Surrendering to the Dragon (Stonefire British Dragons Book 7)

by Jessie Donovan

  Rafe tapped his fingers against the table. It had been nearly a bloody hour. Did Bram not care about Nikki’s welfare at all?

  Not to mention he’d been going in circles for his answer. At this rate, Rafe might just have to flip a damn coin.

  At least, he’d been able to make a few calls. The mission would be halted until further notice. Six months of bloody research wasted, not to mention the leave he’d been granted for the next two weeks. Rafe only hoped he could act on the next opportunity to take down Simon Bourne.

  Just as he debated standing up again, the door opened. Kai walked into the room, followed by the tall, dark-haired woman who was both Kai’s mate and Rafe’s sister, Jane.

  Jane spoke up first. “I should’ve known this would happen. You two have been arguing rather passionately for months.”

  Standing up, Rafe narrowed his eyes. “I don’t need you to meddle in this, Jane.”

  Kai growled. “Don’t snap at your sister.”

  Rafe took a step toward the dragonman, but Jane put herself between them. Laying her hand on Kai’s chest, the dragonman kept his position.

  Jane’s blue eyes met Rafe’s green. “Nikki’s asked for the frenzy, and we need a decision.”

  Relief with a small thread of fear flooded his body. At least, he would get the chance to see Nikki again. “She did?”

  “Yes,” Jane answered. “And before you give your answer, make sure to think with your brain and not your cock.”

  “Jane,” Rafe said with narrowed eyes.

  She shrugged. “Hey, you’re the one with the female conquests. You’ve worn them proudly.” She poked his chest. “But this is different. I like Nikki. If you hurt her, I will castrate you myself while you’re sleeping.”

  If she only knew the truth about my past with Nikki. Pushing it aside, he frowned. “Your threats have never worked before. Why do you think they will now?”

  Kai wrapped an arm around Jane from behind. “Regardless of what you think of your sister’s threats, know this, human—you hurt Nikki in any way and I’ll handle your punishment myself.”

  Rafe raised his middle finger. “Fuck off, Kai.”

  Kai’s pupils flashed. Jane leaned her back against his chest, and the dragonman’s pupils became round again. His sister’s voice was softer as she said, “Just remember that if you say yes, there’s a child at the end of it all.”

  Rafe sighed. “I know, Janey. I know.”

  Jane walked forward, and Kai dropped his arm. Laying a hand on Rafe’s shoulder, Jane murmured, “It’s also illegal. The Department of Dragon Affairs can't find out what you’ve done.”

  “Which is a bloody daft rule considering human females can ask to mate with male dragon-shifters,” he muttered.

  “I don’t make the rules, Rafe.” She searched his eyes. “So, what do you want to do?”

  The image of the little girl running through the field and laughing came back again. After nearly eighteen years in the army, a small part of Rafe wanted to protect a family of his own instead of only ever protecting his country.

  Not that he didn’t serve with pride; he couldn’t imagine doing anything else. But his retirement was coming up soon, and there’d be a huge void to fill. A little girl might just be the thing he needed to brighten and give meaning to his life.

  And deep down, he admitted that he wouldn’t mind arguing and matching wits with Nikola Gray for many years to come.

  Of course, it all rested on whether the Department of Dragon Affairs, or DDA, would allow him to claim his child or not. Rafe would just have to work toward making that goal a reality.

  Clearing his throat, Rafe stood tall. “I’ll participate in the frenzy.”

  Jane smiled. “I think that’s the right choice, Rafe. I really do. And not just because I’m looking forward to being an auntie.”

  He replied, “Right, that’s nice and all, but what happens next? Nikki must be in pain, and I don’t want to keep her waiting.”

  Kai studied him a second before jumping in. “Nikki’s been moved to a private cottage and awaits your decision. I’ll take you there.”

  “Are you just going to yell at me the whole way?” Rafe drawled.

  Grunting, irritation flared in Kai’s eyes. “How about we put aside our mutual dislike of each other for the time being and focus on Nikki?”

  Rafe nodded. “I can do that. But just one thing—what about the mission?”

