B013U5A18C (A) (5 page)

Nikki answered Rafe, “Only a handful of my clan know you’re here. Go, run off, and see what happens when they find you. For all they know, you’re a dragon hunter.”

“I can handle them.”

She raised an eyebrow. “Right, so when they shift into a dragon and dangle you from two talons, you’ll pull out some special moves to defeat them?”

Rafe stopped moving and peered down at her. “I might.”

She shook her head. “This isn’t the army, Mr. Hartley. You’re on dragon-shifter land.”

He crossed his arms over his chest. “And what is that supposed to mean?”

“It means we do whatever it takes to protect our own.  Mess with my clan, and you’ll suffer the consequences.”

Rafe’s piercing green gaze reminded Nikki of one of her commanding officers, but she resisted squirming. Bram and Kai needed her strong. She could do it.

Eventually, Rafe nodded. “That I can respect. Now, Miss…?”

“Call me Nikki.”

“Right, Ms. Nikki. How about we hurry? Whatever your clan leader wants with me is important. The longer you try to assert your control over me, the more time you take away from your clan.”

He was right, the bloody human, but she wasn’t about to admit it. “Then follow me and don’t wander off.”

As Nikki jogged away, she heard Rafe follow. 

The exercise gave her time to digest what had happened. It seemed Rafe didn’t recognize her. She should be elated, but a small part of her was disappointed.

Still, she needed to forget her adolescent fantasies about Rafe Hartley and focus on protecting her clan. She had yet to prove herself as a worthy Protector. Helping Kai had been a step in the right direction, but tracking down the dragon hunters and taking them down would most definitely earn respect from the other clan members.

Or, so she hoped. The elders would be the toughest to persuade she was more than just the start of repopulating their clan.

Nikki picked up her pace and pretended her past with Rafe had never happened. Once her mission was over, she’d maybe visit one of the other clans to ease her dragon’s sexual appetites. Lochguard was friendly now. 

Yes, she’d find a nice Scottish dragonman and sleep with him. Humans were too complicated and fragile. And she definitely didn’t need that in her life.

~~~

Jane secured Kai’s sling and gave his chest a little pat. “Even if it means I win this round, that wasn’t so bad, was it?”

Kai scratched his chest. “Celebrate winning this time because it won’t happen again.”

She rolled her eyes. “You’re such a sore loser.”

She moved away from Kai and picked up the borrowed jacket from the bed. At some point, she would find a way to have her own clothes again. 

Kai grunted and she smiled. “You must be feeling better if you can grunt.”

He grunted again and Jane laughed. Her dragonman’s voice filled the room. “I like your laugh. You should laugh more often.”

“You’re just trying to change the subject, Mr. Sutherland.”

“No. I like how your eyes sparkle and your cheeks turn slightly pink.”

She resisted covering her cheeks. “It’s strange when you’re nice to me.”

“I thought you didn’t want me to be nice one minute and an arsehole the next.”

She decided to change the subject. “Instead of arguing the point, let’s go.”

“You just don’t want to admit you’re wrong.”

“Says the stubborn head Protector.”

Kai came up to her and placed a hand on her lower back. “This isn’t over, but let’s go. I want to hear what Bram has to say. Unless you’ve changed your mind and want to tell me everything?”

She raised an eyebrow and pointed to her face. “Does it look like I’m going to tell you? This is my stern face.” She exaggerated her frown and slight glare.

Moving his hand to her backside, he squeezed her arse cheek and Jane squeaked. “I don’t see any such thing.”

“Wow, I’ve really coaxed out the incorrigible flirt, haven’t I?”

“No comment, Ms. Journalist. Let’s go.”

Kai pressed gently against her bum and she started walking.

The dragonman never severed contact, though. She never thought she was the type of woman to want a possessive man, but she was starting to like it. No matter Kai’s faults—and there were probably many she still didn’t know about—he had no problem displaying his interest and intent.

Add in the mundaneness of them waking up together earlier, and Jane was honest enough with herself to admit she wanted more of it. The only question was whether she could have it. If Rafe refused to help Stonefire, the dragon-shifters might not welcome him back to their land. If she stayed, and she was starting to warm up to the idea, she would miss her brother.

Kai’s voice interrupted her thoughts. “You’re only quiet when you’re thinking. Tell me what’s on your mind.”

Jane blinked as she realized they were outside already. She hadn’t been paying attention. 

Since she couldn’t tell him the full truth, she stuck as close to it as possible. “My brother. I was wondering how he’d do here.”

He frowned. “No one is allowed on Stonefire until I run a background check.”

She fought a smile. “Is that so? And what happens when the badass Protector gets shot? Will everyone just line up at the gates and wait until you have a chance to screen them all?”

“Don’t be daft. If Bram can’t do it, then their visits are rescheduled.” He paused and then added, “Your very first visit was nearly postponed, but I managed to find out just enough about you beforehand. Good thing, or Mel would’ve had my head.”

“Oh? And what secrets did you uncover? I bet you didn’t find anything about my secret life as a treasure hunter.”

“Treasure hunter, huh? You must be a lousy one then because no one ever mentioned it. Not even on the internet, and you can find everything there.”

She tried to look affronted, but then laughed. “Fine, I’m not a treasure hunter. But I’m sure you didn’t find out everything about me.”

“No, but you owe me a secret once we’re done with Bram.”

“And why, pray tell, do I owe you anything?”

He leaned down to her ear and whispered, “It’ll help me stop visualizing you naked and at the mercy of my fingers, my tongue, and my cock.”

Jane’s heart skipped a beat. She whispered back, “Stop it. We’re in public and dragon-shifters have sensitive hearing.”

“Does it matter?” He patted her rear. “Any male who sees me with my hand on your plump arse knows I’ve made a claim.”

She moved a hand to Kai’s firm buttocks and squeezed. “There. Now it runs both ways.” She dug in her nails a little. “Flirt with others at your own peril.”

Amusement danced in Kai’s eyes. “And how do you plan to take down a dragon, Janey?”

Straightening her shoulders, Jane lifted her chin. “I’m resourceful. After a few days here, I’ll find a way.”

Kai chuckled as they approached Bram’s cottage. Despite his recent claim, Jane still half-expected Kai to step away from her. Yet he pulled her tighter against his side as they approached the door and the action warmed her heart.

Just as he’d stated before, Kai truly didn’t hold back once he’d made up his mind. 

Kai raised his hand to knock, but the door opened before he could do so. Bram stood on the other side. After looking between Jane and Kai, the clan leader smiled and motioned inside. “Come. Evie’s going to be happy to see you two. She just won a bet.”

