“Well?” Peter prompted. “Were you two here to see me? Or did you come just to talk to Jill? I won’t hold it against you if you did. She is a great deal prettier to look at than me, after all.”
“Oh stop it,” Jill said, blushing from Peter’s praise. “These two are both here to see you, of course. About a matter of some importance, it would seem, from the volume of their voices. The young lady was here first.”
Myles saw Peter glance over at Harlow, and then back at him. Harlow opened her mouth to say something, but before she could get any words out, Peter was turning back toward the door and gesturing back at Myles and Harlow.
“Why don’t you both come along together,” Peter said. “It sounds like the two of you disagree on something related to dark magic, from what I heard of your shouts a minute ago. Perhaps I can help you sort the situation out.”
Harlow glared at Myles, then marched after Peter. Myles followed, feeling somewhat triumphant. He felt confident that if he was in the room when Harlow spoke to Peter, there was no way that she would be able to convince the old wizard that sending her to Devil’s Melt was a good idea.
Looks like Harlow would be staying home safe and sound after all.
Chapter Six
Harlow forced herself to remain silent as Peter leaned back in his giant office chair, stroking his long beard and considering the arguments that both Myles and she had made. She desperately wanted to jump in and say something else in support of her cause, but she had already said everything she had to say. Any words she spoke now would just be repetition of what she’d already said, and Peter would not appreciate her interrupting his thoughts.
Harlow snuck a glance over at Myles, and the scowl on her face deepened. He looked completely serene as he watched Peter with a steady gaze. He looked so sure of himself, confident that he had won this argument. Harlow hated him for his smug expression, mostly because she knew that smug expression was likely justified. Myles had come in here with some impressive research about how deeply into dark magic Saul had ventured. Harlow had to admit that the truth of it was quite frightening. But that didn’t change the fact that she thought she was the best one to go steal the records about the dragon amethyst. No matter how deadly the task proved to be, she was the best one for it. She just hoped that Peter would somehow see that, despite Myles’ loud insistence otherwise.
“Hmm,” Peter said, and Harlow perked up, thinking he was about to make a decision. But he did not speak again, and settled back into thinking. Harlow took a deep breath, and continued to wait. She tried to distract herself by studying the impressive Falcon Cross banners that hung from the ceiling, but it was no use. Her mind was focused on only one thing: what would Peter’s decision be.
Harlow had never been in Peter’s office before, and, in fact, had never been this close to the great, old wizard. It felt a bit surreal to be sitting across from him now. She knew Myles had met with him several times. All the dragon shifters had, since they were honored guests in Falcon Cross. But it was highly unusual for a junior wizard like Harlow to be sitting in the office of any of the High Council members, let alone the head of the High Council himself. Harlow had needed to work up a great deal of courage to be able to make her way to the old wizard’s office, and even more courage to boldly tell him that she should be the one to go to Devil’s Melt. And, despite all of that courage, Myles had likely ruined her plans with all his apocalyptic talk about dark magic. Harlow glanced at him again, the anger in the pit of her stomach growing with each passing second.
She had to admit he was damn good looking. And, for a brief period of time this morning, she’d even thought she might be attracted to him. But that feeling had passed quickly enough when he had argued against her in the meeting this morning. Everyone told her that Myles was the most respectful, easygoing man they knew, but Harlow hadn’t seen that side of him. He seemed rather strong-willed to her, and set on getting his way.
His way, which just so happens to be the complete opposite of what’s actually best for Falcon Cross, Harlow thought. She scowled at him, but he was still staring at Peter and didn’t see her. She was still wearing the shirt Myles had given to her this morning, and she wished more than ever that she’d taken time to go home and change. She didn’t want to wear his shirt. She didn’t want to share his office. She didn’t want anything to do with him. He was gorgeous, and that was about the only thing he had going for him. Looks alone weren’t enough to make a good friend, coworker, or office mate.
“Well, I’ve made a decision,” Peter announced, suddenly sitting up straight and smiling happily over at both of them as though he’d just heard that they won the lottery. Harlow felt her heart start racing in her chest again. Meanwhile, Myles had his hands folded calmly in his lap, waiting for what was sure to be a decision in his favor. Harlow frowned. Why did he care so much what happened to her, anyway? He had plenty of other things to worry about, like his own clan members.
“I’m going to allow you to take this mission, Harlow,” Peter said. Harlow had already opened her mouth to protest what she was sure was not going to be a favorable decision for her. When she heard Peter’s words, she almost didn’t believe them at first. Her mouth hung open, frozen in place from her shock. It was Myles who spoke first.
“What?!?” he asked, his voice making no attempt to hide the fact that this was not the decision he had hoped for.
