Page 29 of Fire Dragon Lover

Gretchen had no idea who they were, but Logan was smiling at them. So, he must know them and know them well. She forced a smile as they both looked directly at her—the gal waves and Gretchen waves back.

"Morning, guys." Logan spoke up, "Why are you guys here so early?"

The guy smiled, "We have news."

Thirty-Nine

Logan

Logan looked at Sloan and knew instantly that he wasn't bringing them good news.

"Gretchen, why don't you go rest? I need to talk to—"

"No," Gretchen said.

"I—"

"No. I'm not getting shut out of this because you think you have to protect me or something."

Logan opened his mouth to protest again, but from the look Gretchen gave him, he knew any further argument was pointless.

"Gretchen, this is Sloan and Hailey. They're friends of mine. He's an enforcer. She works for PEACE. "

There was a short bit of nodding and nice to meet yous before Logan continued, "They're aware of our situation and have been trying to keep tabs on things. So, what's the news?" Logan asked.

Sloan looked at Gretchen and coughed. "Gretchen's face is all over the news. And ... why don't you take this," he said to Hailey.

"My team and I intercepted a contract on the black market. Gretchen has been targeted for assassination. She's the primary target. Logan, you're a bonus.

Logan clenched his fist. He was angry. But more for the fact that they were targeting Gretchen. He'd come to expect being a target. But instead of raging, he held Gretchen as she started to cry.

"It's okay. I won't let anyone hurt you."

Hailey coughed. "There's also been a contract for a kidnapping."

"And," Sloan started. "The Draconis Fire council wants a report about everything that's happened. They are particularly interested in a dragon child with a human, especially when you have such a high profile. Shifter and human births have happened, but its pretty rare to be so high profile after the Veil."

"Oh, come on. This is ridiculous," Logan said.

"There's still more. There's a formal hearing about you shifting in public. There's been talk about what is to be done with you. Things are tense now with the City of New York. The Draconis Fire Council has determined that even under the circumstances, you need to stand trial so that they can prove to humans that we will police our own. It's set to start soon."

"This can't possibly wait until there isn't a price on my ..." Logan stopped. He wasn't exactly sure what to say. He wanted to say mate. But there was still a lot to discuss about what they would do next. "... Gretchen. Do they expect me to just leave?"

"My father pled your case the best he could, but he was still outvoted. I asked to be the one to bring you in."

Logan tensed for a moment as if expecting a fight, but Sloan said, "I hoped this would be a comfort since you know I won't stab you in the back."

"What does he mean?" Gretchen asked.

Logan looked at her for a moment, unsure if and how he should answer. But her being ignorant of the dangers didn't make her any safer.

"Sloan and I suspect there may be a traitor in Draconis Fire. I not sure if this trial has anything to do with that or not," he answered.

"I will stay with him and watch out for him as much as possible. You have my word," Sloan said.

"What about Gretchen?" Logan asked.

Hailey crossed over to stand next to Gretchen. "I'll keep an eye out while you get this sorted. This place is very secure, and I'll be vigilant."

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