Free Obsidian Son (The Temple Chronicles Book 1) by Shayne Silvers

fixated halfway up a particularly tall oak. I followed his gaze to see a human form tucked back against the trunk, almost invisible. The figure nodded down at us, tipping a fedora with a grin, balancing what looked like a grappling gun in the crook of his shoulder. I suddenly wondered how many more men this man had in his employ, and why they were so wary. And then the man was walking away again, leaving me alone by the tree trunk as he spoke over his shoulder. “We’re not sure what they are doing yet, but we’re keeping tabs on ‘em. We’ve also got our eyes on you, Temple.” I looked back up where the sentry had been, but he was gone. Not a rustle of movement. Damn good.
    Dragons again. So that’s what Raven had been preparing to shift into. Not a demon, but a were-dragon. But why had she stopped? Surely she could have protected herself against us if she had simply shifted into her dragon form. What irked me the most was that I hadn’t known dragons could shift at all. I had always assumed that a dragon was just another big, scary monster, lurking in caves and guarding treasures. Not something that could go unnoticed in a large city. But if they could appear human…
    Gunnar called out my name, probably noting the other man’s departure from the tree. I stepped back onto the path leading up to the Mausoleum. “Coming.” I took another drag on the cigarette before snuffing it out on the path.
    Gunnar tried to intercept me before the group of gnarled lawyers and ancient board members could swarm me, but failed. “Master Temple, my deepest condolences. I have been trying to reach you for the past week, but it appears your cell service must be unreliable.” A stunning, tall redheaded woman spoke, stepping out from behind the group of geezers around her.
    Despite the fact that she was significantly younger than her companions, I realized that not one of them had spoken a word to me. They watched the firecracker woman with respect and… fear? Her eyes were tight with stress, strain, and Corporate America-itis. But it did nothing to hide her beautiful cerulean eyes. I had heard of Miss Ashley Belmont before, but had never met her, and hadn’t expected such a big aura from such a frail package — maybe 110 pounds despite her height. My parents had referred to her as their right hand. Maybe I should have started working for Temple Industries after all. I realized I was staring, so quickly fumbled for an answer.
    “No, I just didn’t answer your calls.” The woman blinked in surprise, and I almost slapped my forehead with my palm. Think first, Nate , I chided myself.
    Her response was whip-quick. “Understandable. I have been meaning to talk to you about-”
    “I don’t give a damn about the company, woman.” I growled at my misperception of her. The fairer sex had always been my kryptonite, able to instantaneously make me lose focus. She looked hurt at the interruption, but I barreled past her, closer to my linebacker, Gunnar.
    “I was going to say your parents , Master Temple.” She said softly behind me. I looked over my shoulder at her. Her long legs, wavy red hair, and secretary glasses seemed to shelter a cunning intelligence and rare compassion.
    Gunnar stepped forward. “I’m honored to introduce Ashley Belmont, stand-in CEO of Temple Industries. It is very rude to keep a woman waiting, Nate. I think you owe her a minute of your oh-so precious time.” He said, leveling a condescending glare at me.
    The woman nodded appreciatively, tugging her open Burberry coat closed about her. Damn it. Gunnar was right. “My apologies, Miss Belmont. What can I do for you?” I asked politely.
    “To be honest, I’m not quite sure myself. The information is confidential…” She glanced pointedly at Gunnar, and the silver badge glinting off his belt. He didn’t even blink, unsnapping the badge and tossing it underhand to me. I turned to face her bright stare as it sailed at my face, using magic at the last