“I’m going to let Harlow take this mission,” Peter repeated calmly. “I believe, Harlow, that you are fully aware of the dangers. And there are many dangers. The threat of dark magic is not something to be taken lightly. But you’ve sat here and listened to Myles describe the horrible possibilities that he’s discovered in his research, so you’re well aware of what might be facing you. It’s very brave of you to still want to go and attempt to retrieve the amethyst records. I only have one caveat for you. You must understand that, should you choose to accept this mission, I cannot guarantee your safety. Devil’s Melt is a long ways from here. As far as I know, there are no good wizards within one hundred miles of there. If you run into trouble, it will be up to you alone to use your wits and magic skills to get to safety. There won’t be time for any kind of rescue mission. If you understand that, then I will allow you to take the mission with my blessing. I do believe that, as you have said, you are the most qualified person to quickly retrieve the records. If you are willing to do this for Falcon Cross, we will be very much in your debt. I just want to be sure that you understand that it is not in any way required of you to go, and that it will be very dangerous if you do go.”
Harlow sat for a moment in silence, dumbfounded by Peter’s words. Excitement and adrenaline filled her body as she realized that this was actually happening. Peter, the head High Council wizard, was giving her the mission to go and retrieve the amethyst records. Peter’s word was the final say in Falcon Cross. No one, not even Alfonso, could tell her no now.
“Thank you, your Honor,” she finally managed to stammer out. “Thank you so much. I do understand the dangers, and I’m willing to face them for the sake of Falcon Cross. I won’t let you down, I promise.”
“Your Honor, this is ridiculous!” Myles interrupted. “It’s not just a dangerous mission if she goes, it’s a suicide mission! She’ll never come out alive. You’re sending her to her death!”
“Enough, Myles,” Peter said before Harlow could even open her mouth to respond. “My decision is final. Harlow will go to Devil’s Melt to retrieve the amethyst records.”
“Thank you, your Honor,” Harlow said again, then stood. “I won’t take up any more of your time. You’ve been most kind.”
Harlow knew better, but she couldn’t resist shooting Myles a smug look as she turned toward the door. So what if Myles didn’t think she had what it took for this mission? Peter believed in her, so nothing else mattered. She would show them all what she was capable of.
Myles face had a tortured look on it. He almost appeared nauseated, which surprised Harlow a bit.
He was taking his defeat much harder than she’d thought he would. Once again, she thought of how wrong everyone seemed to be about his “easygoing” nature.
She turned away from him as she reached for the door handle. He could be upset all he wanted. It wouldn’t change a thing. She had a mission to plan and pack for. But then, just as she started to open the door, he said four words that stopped her in her tracks.
“I’m going with her.”
Harlow turned around to look at him with ice in her eyes. “You’re not invited,” she said through clenched teeth. Who did he think he was? Just because he was an oh-so-special dragon shifter didn’t mean he could join whatever old mission he wanted to.
“I don’t care whether I’m invited or not,” he said, standing up now. His height seemed more intimidating in that moment than it ever had before. “It’s not safe for you to go alone. I could never live with myself if something happened to you and I wasn’t at least there to try to stop it.”
Harlow rolled her eyes. “As much as I appreciate the sweet sentiment,” she said. “I don’t need a bodyguard. You’ll only slow me down.”
“Actually, Harlow,” Peter said, standing to his feet now as well. “I think it would be a good idea for Myles to go with you. Dragons are quite good at stealth, believe it or not.”
“Or not,” Harlow hissed under her breath. Her momentary elation had turned to anger and despair as she looked over at Peter, whose face was looked as jolly as it ever did. He had already made his mind up to allow Myles to go, and she knew it. Still, she couldn’t help protesting. She had to at least try to make Peter see that Myles was not needed on the mission, and would only compromise it by being one more person who might ruin their stealth game.
“Your Honor,” Harlow said, doing her best to keep her voice neutral and calm. “I do appreciate his offer to help. Truly. But this mission will rely not on strength in numbers but on the ability to sneak into the enemy’s lair. More people will only make secrecy harder to maintain. I know the risks and dangers, but I think it’s better for the mission that I go alone.”
The moment Peter smiled at her, his hands clasped loosely in front of him in a calm, stoic way, Harlow knew all the protests in the world would do no good. Myles would be coming with her.
“You are right, Harlow, that this mission does not depend on strength in numbers. If it did, I would not hesitate to deploy the whole of the Falcon Cross army to ensure its success. Recovering these records is that important. And yes, it requires the utmost abilities in stealth. But I promise you that Myles, and all of his clan members, in fact, are very skilled at this type of thing. And although I can tell that you were hoping to work solo, there may come a day very soon where you will be glad for the company of a dragon. They are more useful than you might think. Myles will go with you.”
Peter still looked as jolly as ever, but the determination in his eyes told Harlow that his decision was final. As much as she wanted to continue to argue and protest, she knew it was no use. As it was, she had already stepped out onto dangerous ground by making her first protest. It had been hammered into her brain since she was a little girl that you respect the decisions of High Council members without question. Who was she, a junior employee at the Advocacy Bureau, to question the head of the High Council?
And so, despite the anger and frustration boiling just below the surface, she forced herself to keep a calm, pleasant expression on her face.
“As you wish, your Honor,” she said. Then, without another word or look aimed in Myles direction, she turned and left the room.
To her surprise and embarrassment, hot tears started to fill her eyelids as soon as she stepped into the hallway. She walked briskly, keeping her eyes open wide and unblinking in an attempt to will the tears away. She just had to make it to her car, and she could fall apart as much as she wanted to. The last thing she wanted was to let anyone here in High Council Hall see her cry. Not when she had just been entrusted with what might be the most important mission of her life. She had to be strong, and get her emotions in check.
