The guy seemed so normal. Julie shook her head as she pushed the piece of shit trolley. The door on it opened as she arrived at the elevator and she was forced to get on her knees and pick up all the spilled amenities. That was another thing, the temps got the worst equipment. Feather dusters with only half their feathers left. Trollies with only three wheels or like hers, doors that wouldn’t close. It was a pain in the ass. She finally made it back to the laundry room just as Callie pushed her locker closed. “What happened?” Her brows were raised and concern shone in her eyes.

Her supervisor was intuitive and a smart cookie.

Julie shook her head. “The DND was still up. I knocked twice but there was no answer, so I hope you don’t mind, but I left it.”

Callie frowned. “That’s weird”—You don’t know the half of it— “he definitely called and asked for a room clean.” Then she shrugged. “Oh well.”

It was on the tip of her tongue to tell Callie what happened but she decided not to in the end. She’d sworn at the guy. It might get her fired, despite the circumstances. She’d learned a long time ago that just because you were in the right, didn’t mean that you came out on top. In fact, the opposite was mostly true. She’d checked in with reception and the pervert was checking out this afternoon so none of them would have to deal with him anymore. Julie would try to put it behind her. There wasn’t much that surprised her anymore. She’d seen it all.

Chapter 2

It took everything in him to bite back a snarl. “What?” Coal felt everything in him tighten. “Didn’t you listen to a word I just said?” There had to be some kind of mistake.

Blaze strode over to the large window and allowed his eyes to wander over the fire kingdom. It was vast and beautiful. Rolling mountains as far as the eye could see.

“I heard you just fine.” Blaze kept his gaze on the view. “You need to have offspring, Coal.”

“Why? You are the king, not I,” he stated unnecessarily. “You are the one that needs heirs.”

“Yes, but you are next in line. What if something were to happen to me?” Blaze was serious. His gaze was unwavering.

“What could possibly happen to you?” Coal growled. “We are the strongest of the non-humans and you are the strongest of the dragons.” More controlled this time. Deep down he knew that his brother had a point but what was the likelihood of him ever having to step up? Tiny to none.

Blaze sighed. “And yet, I am fallible. As are you. It is for that reason that you need to take a mate and to procreate. We need royal offspring, although…” Another dramatic sigh. Blaze shook his head.