Page 22 of The Dragon Recruit
In other words, he needed to assign someone loyal to the clan who would do as asked and not share or brag about it later.
And Cooper knew exactly who to send.
He stood. “Aye, well, if that’s all, I need to go assign Mariana Barlow a Protector, as well as prepare for any more protestors that might show up at our gates.”
Finn shook his head. “Whilst I appreciate how the internet has helped the dragon clans grow closer, sometimes it’s a pain in our arses when it stirs up chaos.”
“At least the Dragon Knights are gone. If we can find a way to get rid of the dragon hunters, I think the majority of fear and hatred and propaganda will fade away.”
“I hope you’re right.” Finn studied him a second before adding, “You haven’t had the easiest time in charge, but I think you’re doing a fine job, Cooper.”
He snorted. “Right. Iris disappeared. Protestors are trying to scale the walls. And a human female was left for dead just outside the clan’s boundary. Brilliant work, isn’t it?”
Finn shook his head. “No one could’ve foreseen all of this. Besides, by stepping up, you’ve saved Faye the stress. And for that, I thank you.”
Faye was Finn’s cousin. And since Faye’s mother had taken in Finn after his parents died, they were all really close and more like siblings.
Cooper replied, “Faye is important to all of us, Finn. And I’ll do my best. Although I’ll need to bother them sometimes since I don’t know everything.”
“And that, right there, is why you’ll be a good leader, aye? Don’t be afraid to ask for help.”
He nodded. “Aye, well, that won’t be a problem. But I should go and talk to, er, someone about protecting the human female we found.”
“Good lad. Keep it vague.”
After saying their goodbyes, Cooper headed toward the Protector building. Even though Brodie wasn’t due to start work for an hour, he knew the male would be there, like always.
His dragon yawned, waking up, and said,He won’t like being sent away.
It’s not being sent away. It’s a high-priority mission. Besides, with Iris gone, he’s the one I trust the most.
Is it that, or the fact he asks about the human female every day?
You really want to play matchmaker with everyone, don’t you?
You won’t go after any female, so I have to entertain myself somehow. Maybe you’ll get tired of your hand soon and go afterher.
I’m not having this discussion again. I see Brodie ahead. Let’s give him his assignment.
And as Brodie quickly accepted the job without protest, Cooper wondered if his dragon was right. Maybe Brodie and Mariana would hit it off.
Although that would be a long road, given what had just happened to Mariana. But if anyone could win over a hurt, somewhat damaged female, it would be Brodie MacNeil.
An hour after Iris finished recording her goodbye videos, she headed toward the conference room where everyone working on the mission should be.
While no one would tell her the exact location of the facility she’d been inside during her recovery, it took security to the next level. Even the room where she’d studied the folder of information had been mostly empty save for a desk, chair, and light. Someone had brought her a sandwich and some tea, but it had been served with paper dishes and plastic cutlery. Almost as if they expected her to break a mug and use the shards as a weapon.
Her dragon spoke up.Maybe not us, but someone must’ve done it. Eventually, they might trust us.Hemight trust us.
Not again. The mission is more important than you getting some sex, dragon.
Aye, I know. And I won’t risk anyone’s life. But if we just happen to get trapped somewhere, alone, and need to pass the time…
Quiet. Or I’ll put you in a mental maze.
Her beast harrumphed.Fine. For now. But I mean it—if there’s an opportunity and it won’t endanger anyone, I’m taking it.
Not wanting to argue, Iris opened the door of the conference room and walked inside.
