Page 35 of Hot for the Dragon

"Underground tunnels would be better." Archer's deep voice carried authority but lacked its usual edge when addressing Hugo. "Dragons can't maneuver well below ground."

"That's... actually brilliant," Hugo admitted.

Daphne watched them work together, their previous antagonism forgotten in the face of protecting the town.

16

ARCHER

Archer crouched behind a brick wall. The crisp October air carried the scent of pumpkin spice from the nearby café, mixing with Daphne's floral perfume as she pressed close beside him. He tried to ignore how her proximity made his pulse quicken.

"There he is," Archer whispered, nodding toward Marcus Chen, a town planning official they'd been tailing for three days. "Right on schedule."

"Just like clockwork," Daphne agreed, her breath warming his ear. "Same bench, same time."

Marcus sat down and pulled out his phone, fingers flying across the screen. Archer's enhanced dragon vision allowed him to catch glimpses of the text messages.

"Defense meeting scheduled for 7PM at City Hall. Council bringing in reinforcements from coastal towns," Archer read aloud. "That information wasn't supposed to leave the war room."

"Look at who he's sending it to," Daphne pointed out. The contact name read 'C.K.'

"Carmen Kane," Archer growled. "Got you, you little snake."

Marcus stood up and started walking away. As he walked past their hiding spot, Daphne stood up and stumbled slightly. Archer caught her by the waist, steadying her against his chest. The sweet scent of her hair made his head swim.

"Sorry," she whispered, cheeks flushing pink.

"I've got you." His voice came out rougher than intended. He cleared his throat. "We should head to the police station with this information."

"Wait." Daphne's eyes sparkled with mischief. "One more thing first."

She waved her hand, and suddenly Marcus yelped as vines sprouted through the sidewalk cracks, wrapping around his ankles. He dropped his phone in surprise, and Archer swooped in silently to grab it.

"Nice trick," he said, unable to hold back a grin.

"I have my moments." Daphne smiled back, and Archer felt something warm unfurl in his chest. Working with her this past week had been... surprisingly enjoyable. More than enjoyable, if he was honest with himself.

They headed toward the police station, the fallen leaves swirling around their feet. Marcus's phone felt heavy in Archer's pocket - solid evidence of Carmen's network of spies in town.

Archer turned down Main Street, his long strides forcing Daphne to practically jog beside him. The confiscated phone burned in his pocket, reminding him of simpler times when he could have handled traitors his way - with fire and fury.

The police station loomed ahead, its brick facade as uninviting as the prospect of working with law enforcement. Archer's dragon instincts bristled at the thought of handing over control to others.

"We could just handle this ourselves," he muttered. "One quick flight to the cliffs, a little chat with Marcus..."

"By 'chat' you mean dangling him over the ocean until he talks?"

"It would be effective."

Daphne's laugh echoed off the buildings. "And completely against protocol. Besides, you agreed to play nice with the police."

"I agreed to keep you safe," he corrected, holding the station door open for her. "The police are just an unfortunate side effect."

The desk sergeant's eyes widened as Archer approached, recognition and fear battling across his features. Good. Fear meant respect, and respect meant efficiency.

"We need Detective Morris," Archer announced, not bothering with pleasantries. "Now."

"I'll go get him," the sergeant squeaked, practically running from his desk.

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