Just why those emotions were bubbling up so uncontrollably within her was not entirely clear to Harlow. She was not the crying type, and yet, this was the second time today that she was feeling traitorous tears welling up in her eyes. Myles was affecting her in strange ways, she decided. Having him along on this mission was going to be a disaster.
Just then, she heard the sound of pounding, running footsteps far behind her in the hallway.
“Harlow, wait!” a voice called. It was Myles. “Harlow, please, just wait for a moment.”
Harlow felt the frustration in her core rise to an impossible level. Why couldn’t he just leave her alone? With an angry grunt, and without even looking back at him, she broke into a run herself.
She had to get away from Myles Pars.
Chapter Seven
Myles pumped his legs faster and faster in a desperate attempt to catch up with Harlow. He was an incredible runner, but she was pretty fast herself—and she had a significant head start on him. He gained steadily on her, but he wasn’t sure he’d be able to catch her before she got to her car. If she made it behind the wheel before he could get to her, there was no way he could catch her. He could run fast, but unless he shifted into dragon form and flew, he could never hope to outpace a car.
He ignored the strange looks everyone gave him as he sped through the Great Hall’s entrance. Harlow and he must have made quite a curious sight: an angry speeding wizard and a determined, pursuing dragon shifter.
Everyone in town had an opinion on the dragon shifters. Most people viewed them with a mixture of awe and reverence, looking at them as saviors who had come to save Falcon Cross from Saul, the most formidable enemy the wizarding village had seen in centuries. But there were still those here who remained skeptical of the dragon shifters, and Myles was sure that if any of those group were watching him now, they were no doubt shaking their head in disgust at him, assuming that whatever strange argument this shifter and wizard were having, it was all his fault.
But was it all his fault, Myles wondered as he continued to chase Harlow, his legs burning as she disappeared out the front door of the building several seconds ahead of him. He did his best to speed up even more, but he was already going as fast as his legs would carry him. She might be furious with him for inviting himself along on his mission, but she had been the one to insist on taking on this ludicrous mission in the first place. He was somewhat angry with her for going behind his back to talk to Peter. Alfonso would surely be furious, too.
The thought crossed Myles’ mind that he didn’t have a right to be angry with Harlow. After all, they might be office mates and they might both be working on the amethyst project, but that was where their relationship ended. If she wanted to go get herself killed in the middle of Devil’s Melt, what concern of it was his, really? There were hundreds upon hundreds of wizards here in Falcon Cross. Why did it matter so much to him what happened to one particularly obstinate wizard?
Myles was just beginning to admit to himself the reason. He was falling for her, and he knew it. He had tried to ignore the growing desire for her that seemed to rise and swell from deep within him, but it was no use. He’d been falling for her since the day he met her, no matter how much he tried to deny it. Perhaps that’s why he had been so tense around her. His clan had dubbed him the champion of calm, thanks to his easygoing nature. But the last few days, he’d been anything but calm. He’d been on edge, and even though he tried to blame it on the stress of work, he’d known he was lying to himself. He’d been stressed out over work before, and never reacted like this. It wasn’t work driving him crazy. It was Harlow.
Myles burst through the front door of the Great Hall just in time to see Harlow rounding the corner of the building to the left. With a grunt, he started flying down the long steps, hoping that her car was not parked too close. If he had just another minute or two, he thought he could catch her. His heart beat wildly in his chest,
both from the effort of running and from the emotions filling him as he considered what, exactly, his feelings for Harlow might mean.
It was not possible that she was his lifemate, was it? He had never felt this strongly about a woman, and yet, he’d never had a woman push him away as much as Harlow had. She had briefly seemed to soften toward him this morning, but that had ended the moment he agreed with Alfonso that Harlow should not go to Devil’s Melt. And, after the meeting with Peter today, Myles would be surprised if Harlow deigned to talk to him for quite some time. To say that she was displeased that he would be coming along on the mission was an understatement.
But what else could Myles have done? He would have been useless if he stayed here, spending every waking moment worrying about Harlow and wondering if she’d been hurt or killed. There was a deep, almost unbearable need within him to protect her. How could he do that if she was off in Devil’s Melt, facing down the threat of Saul’s men and dark magic all by herself?
Myles had rounded the corner of the building now, and he could see Harlow racing toward the spot where her little red coupe was parked. He ignored the burning protests of his leg muscles and pushed forward with everything in him. If he was lucky, he would make it just in the nick of time to stop her. For a few moments, all he focused on was running. He was getting closer and closer to Harlow, and she seemed to be growing tired, and slowing slightly.
She had to slow even more to pull her keys out of her pocket and open her door. Despite Myles’ best efforts, she managed to shut the door behind her and lock it a split second before he got to her. He was not going to be deterred yet, though. He was determined to talk to her. In a flash, he jumped up onto the hood of the car, and positioned himself right in front of the driver’s window.
Determination and the Dragon (Redwood Dragons Book 4) Page 6