~~~

Kai squeezed Jane tighter against his side. “Explain what you mean, Bram.”

Laughter danced in his clan leader’s eyes. “Not right now. Evie can tell you.”

“Hiding behind a pregnant female isn’t very leader-like,” Kai stated.

Bram shrugged. “It’ll make her happy and I’ll do whatever it takes to make my mate happy.”

Kai sensed what was left unsaid—Kai would understand that fact himself if he ever took a mate.

Kai’s dragon growled.
Hurry up. I want to spend time with Jane.

What about the clan?

We can do both as long as you learn to delegate.

Ignoring his beast, Kai glanced at Jane. She was being unusually quiet. “I see you’re quiet for Bram.”

Jane smiled up at him. “Oh, it’s not for Bram.”

Kai looked from Jane to Bram and back again. “Can one of you just bloody tell me what’s going on already? I don’t like secrets.”

Bram motioned with his head. “Step inside first.” Kai guided them in and Bram shut the door. His clan leader continued, “Jane is probably quiet because her brother was scheduled to arrive thirty minutes ago.” Bram glanced to Jane. “And he came.”

Jane let out a breath at his side. “Good.”

Kai jumped in. “Wait, what does Jane’s brother have to do with anything?”

Bram answered, “He’s going to help us with the hunters.” Kai raised his brows and Bram added, “I’ll fill you in on the plan with Rafe in the room.”

Jane spoke up. “So he passed your interview?”

Bram nodded. “I have a few things to look into, but I’ve cleared him for now. It was hard to get any answers out of the bastard until I mentioned the hunters are a threat to his sister. Then he became a lot more serious and cooperative.”

Evie’s voice drifted down the hall. “Bram.”

They turned and Evie appeared, followed by Nikki and a tall male with dark hair and green eyes.

Those green eyes darted to Kai’s grip, Kai’s dragon-shifter tattoo, and then looked to Jane. “What the hell is going on, Jane? Since when are you cozy with a bloody dragon-shifter?”

