Page 7 of Feral

“I didn’t kill James. I’m from the London office, Director Dearborne sent me.”

Relief surged through me, but I bit back on it and my head bowed before I could stop myself. I was one of the strongest of my clan, second only to my older brother. But the animal in me couldn’t help but recognize the stronger one in this being.

I glared up at him, the bastard still smiling in a way that had me wishing I could take a swing at him without risking my life.

The Dragon sat across from me, barely fitting into the oversized booth. I had the feeling that I looked like a bairn next to this being and that didn’t help my need to get back a little bit of control in the situation.

The Mothman that owned the pub scurried over, nervously wringing his hands.

“Honored to have one of the ancient ones at the Ace and Gryphon,” he stammered. “What can I get ya? On the house, of course.”

“That’s generous but unnecessary,” the Dragon replied, never looking away from me. “I’ll have whatever Fraser is having.”

“Another pint,” I said, holding the Dragon’s gaze.

“Sure, sure.”

The Mothman was back so fast that he must’ve transported, and then was gone just as fast. The only sound now was the pissed Mothman’s snoring in the corner as the Dragon and I drank our pints.

“Didn’t catch yer name.”

“Trey Park.”

“WellTrey, why isn’t James here?”

“You don’t trust very easily do you?”

“That’s rich comin’ from a Dragon.”

Trey chuckled.

“Touché,” he took another pull and closed his eyes. “That’s incredible.”

“The Earth Fae in Scotland know how to brew good beer.”

“And whiskey.”

I tipped my head to that because I couldn’t argue.

“To answer your question,” Trey said, “James is trying to track down a missing shipment of artifacts. But your request caught the director’s eye and she asked me to check in.”

“The director,” I said slowly.

Trey’s expression became serious and he nodded.

“She’s different than Francesca.”

“Really? How?”

“Well, for one she’s not crazy.”

I snorted.

“And for another,” he continued, “she wants to bring the organization back to its roots.”

“Its roots?”

“Helping to keep the world safe from these artifacts. To be neutral and not allow the artifacts to be used in any way that would impact humanity. Negatively or positively. Complete neutrality.”

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