Free New Title 1 by Unknown

and Rafe’s leadership, they had managed to run a successful and quite profitable business.
    “Come on, cub,” Rafe called out, as he lifted his gloved hands up. “Prove to me I’m not wasting my time here.”
    As the boy pushed off the floor and prepared for another round, Rafe gave a quick glance around. The gym was packed. All his machines and training spots were busy. Good , he thought. He needed this month to be a profitable one. His debt collectors weren’t as merciful as he was with his clients.
    “Nice new ring you got there, champion.”
    Speaking of the devil ... Rafe stiffened at the sound of Phillip’s sneering voice. Seldom would a dragon be found at a wolf’s joint like his, but the S.O.B. refused to take the hint and kept on showing up unannounced.
    “Take five, cub,” Rafe ordered, then turned to face Phillip. “What do you want, draco?” Rafe asked, taking out his gloves.
    Phillip perched himself on the elevated fighting ring. The entire gym stopped and glared at the draco. Not good. He wanted his club members to train and win fights outside his facility, not inside.
    “I was in the neighborhood,” Phillip replied with that overly-posh British accent of his. “Thought of dropping by and checking up on your progress, mate.”
    “Don’t know if you’re blind, deaf, or just plain stupid, mate , but dracos are not welcome here,” Archie growled.
    Several other fighters gathered around. Murder in their eyes. Rafe could smell the bitter coat of hatred in the air.
    “Archie,” Rafe called, “carry on with the training. I’ll take care of our visitor.”
    “Yeah, Archie, go play with the others,” Phillip sneered, waving his hand as if dismissing him of his duties.
    Ouch.
    His friend didn’t take the condescending gesture lightly, of course. He lunged forward, claws fully elongated and aimed at Phillip’s jugular. Rafe jumped over the ring ropes and landed in front of his partner just before he reached his target.
    “Archie!” he shouted, then locked eyes with his best friend, silently yet clearly stating not worth it . Rafe didn’t like Phillip’s presence at his gym any more than his friend, but antagonizing a creature who could burn his entire investment to ashes was not advisable.
    Archie cursed but complied, and after a few tense seconds, he backed off.
    Rafe turned around to face his unwanted visitor. “Follow me.”
    He crossed the training area in four strides, opened the door to his office and waited for Phillip to enter, then closed it firmly behind him.
    “Hmm, cozy ,” the punk scoffed.
    “What the fuck do you think you’re doing?” Rafe snarled. “I told you not to come here.”
    “What do I think I’m doing?” Phillip arched his eyebrow. “I should ask you the same question, wolf. What made you think you could just walk away from our agreement?”
    Damned the Soartas! Rafe knew his decision to back away from his assignment in London was going to bite him in the ass. Balaur had hired him to kill the vampire king, but when he saw Yara – beautiful, powerful and ripe for the taking – everything changed.
    He clenched his jaw so to try and not to lose his temper. “Whatever happened in London is none of your business, message boy. I made a new deal with your boss.”
    “I’m well aware of your new deal,” Phillip replied. “I’m here to ensure you honor the new deadline and pay the seven figures you owe Balaur in 30 days.”
    Rafe cursed the day he accepted the dragon lord’s offer to clear his balance with his previous “sponsors.” However, as far as he knew, Phillip didn’t work for anyone but himself. It was a bit out of character for him to have become Balaur’s lackey. There must be something in it for him, Rafe was sure.
    He took a deep breath and ran his hand through his dark mane. “Just cut to the chase, Phillip, and stop wasting my time.”
    “You should have finished the mission in London, wolf. You let the vampire king get