."

"Mr. Hawke-" Hugo began.

"Archer," he corrected. "If we're going to work together, might as well use my first name." His gaze flickered to Daphne. "All of you."

"Archer, there's one more condition," Hugo said. "We'll be sending someone to monitor your progress."

"Like hell you will." Archer's dragon roared at the suggestion. "I work alone."

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