Kai jumped in before Jane could. “Don’t talk to her like that.”

Rafe met Kai’s eyes. They were neutral. Despite the human’s tone, his emotions hadn’t taken complete control of him. Rafe’s voice was steely as he answered, “Be careful, dragonman. Until I know more about you, I’m going to be watching your every move.”

Rafe stared and Kai stared back. Jane sighed and poked him with a finger. “Stop it.” She looked to her brother. “And you, too. I’m standing right here. You could talk to me, you know, Rafe, instead of acting as protective as any dragon-shifter. Maybe even say hello to your favorite sibling.”

“You’re my only sibling. Besides, you’re the one who asked for my help, little sister. How convenient of you to not mention you’re sleeping with a dragonman,” Rafe answered.

“If I am, it’s none of your business. I don’t go around lecturing you about your numerous women. You’re a grown man and I trust you to know what you’re doing. Do the same with me.”

Rafe glared at Kai. “This is different.”

Kai growled and took a step toward Rafe, but Bram’s voice boomed out, full of dominance. “Enough. You two can circle each other later.” Bram looked to Rafe. “If you want me to honor our deal, then go back inside with Evie and wait for me.” Bram looked to Kai. “And you stay here. I want to talk with you.”

“And me, too?” Jane asked.

Bram shook his head. “Go in with your brother and have your row. I want everything to run smoothly once we start discussing plans and tactics.”

Jane nodded and Kai squeezed her hip. “Jane stays with me.”

Bram gave him a piercing stare. “You and I need to chat alone.”

Jane touched his cheek. “It’ll be fine. Learn what you need to know from Bram and I’ll sort out my brother.”

Rafe mumbled something in the corner, but Kai ignored him. “If you feel the need to punch him, then give him an extra one from me.”

Bram growled. “Kai.”

Jane bit her lip. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

With one last look, Jane left his side and joined Rafe and Evie. Evie threw a look at Bram before the trio disappeared. 

Kai focused all of his attention on Bram. “Tell me what the bloody hell is going on, Bram. And quickly.” 

His leader raised an eyebrow. “I should ask the same of you. You and the human smell of each other.”

Kai wished he could shrug. “It wasn’t planned, but she’s mine. I would think you’d understand.”

“While I’m glad you finally found a female you like, you have bloody awful timing.”

“Some would say the same of when you mated Evie.”

“Aye, well, as long as Jane is the one you want, I’ll allow it. If it becomes serious, then you’d better hope the DDA grants you a special license to mate her. Evie and I only negotiated that deal for Stonefire a few weeks ago.”

“I’ll let you know.” Kai studied Bram a second and added, “Now, tell me why Rafe Hartley is here.”

“He’s going to help us with tracking down the dragon hunters,” Bram stated.

Kai frowned. “How is he going to do that? He’s still active with the army.”

“That’s exactly why he’s useful.”

Kai’s dragon spoke up.
I don’t care if he’s useful. If he tries to take Jane away, I will claw my way out and take care of him.

Let’s try to avoid mauling humans, if at all possible.

His beast huffed and fell silent. Sometimes, Kai wondered how he’d been paired with such a pouty dragon.

Kai focused back on Bram. “You’re holding back information, Bram, and I don’t like it. Just tell me what the bloody hell is going on.”

Bram shook his head. “Rather than repeat myself, let’s discuss this all together. I just need to make sure you won’t kill the human male.”

“I can’t promise anything, but I’ll try. If he betrays our clan, then he’s fair game.”

“Fair enough.” Bram motioned toward the door. “Then let’s join the others.”

As they started toward the door, Bram lowered his voice and added, “I’m glad you’ve found someone, even if it’s only for a little while.”

“Jane is mine and she’s staying.”

Bram chuckled and Kai clenched the fingers of one hand.

Before Kai could say anything else, Bram exited the room and Kai followed.

As happy as he was that Bram approved of Jane, Kai still had to survive the meeting with Jane’s brother. Not killing the bastard was going to be difficult.

His dragon spoke up.
As much as I’d like to kick the human male off our land, if he helps us and succeeds, then the clan and Jane will be safer. Maybe we should hold off on killing him.

Gee, thanks, dragon. I never would’ve thought of that.

His beast huffed.
Maybe I won’t try to help you, then. We’ll see how far you get without me.