Azure Dragons (Supernatural Shifter Academy #2) - G. Bailey Page 0,40
what are you suggesting?” Silas asks.
“We won’t be able to get in,” Hunter replies, looking at him, “but I might be able to.”
“Because you’re the son of a board member?” asks Landon.
Hunter gives him a grim nod. “Again, no promises. They might tell me to fuck off the second they see me. But maybe if I can tell them I’m there for my dad… If I could come up with some kind of excuse…”
“You could at least stay long enough to find out what they’re planning,” I finish for him.
The vampire shifter nods. “Exactly.”
There’s a long moment of silence as we consider his offer. “Damn, Ash,” Landon says at last, raising an eyebrow at him. “Daddy’s little boy is finally starting to grow up.”
“Shut up, Landon.” Hunter shoots him a glare, but looks like he’s struggling not to smile.
“So are we doing this, then?” Hazel asks finally. “Hunter’s going to try to listen in?”
“I’m in if Hunter is,” I reply, turning back to him. “Are you sure about this?”
“Not at all,” Hunter replies, “but if this lets us get a step ahead of the Academy, then I’m willing to give it a shot. It still hurts knowing that my dad might be in on this… but then again, he might not be. How will I ever know if I don’t try to find out, though?” The corner of his mouth twitches. “Besides, I shouldn’t be thinking too hard about this. I might chicken out.”
“This could be our shot at finding out the humans’ plans,” Silas says thoughtfully, nodding. “I’m for it. We’ll need some way of listening in, though.” He turns to me. “Boots, do you have some kind of witch spell? Something you could do in-form that would let us hear what they’re saying?”
“I can barely even get into my witch form, let alone cast complicated spells,” I reply. “Besides, they’re probably going to have wards up against magic. I have another idea, though - something a bit more… old-fashioned.”
“Are you sure this is going to work?” Silas asks incredulously as we sit together in the shadows. We’re back at the seaport, our backs against one of the nearby buildings as we watch the water lap at the docks and the passersby move back and forth near the railing. With any luck, we’ll be inconspicuous here - just a handful of convention-goers who wanted to take a break from the endless meetings. My cell phone is in my lap, and my knee is bouncing up and down in anticipation as we wait with bated breath for Hunter’s call.
“Have a little faith,” Landon says, elbowing him playfully. “Boots has got this.”
“I don’t doubt it,” Silas replies, shooting me a grin. “I’m more worried about Hunter, if I’m being honest. What if they catch him?”
“We’ll be on mute,” I reply. “He’s going to put us on speaker so we can hear what the board is saying. If everything goes the way it’s supposed to, they won’t be able to hear anything we say.”
“Emphasis on everything going the way it’s supposed to,” Shade remarks dryly. “Let’s just hope Hunter’s dad hasn’t already sold him out.”
“He wouldn’t,” I reply, although deep down I’m not so sure. I can’t shake the feeling like we’re about to find out something that will turn the whole world upside-down, but I’m afraid that saying it will just make it real, so I keep my mouth shut. We’re all nervous enough as it is without any more ominous predictions.
As if on cue, my phone begins to vibrate, and I quickly hit the answer button before muting our end. Hunter’s voice comes through, speaking in a hushed whisper: “Okay, I’m by the back entrance to the auditorium. There’s a bouncer there—I’m going to try to talk to my way in. If something happens to me, then… call the cops, or whatever.”
Shade snorts. There’s the sound of rustling fabric, and I realise Hunter’s put his phone in his pocket. We look at one another as we wait for something to happen, nearly jumping at the sound of a gruff American voice. “I’m sorry, but this meeting isn’t open to the public.”
“Oh, I know,” comes Hunter’s reply. “I’m actually the son of one of the board members—David Ash. I brought him something.”
There’s a sigh. “Look, kid, I don’t care if you’re the president. I was told not to let anyone in here who’s not on the board.”
“Do you want to see proof?” There’s a rustling sound. “Look, here’s my ID. My