  “We’re working on that. With both of you out of commission, the kidnapping will be delayed,” Kai answered.

  “Is that wise? It took us months of waiting for this chance.”

  Kai’s expression didn’t waver. “It’ll have to be.” The dragonman motioned toward the door. “Let’s go. The mate-claim frenzy is pretty straightforward. But I’ll answer your questions on the way.”

  Kai kissed Jane and then exited the room without another word. Rafe met his sister’s gaze. “Should I be worried?”

  “Only if you don’t like mind-blowing, life-altering sex, from what the others have told me. Although, your penis might hurt after a while.”

  He felt a bit like a bastard for bringing up the frenzy since Jane and Kai were mates, but not true ones, meaning his sister had never had her own frenzy with Kai.

  He cleared his throat. “Right, then I’m leaving now before you start giving me sex tips.”

  He turned to leave, but Jane’s voice drifted into his ears. “Just don’t show fear or be intimidated by Nikki’s dragon.”

  Raising a hand in answer, Rafe picked up his pace. Now that he’d made his decision, he wasn’t going to dawdle. Nikki needed him.

  ~~~

  Curled up naked on a soft bed, Nikki observed everything from a distance. With her dragon dominating the front of her mind, Nikki could see and hear what was happening but couldn’t influence her reactions.

  As it were, one of her hands lightly brushed between her thighs. Each pass sent a rush of heat through her body.

  Her dragon spoke up. Where is he? They said he would come.

  Not for sure. Only maybe.

  I’ll wait a few more minutes and then I’m going to hunt him down.

  Despite the enormity of what might be about to go down, the image of a naked, dragon-possessed Nikki running through the clan’s lands to hunt down Rafe was amusing. At least it was until the imaginary vision of Rafe looked at her with disgust and walked away.

  Much like he’d done four years ago.

  Remembering the incident, Nikki started to doubt her decision. Bearing Rafe’s child would only make her life more complicated, especially if she had to work with him after the frenzy.

  Her dragon was about to retort when a door opened downstairs and clicked shut. Her beast snarled. If it’s not him, I will shift, pick them up in our talons, fly up, and drop them into the nearby lake.

  Don’t even dare try. Bram would kill us.

  Her dragon huffed. I’m not worried about Bram. Given the chance, I could take him, too.

  The frenzy and desire to mate must be doing more than making her dragon cranky.

  One thud and then another in a steady rhythm signaled someone was ascending the stairs.

  Would it be Rafe?

  Not that she should get her hopes up. Rafe might have wanted to kiss her, but that didn’t mean he wanted to shag and impregnate her. That was a pretty tall order for any male, especially for a human. Rafe could end up in jail if he weren't careful.

  The footsteps paused right outside the door. Her dragon sat them up and turned to face it. I smell him.

  Could it be true? Had Rafe come?

  Something light dropped to the floor on the other side of the door. As the doorknob turned, Nikki’s heart pounded.

  Rafe Hartley stood in the doorway wearing a pair of low-slung jeans and nothing else. Both woman and dragon drank in the sight of his chiseled abs and defined muscles. Two dog tags also hung from chains around his neck.

  They both wanted to reach out and run their hands through
the light patch of dark hair on his chest.

  Her beast stood them up. I’m going to claim him.

  Her dragon-possessed human form rushed Rafe, but the second before they could make contact and tumble him to the ground, Rafe moved to the side. Grabbing her wrists, he pulled their back against his front and his heat seeped into their skin.

  A voice tinged with her beast and not quite her own hissed, “You’re mine. Let me go and let me claim you.”

  Rafe’s breath was hot against their cheek. “I will, but not without Nikki. Bring her back.”

  “We are one and the same.” Her dragon pulled their wrists, but Rafe’s grip held firm.

  “Nikki. Now. Otherwise, this is going to be a long night of me tying you up and watching you like a hawk.”

  “You wouldn’t dare.”

  “Try me, dragon.”

  Nikki spoke to her beast. If you want to claim him sooner, then do as he says. You’ve seen how stubborn he can be. I wouldn’t doubt him being able to keep us tied up for days if he wanted to. Even if you shifted into a dragon, he’d still find a way to keep you in line.

  No. I should be the one to claim him. He’s our mate, and you’ll just let him go.

  I promise I won’t, and I don’t make promises lightly.

  Her dragon paused a second. She was more than aware of that fact. You get one chance. That’s it. After that, I will outsmart the human and ride him hard.

  Her beast slowly lowered the prison Nikki currently resided inside. The instant the walls were down, Nikki raced to take control. Her dragon settled at the back to watch, and Nikki murmured, “I always knew you were kinky and wanted to tie females up.”

  “Nikki?”

  Turning her head, she met his eye. “The one and only. Now, how about letting me go?”

  “How do I know your dragon isn’t playing a trick?”

  “Because she would only want to fuck you and I’m about five seconds away from kicking you in the dick.”

  Rafe snorted. “That would sort of defeat the purpose of me being here. And not a very nice way to thank me for agreeing to this in the first place.”

  While her dragon flicked her tail in impatience, Nikki ignored her beast and asked, “Why did you?”

