Total pages in book: 104
Estimated words: 98082 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 490(@200wpm)___ 392(@250wpm)___ 327(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 98082 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 490(@200wpm)___ 392(@250wpm)___ 327(@300wpm)
“What’s so funny?”
“The image of you getting on the subway with me.”
“We’ll take my bike. What time do you report for your shift?”
“Work starts at nine a.m.”
He looks down at his watch. I notice my things have been unpacked in his room. Moving toward the chest of drawers, I then find a pair of my shorts and a tank top to sleep in.
“Want to hop in the shower with me?” I ask shyly.
“If that’s what you want,” he says with a smile.
“No offense, but neither of us has bathed all day. I’d say we both need some time under the spray,” I say with a hint of sarcasm.
“I’ve bathed you before dressing you each time today and I’ve done the same for myself. However, if you must have your human rituals for your eyes to tell you what’s happened and what hasn’t, let’s go,” he says right before his clothes vanish.
“Oh,” I breathe, not knowing what else to say.
Bradan laughs as he stalks toward me. This magic stuff is kind of neat. I can’t wait to learn what else I’m capable of.
I yawn and lean into him as he stops in front of me. His warmth lulls me closer to sleep. I wrap one arm around him, wanting to keep him close.
“Maybe you should allow me to take care of your hygienic needs once again, little one.”
I love the concern in his voice for me. Bradan has done nothing but take care of me since he came to rescue me in that parking lot. This is the safest I’ve felt in all my life.
“Mm, that sounds good. I’ll soak in the tub tomorrow.”
Blurred Vision
Ichuckle to myself as I look at the street below. Taylor was concerned about parking and what I would do all day while she was working. Once I’ve walked her into the office and made sure she was secure, I’ve made myself comfortable up here.
Me and my bike are sitting about thirty feet above the ground. I’ve made a replica of my office at the clubhouse up here. As I sit at my desk, my bike sits beside it. Ready for me to go at a moment’s notice.
The humans below are none the wiser. Most who look up will find the sun glaring in their eyes. Others will find the twinkle of the sunlight shining off the glass of the buildings surrounding the medical building Taylor works in.
Like most modern advancements, skyscrapers have taken the tiny challenge out of tricks like this. Shaking my thoughts clear, I return to working through ordering supplies for the clubhouse and creating the schedules for staff and meetings.
There’s a lot we could just magic into the supply rooms, but we have long-standing deals with some of the humans who help us keep our identity hidden. As long as we keep them prosperous, they have no problem helping us. It has become a win-win over the centuries.
Most humans who join our ranks pass down their membership from generation to generation if we allow it. It has been rare for us to cancel a lineage’s access. It has only ever happened when loyalty has been lost.
Time has taught me that loyalty isn’t passed down or bred; it’s learned. The Iron Brothers have cultivated a culture of loyalty and respect. It’s the only way my brothers and I could stay hidden, given the reach we have.
It’s been centuries since we’ve had to call into question the loyalty of our close ranks. Those who live among us in the clubhouse and have access to our day-to-day operations are the most loyal to the brotherhood.
I guess having an incubus as an enforcer has paid off. Not many want to go up against Rock or the punishment he will deliver. Especially since the incubus is also of dragon blood.
The incubi both respect and fear Rock. His father was the great dragon king before the dragons became near extinct. Rock is the last of four and the only half blood. We’re grateful to have him within the brotherhood.
“What is she doing here?” Taylor’s thoughts come through to me.
I told her to leave the door open for me to hear her thoughts. I’ve been listening in while getting my work done. I focus more closely to figure out what’s going on.
Tapping into the visual of her thoughts, I see Angel standing before her. I’m annoyed instantly, as is Taylor, as I feel her emotions through the bond.
“I thought I could treat you to lunch. I don’t feel like we left things on the greatest note. I didn’t know you were so adventurous. You’re dating that biker, right? Maybe you can tell me all about that over lunch,” Angel says.
Taylor scoffs. “You’ve never once asked me to do anything with you in all the years we were roommates, and now you want to treat me to lunch? Angel, get out of my face. I have work to do.”