live forever, but we’re hearty stock.”
Drake nodded. Nick hoped that meant he had ruled out vampires from the list of possible paranormals.
At last Drake leaned in and lowered his voice. “Have you heard of this bar’s reputation as a safe place for paranormals?”
“Yes,” Nick said, relieved. “I’m friends with the owner and several of the regulars. Would you like to meet some of them?”
“Yeah.”
Nick called out to Tory and Kurt. “Meet me at the back booth. I have someone to introduce you to.”
The two regulars glanced at Drake and nodded. All four of them moved to the farthest booth, near the back door. Sadie’s booth was empty, and only one other was occupied by customers. Thankfully, it was the booth closest to the front, so they would be able to speak freely. Supernatural hearing would allow them to whisper and be heard by their companions without fear of eavesdroppers.
When all four of them were settled into the booth, Nick proceeded with introductions.
“Drake Cameron, this is Kurt Morgan—wizard, ex-military helicopter pilot—and Tory Montana—shapeshifting coyote and high-end real estate developer.”
Drake’s eye’s rounded. “Cool. I’d shake your hands, but mine are very hot at the moment. It’s been a while since I had a chance to blow off steam, if you know what I’m talking about.”
Wizard Kurt chuckled. “Dragon, huh? It sounds like you need a girlfriend.”
“Don’t we all?” Tory said. Then he pointed to Nick with his thumb. “Except this guy. You could take notes from him. Had a different girl every weekend.”
“Until recently,” Nick added quickly. “I finally found my mate.”
“The waitress?” Drake asked.
“Yeah.” He smiled at her and when she looked up, he winked.
She started heading over to their table. “Shit. I didn’t mean to wave her over. Can I buy you guys a beer?”
Tory laughed. “You won’t find me turning that down.”
“Get a pitcher,” Kurt said.
“Might as well. Something tells me we might be here a while. I have a few questions for our new friend.”
Drake raised his eyebrows but didn’t comment.
Brandee approached the table with a pleasant smile. “Can I get you gentlemen anything?”
“Yes,” Nick said. “A pitcher of Sam Adams and four frosty mugs—plus a kiss for me.”
“Hey,” Tory interjected. “If she’s giving out kisses, I want one too.”
“And me,” Kurt said.
“Forget it, guys,” Nick said quickly. “You’ll settle for the beer and your nuts. Touch her and you’ll forfeit the ones between your legs.”
“Nick!” Brandee jammed one hand onto her hip.
“It’s all in good fun, sweetheart,” he said and chuckled.
Tory drummed his fingers on the table. “Don’t worry, Brandee. He’d have to catch us first. I hear big lugs like him are pretty slow on their feet.”
“Don’t count on that,” Nick said with a growl.
“I’d better go place your order before I get hit with one of those testosterone bullets flying around,” Brandee said and walked away.
The guys chuckled.
“So, you said you have questions for me?” Drake reminded him.
“Yeah. Some of us have become good friends. We help each other out when our talents are needed,” Nick began.
“Ah. So you want to know what my special abilities are?”
“To start.”
Again Drake seemed surprised. But instead of becoming defensive, he simply answered the question.
“Well, in dragon form I can fly, and naturally, I’m fireproof.”
“Do you breathe fire, like in the myths?” Tory asked.
“I personally do not. Some dragons still do, but it’s such a destructive force, it’s been socialized out of us.”
Nick tipped his head. “Socialized out? In other words, you can, but you prefer not to?”
Drake shifted uncomfortably. “The Asian dragons still breathe fire. They seem to have more self-restraint and can handle having the ability. Unfortunately, some of the European dragons abused the privilege and it was taken away—at least from my family.”
“By whom?” Kurt asked.
Drake shrugged. “Don’t know. If it occurred over centuries we’d simply blame evolution, but it was sudden. Right after the Chicago fire. I have to assume a dragon had something to do with setting it.”
And I’d have to assume Gaia had something to do with the sudden evolution.
“You seem like a straight-up guy, Drake. I’m going to level with you. I’m a werewolf and a paranormal private investigator, and I’ve been working on a frustrating case recently. I might be able to use your help.”
Drake shrugged. “Sure. What can I do?”
“Let’s take a walk. Tory? Kurt? Would you mind drinking our beers for us?”
Kurt smirked. “It’ll be a hardship, but we’ll try.”
***
Drake accompanied Nick to the Boston Common. They located a bench far from anyone else, and after evaluating the spot