Chapter 7
Magma
I drag my head up off my arms. My cell phone is ringing. My laptop screen has gone black. My neck is stiff.
I must have fallen asleep. How long have I been out for?
My phone is vibrating its way across the wood toward the edge of the desk. I catch it before it goes over.
The clock on the wall says it’s almost time for the sun to rise.
I don’t even remember closing my eyes.
“Magma,” I say into the phone, my voice rough from sleep.
“Sir, it’s Graze at Lookout Post Four.”
I sit up properly. “Go ahead.”
“Sixteen dragons are inbound from Mistveil. The markings are clear. They’re Reds.”
“How far out?”
“They only just broke through the mist, so about ten minutes from our airspace. They’re flying in a loose formation and headed this way quite fast.”
I drag a hand down my face and pull in a long breath.
“Right. You need to keep in mind that the borders are open. Sixteen dragons crossing isn’t an offense on its own.
I need you to keep eyes on them. Track their entry point and their route.
They know the procedure. There are three approved passport checkpoints, and they’re meant to make their way to one of them and process through.
Mistveil has been briefed. Their citizens know what’s required.
Do not interfere as long as they are within the law. ”
“Understood.”
“If they don’t stop at a checkpoint, you sound the alarm. The second one of them deviates, every siren on the island goes off. Do you copy?”
“We copy, sir.”
“Get the frontline guards alerted. I want them airborne and in position before that group is over our coastline. They need to be wings-out and ready.”
“On it.”
“Update me if there is any cause for concern.”
“Yes, sir.”
I end the call.
I pull up Flint on the radio.
“Flint, come in.”
There’s a crackle and then his voice. “Here, boss.”
“Sixteen Reds are inbound from Mistveil. Graze is tracking them. They should be in our airspace inside ten. Frontline guards are being alerted, even though they should already know.”
“Shit. Are they hostile?”
“Unknown. They are more than likely our first guests and making their way to a checkpoint. Please spread the word that everyone is to stand down unless absolutely necessary.”
“Got it. What do you need from me? Should I head over there?”
“Negative, there is no change in your orders at this point. Hold at the hospital. Tighten the perimeter. I’m going to let Ridge know about this development.”
“Copy.”
I cut the radio and get to my feet, rolling my shoulders out and heading for the door.
The corridor outside my office is dim. They’ve dropped the lights on the admin floor for the night shift. Most of the offices are dark. The only light comes from the emergency exit signs and a single fluorescent strip three doors down.
I pass Carla’s desk on the way to Robyn’s. She’s fast asleep.
Her head is down on her arms in much the same position I was in five minutes ago. Her ponytail has slipped sideways, and there are loose strands of hair stuck to her cheek. Her iPad is open next to her elbow, and the screen has dimmed to black.
She’s snoring. Her shoulders rise and fall with each one.
I smile because she’s fucking adorable. Flint had better take good care of her. She seems nice. Probably too good for a player like him, but maybe he does want to settle down.
I have a soft spot for the male after everything he has been through. I must say, they would make a good couple. I certainly noticed the way they looked at each other earlier.
For a second, I remember the way she looked at me earlier too. I’m pretty sure her eyes were glued to my ass.
Then again, I was probably seeing things. I’m too damned old for her. I have easily fifteen years on her. I’m tired, and I’ve been alone too long and am probably reading something out of nothing.
I wonder, just for a second, if I’ll ever have that again. Love? A relationship? Kids? Probably not. As far as I’m concerned, a person is lucky if they find love once in a lifetime. What are the chances of it happening twice?
Not great at all.
I’ve had sex a few times over the long years I’ve been alone, but it’s always left me cold. I haven’t bothered in the longest time.
I push the thought down where it belongs and keep walking. My mind needs to stay focused.
Robyn’s office is at the end of the corridor. I knock softly because I don’t want to wake her unless I have to.
The door opens almost before my knuckles leave it.
Ridge looks like he hasn’t slept at all. His shirt is rumpled, and his hair is a mess. He steps out into the corridor and pulls the door closed gently behind him.
“She’s out cold,” he says, keeping his voice down. “What is it?”
“Sixteen Reds are inbound from Mistveil. They should be in our airspace soon.”
He’s already reaching for his phone. “I’m assuming it isn’t hostile at this point.”
“Not at this point…no.”
He nods once. “I’ll brief my team to be safe.”
“Do it.”
He’s already dialing when the sirens start up.
Someone is sounding the alarm.
Ridge and I look at one another.
“Fuck,” he says into the phone. “Hold a second.”
My phone rings.
“Speak to me!” I growl as I answer.
“It’s Gunner, sir, from Lookout Post Three. Mistveil is attacking their own shifters. More shifters are leaving their island en route to us. We have no idea who are friendly and who are hostile. It’s a mess out there. What should we do, sir?”
“What is it?” Carla yells as she runs toward us. “What’s happening?”
“A group of them have broken free,” Gunner shouts in my ear. “More are leaving the island. Holy shit! They’re coming for us, sir. I’m not sure Mistveil can hold them back. There are dozens of the bastards.”
The door at the end of the corridor slams open, and Flint comes through it at a sprint, his cell phone in one hand.
“We’re under attack!” he shouts.