Page 10 of Mate For Hire (For Hire 3)

“You’ve got a point, but can I beat him?”

Lachelle laughed. “Yeah, I guess so. Go ahead.”

They arrived back at the warehouse in time to hear Declan taking a call. At the person’s report on the other end, he tensed. “What did you just say?”

Everyone grew silent, trying to hear. After a few moments, Declan barked an order for the person on the line to wait for him to contact him again. He emphasized that they should do nothing for the time being.

When Declan disconnected the call, he turned a grim face to the group around him. “It seems the hunters are back at it. They have informed the police—and any who will listen—about our common characteristics.”

“Oh God,” Lachelle rasped. “You’re talking about the silver eyes, aren’t you?”

He nodded. “Among others.”

And good looks? And height? What else would the hunters know about them?

“The humans, both authorities and civilians, have been rounding up everyone with gray eyes. There is mass pandemonium, and innocent people are being accused of being shifters.”

Chapter 4

Gerard landed easily on the ground, flapping his wings. When he was steady, he tucked the appendages into his back and gazed down at his shoes. He recalled spending much of his time barefoot, and sometimes he missed it. The temptation to discard the footwear came over him now. He considered whether he should follow the instinct.

“Gerard.”

He frowned. Of course he knew he wasn’t alone. Not only his brother but also Declan’s men had joined him in flying over to City Hall. Declan suggested it. Gerard had never had reason to seek human law or to follow it for that matter. When he had let go of the job working for Patrick, it was a huge relief. All he wanted was a simple life.

This isn’t it.

“Why didn’t you want Kelly to fly with us?” Declan asked.

Gerard’s tongue sat heavy in his mouth. He thought long about what to say to his brother. To share what he felt didn’t come easy.

Declan waved a hand, signaling for his men to give them space. Each man dispersed to stand several feet away.

One guy pulled a pair of sunglasses out of his jacket and slipped them on. He was the one who had first dove into the food earlier. He strolled down toward the street, and within seconds several women surrounded him, chattering nonstop.

“She could take my place,” Declan said when he didn’t answer. “It’s her right as your mate.”

Gerard frowned.

“Look, I can’t help you if you don’t talk to me.”

“I’ve said I don’t remember.”

“That’s not good enough. If she’s your mate—”

Gerard growled low in his throat. His brother’s nostrils flared. They faced each other, of equal size well over six feet and broad shouldered. Declan, although younger by three years, wasn’t intimidated in the least.

“If she’s your mate”—Declan emphasized—“that gives her the right to lead our people. And yeah, before you say it, that includes whether you have given up the position.”

Gerard said nothing. He didn’t care who lead the dragon shifters as long as no one hurt them.

“At least I assume so.” Declan considered the matter. “I make the rules with the help of a senior council I set up. We like to stick as close to the old ways as possible, with some adjustments for modern times. I’m thinking if Kelly chooses to lead, the council will have to agree.”

“If she’s my mate.”

“You’re the one who must let us know that, Gerard. You feel her, don’t you?” Declan touched his chest. “Here? Your blood should be calling to hers.”

“I have to think about Lachelle.”

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