  Rafe’s grip relaxed a fraction as he whispered, “Because I didn’t like seeing you in pain.” She drew in a breath, but before she could reply, he quickly added, “And I need you if we’re ever to complete our mission.”

  Any tender feelings at his first statement melted with the latter. “Of course, the mission.”

  Releasing her wrists, Rafe stepped away and took his lovely heat with him. “Tell me what you want me to do, Nikki.”

  Turning, she placed a hand on her hip. It took everything she had to not react to Rafe’s perusal of her naked body. “For starters, you can bring back the real Rafe. This uncertain, nice guy is creeping me out.”

  Narrowing his eyes, Rafe took a step toward her. “Excuse me for thinking about how difficult this is for you. If you want me to insult you, then by all means, I can do that.”

  She poked his chest. “Don’t be an arsehole. Just be yourself.”

  Rafe reached out and pulled her flush against him. Despite her best efforts, she cried out at the heat of his skin next to hers.

  Her dragon hummed. Yes. This is more like it. We just need to rip off his jeans.

  Male satisfaction flared in his eyes as he murmured, “If I’m going to be myself, then I’m going to do this.”

  Lowering his head, he kissed her.

  Chapter Three

  As Rafe’s lips touched Nikki’s, he moved a hand down to her toned, bared arse. Squeezing her firm cheek, Nikki cried out in surprise, and he slipped his tongue into her mouth.

  Seeing her naked with fire in her eyes had made him hard already. Yet as he stroked his tongue against Nikki’s and she dug her nails into his back, his dick turned to granite.

  Alternating between nipping her bottom lip and caressing the inside of her mouth, he backed her against a wall. Breaking the kiss, he leaned even more against Nikki’s small frame; at least small for a dragon-shifter, thanks to her human mother being of some Asian descent.

  Her pupils flashed between round ones and slits. “Why did you stop?”

  Moving a hand between them, he cupped her small breast. Her hard little nipple was pointy against his palm. “Because all I can think about is tossing you onto the bed and fucking you. I need to make sure you’re certain of this.”

  She scratched down his back before gripping his arse cheek through his jeans. Damn, he couldn’t wait to have her nails marking his skin.

  “Did anyone threaten you into doing this?” Nikki asked.

  He rubbed his palm against Nikki’s nipple. “No.”

  Her voice was breathy as she asked, “And you know there’s a child at the end of this? I don’t expect anything from you once this is done. It’s just sex between two people who find each other attractive.”

  That statement flared something deep inside Rafe. He didn’t like it.

  Later. I will deal with that later. Nipping her lip, he answered, “That’s what I’ve been told.”

  Before she could answer, Nikki closed her eyes and clenched her jaw; he also felt the other muscles in her body tighten. “What’s wrong?”

  “My...dragon. She’s impatient.”

  “That’s my cue to get started.”

  Taking her lips again, he took a step back and wrapped his arms around Nikki’s trim waist. Sliding his hands down her soft, warm skin to her arse, he lifted. Nikki melted into the kiss and wrapped her legs around his waist.

  As he devoured her mouth, licking, and nipping, he pulled her tighter against him and moved toward the bed. Leaning down until Nikki’s back touch the mattress, Rafe broke the kiss. “Showtime.”

  Nikki battled a smile and lost. “You could be a little more serious about this.”

  He bit the side of her neck and licked the sting with his tongue. The saltiness of her skin lingered in his mouth. “Why? I’d much rather have you smiling than frowning.”

  Nikki fell quiet, and an uneasiness crept up his neck. Meeting her eyes again, he only saw heat and desire. “If you want me smiling and not my dragon, then take off your damn jeans already. I felt your erection, so let Mr. Happy do his job.”

  “Call my dick Mr. Happy again and see what happens.”

  The corner of Nikki’s mouth ticked up. “Mr. Happy, Rafe Hartley’s oh-so-talked-about penis.”

  With a growl, he pinned her hands above her head and rubbed his groin against her clit. Nikki cried out, and he did it again. “When I’m done with you, you’ll think of my cock as Mr. Unbelievable. Now, release your legs.”

  Nikki complied. Keeping her arms pinned, he kissed down to her breast and took her nipple into his mouth. When he sucked hard, she arched her back. “Rafe.”

  Releasing it with a pop, he blew on her wet flesh. “Get used to my name on your lips, Nikki, because you’ll be saying it many more times before I’m done.”

  “If you don’t hurry the hell up, my dragon won’t care about your games, let alone your name.” She parted her thighs even farther. “Take off your jeans and fuck me already.”

  He nuzzled her breast. “Tell me again what you want me to do to you.”

  “Rafe.” Her tone held a warning. He looked up and raised his brows. Nikki finally rolled her eyes. “Fuck me, Rafe. Oh, baby. I’m waiting.”

  “We’re going to have to work on your enthusiasm.” Standing up, he released her arms. In record time, he shucked his jeans. Since he was commando, he didn’t have to worry about underwear and his cock jutted long and hard in front of him.

  Gripping his cock in his hand, he stroked up and down. Nikki’s gaze followed the action. She licked her lips, and his cock released a drop of pre-cum.

  When her gaze finally met his again, she demanded, “Well? Are you going to stand there or fuck me already?”

  He swiftly positioned himself betwe
en her thighs. As he ran the tip of his dick through her wet, swollen folds, he murmured, “As my lady commands.”

  And he thrust into her pussy.

