Page 35 of Feral

Most Gargoyles had a sort of radar when it came to our kind; they could see through any glamour and determine different things about the creature. Some had this ability honed like a sixth sense, others barely registered anything. Given his profession, James was in the former category.

His dark eyes scanned the crowd behind me and his large mouth set into a thin line.

“It was unavoidable,” he murmured, “my apologies.”

“Well, now that yer back, can you take my case up or naw?”

“No, I’m afraid.”

I swore and drained another whiskey.

“What’s wrong?” James asked, frowning down at me.

“They’ve given me a green lass that’s not right for the job.”

James crossed his arms and his muscles bulged ridiculously.

“The director seems to know what she’s doing, though I had my doubts at first. If she assigned this agent, then she must think it will work. So what’s your issue?”

“My issue is that she’s distractin’.”

“Really? She must very pretty, beddable even.”

I snarled at him.

“Don’t talk about her like that!”

His eyes widened.

“No way, is she…are you—?”

“Annoyed? Frustrated? Not in the mood? Aye.”

“I see.”

James flagged down the fight coordinator.

“I’d like to ask to be placed opposite Fraser MacDonald for his first bout, please.”

Now, that stopped me mid drink and I turned around to stare at my friend.

“Y-yes sir, um,” the fight coordinator, a short Fae that I suspected was a Leprechaun, licked his lips nervously. “Do you want me using your real name, or shall I put down an alias?”

Agents of the Secret Archive weren’t supposed to fight at these clubs. Hell, even being here was treading the line of what was and wasn’t acceptable. And knowing James’ love of following rules, I imagined that he had an ulterior motive for being here. Fighting me though? That was something else entirely.

“My name is just fine,” he said and slipped the Leprechaun a Fae gold piece.

“Yes, sir! Right away!”

The whiskey was still clutched forgotten in my hand as I stared at James.

“What in the name of the Great Mother happened to ya?” I asked.

He chuckled, a deep sound like thunder.

“Relax, I’m not compromised. I have my reasons. I let you beat me up in the ring—”

“Let me?”

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