Page 20 of The Dragon Recruit
She muttered, “Just as we were getting things under control, too.”
“That’s the way of it, my dear. You squash two bugs and one more shows up.”
“You have a pessimistic view of life, aye?”
“I have a reason to.”
“Then why do any of this if it’s pointless?”
He shook his head. “I never said it was pointless. There are individuals and groups that deserve to be squashed, no matter how difficult it might be.”
Iris sensed there was more to his words than some boilerplate answer. However, before she could ask anything personal, Antony spoke again. “Back to the topic at hand. My team has access to resources you can’t even begin to imagine. So this is your lucky day, Iris Mahajan, because you get to work with me and my toys.”
She raised an eyebrow. “I wouldn’t call working with you lucky.”
He snorted. “Cheeky dragonwoman. But I like that about you, so don’t ever change.”
For a second, Antony’s eyes searched hers, and she forgot about everything but the human male. How his brown eyes had flecks of gold in them. How his nose was slightly crooked, as if it’d been broken. The scar that peeked out from just under the cuff of his shirt.
Just how many scars and telltale signs did he have from his years with this secret team?
Her dragon spoke up.Ask him to show us.
Instead, Iris focused back on what she did best—her job. “I’ll find a way to endure your company. For now, you need to tell me everything you know, what resources we have, and when we can start investigating.”
He nodded. “Focused. I like that.”
Ignoring the rush of warmth at his praise, she growled, “Antony.”
“Yes, yes, back to your assignment. You’ll receive a packet with everything we know and be given time to study it after you finish recording your goodbye videos.”
She blinked. “My what?”
He shrugged one shoulder. “All of my team members record goodbye messages before a mission, just in case. It’s a bit morbid, but it helps give anyone you care about closure, if the worst happens.”
Iris studied the human for a beat. “I would almost say you’re sentimental.”
He smiled wryly. “I can be. But it will also give you a clearer mind, knowing your parents will have something of you in case you die. Because I won’t sugarcoat it—it’s possible you will. Any dragon-shifter working on this assignment risks being exposed to the deadly gas. And whilst Dr. Turner is working on something to counteract it, she’s not there yet. So I need you to answer me clearly: Do you understand the risks?”
“Aye, of course.”
“Good.” He took a file folder from his desk and handed it to her. “This has everything you need to know. I’ll take you to the video recording room, and once you’ve finished, eaten, and had time to study your homework, we’ll meet up with the others also working on this assignment.”
Iris took the folder. “Good. I need to talk to the other Protectors and warn them about my experiences with the gas—the smell, the side effects, how quickly it works. The more information they have, the better.”
“Yes, you’ll meet with them, and everyone, later. Because even the human team members need as much information about the gas as you can give, in case they need to save their dragon-shifter partner. However, for the assignment itself, we’re dividing up into teams of two. It’s easier to stay in the shadows that way.”
As he smiled at her, dread pooled in her belly. “I’m your partner, aren’t I?”
“Yes, my dear. Each member of my secret team will pair with a dragon-shifter Protector, so it’ll be just the two of us.And whilst Kai Sutherland has certainly proven himself over the years, you’re the one I trust the most to watch my back.” He winked. “Besides, I have the best gadgets to help us.”
She was torn between snorting and rolling her eyes. “Boys and their toys. You’re how old again?”
“All that matters is that I can be young at heart. Besides, I find humor works better than shouting and ordering people about.”
“Are you saying I shout at people?”
“Do you?”