  ~~~

  Nikki cried out as Rafe’s hard cock filled her. Damn, he felt better than she’d ever imagined.

  Her dragon hummed. Yes, yes. Nearly. Buck our hips and maybe slap his arse. That will get him going.

  You can do that later. It’s my turn.

  Not for much longer. Hurry him up or you know what will happen.

  “Nikki.”

  Her gaze had drifted, but at the command in Rafe’s voice, she met his green eyes.

  Eyes that she had dreamt about for years.

  Forget your silly fantasies, Nikki. He’s not doing this for a girlfriend, a child, and a happy ending, Nikki told herself.

  Rafe pulled out slowly and pounded back in. She forgot about everything but the sensation between her legs.

  Nikki clenched the sheets in her fingers. “Again.”

  “Are you sure? Once I start, I’m not sure I can stop. You’re so small and tight, and grip me just the way I like.”

  “Yes, because I have absolute control over the size and tightness of my vagina.”

  Running his hand up her belly, her ribcage, and finally grabbing her breasts, he murmured, “I’m the one helping you. Can’t you work with me more?”

  Her beast hissed. Move our hips. Now.

  Placing her hands over his, she arched her back. “You’d better get a move on or I’m going to seriously doubt the rumors about your conquests.”

  Rafe leaned down until his breath tickled her lips. “Right now, I only want you.”

  She knew he was telling her what she wanted to hear, but she shivered at his tone. “Then kiss me and get to work.”

  With a growl, he took her wrists. Pinning her hands above her head, he kissed her and moved his hips. Each long, hard stroke made it more difficult to think about anything but Rafe inside her.

  As he picked up his pace, Nikki circled her hips to match him.

  For so long, she’d wondered what it’d feel like to have sex with Rafe Hartley. And damn, the way he stroked her was better than any dragon-shifter she’d slept with in the past.