His fear had turned into something else—anger. The hunters needed to be dealt with quickly. He trusted Dr. Sid to take care of Nikki and the rest of the clan to care for her until he returned. He had no doubt Nikki would understand his choice to capture the enemy first and check on her later.
Rafe itched for his missing gun but had conceded to leave his weapons with Stonefire’s Protectors when he first arrived. Aaron hadn’t allowed him to retrieve them, citing how the dragon-shifters didn’t use firearms in their attacks. Maybe with training later, it could work. But in the present, it was too risky.
No worries. Rafe could do with stretching some of his hand-to-hand combat skills. The trick would be in not killing the bastards; they would provide far more information alive than dead.
Aaron raised a fist, signaling for them to halt. Rafe scanned the shadows for any movement. But beyond the wind through the trees and the occasional bird’s cry, he saw and heard nothing unusual.
Of course, dragon-shifters had super sensitive hearing, and Aaron had probably noticed something. Before meeting and caring for Nikki, Rafe would’ve grumbled and resented the fact the dragons had a better ability than him to defend Nikki’s honor. In the present, he was grateful for any skill that could capture their prey.
Aaron pointed to Rafe and then himself. Then he divided the remaining four members into two more teams. With a nod, Rafe followed Aaron as they headed northwest.
The next time Aaron stopped, he motioned with his finger for Rafe to come closer. When he complied, Aaron’s voice was barely a whisper. “I hear at least four intruders. Humans by their smell. We’ll stay ten feet apart and attack them from the sides. If possible, I want them alive. I’ll give an eagle cry when it’s time to move in closer and another when it’s time to attack.”
With another nod, Rafe moved into position. Keeping his breathing even and crouching as still as possible, he finally heard a branch break under someone’s foot. He now at least had a general idea of where his targets were.
Rafe waited patiently for Aaron’s signal. Successful operations almost always came down to timing.
At the sound of a screeching eagle’s cry, Rafe kept low as he moved quickly through the trees. Within sixty seconds, he spotted two men and one woman gathered around an item on wheels. Suspecting it was the laser gun used on Nikki, or at least one of them, Rafe assessed his options.
The branch and small brush on the ground would create noise when he charged. Scanning above,
the trees were still bare-limbed since it was late February. A few of the larger branches stretched toward the small group. Attacking from above would also give him the element of surprise.
Jumping up, he pulled himself into the tree above. Inching his way along the sturdy branch, he edged as far as he could without straining the limb. The three below were so engrossed with their task, they never looked up. Rafe looked to the right and made out a few armed soldier-like figures further down. However, their clothes were civilian and the members of the group were aged from late teens to late fifties.
A second eagle’s cry interrupted his assessment and Rafe jumped from the branch to the two men who had their backs to him. His momentum tumbled them all to the ground.
Ignoring the cries in the distance, Rafe focused on the two men struggling beneath him. One was overweight and the other was extremely thin, but neither had much in the way of muscle and did nothing but squirm and yell. Good. It would make things easy.
Lifting their heads by their ears, he gripped the side of their skulls and banged them together. Both men went down like stones and didn’t move.
Just as Rafe turned toward the woman, his face ended up less than a foot from the strange weapon’s barrel. His hand itched to go to where he usually holstered his weapon, but he stopped when he remembered it wasn’t there. His gun would have come in fucking handy right this moment.
The woman’s voice shook as she ordered, “Move any closer and I’ll shoot.”
From the corner of his eye, he could see the woman’s arms trembling. Shit. That didn’t bode well for him.
His best chance was to reason with her. “Look, if you’re here because you hate the dragons, then know I’m human and with the British Army.”
“You’re lying.”
“Am I?” Rafe noted the lack of yelling to the side. Aaron might be near. He needed to stall. “Your weaponry is illegal. Did you think we didn’t know you were going to use it? We’ve just been waiting for the right time.” Pausing a second, he listened for any sign of Aaron, but didn’t hear it. He continued, “Surrender yourself now and cooperate and you might avoid a lifetime in prison.”
The woman’s countenance slipped, but then hatred flashed in her eyes. “It will be worth it. The dragons let my son die when they could’ve saved him. But no amount of pleading swayed their case.”
Get her to open up to you and she’ll be less likely to kill you. “What did your son die of?”
“Leukemia.”
Rafe knew full well dragon’s blood couldn’t cure cancer, but arguing with the woman wasn’t going to help him stay alive. “I’m truly sorry to hear that, miss. You have my condolences.”
Tears filled the woman’s eyes. “He was only eight years old. And yet the selfish dragons wouldn’t even try to save him.”
“What was your son’s name?”
For a second, he didn’t think the woman would answer. But eventually, she whispered, “Alfie.”
Rafe spotted movement just behind the woman. He needed to keep her focused on him. “I’m fairly sure Alfie wouldn’t want you to kill on his behalf.”
“How would you know? You probably don’t have any children and don’t understand what it’s like to lose a piece of your heart.”
Just as he opened his mouth to reply, Aaron pulled the woman back at the same time Rafe dove to the side. A laser blast sailed a few inches over his shoulder.
Taking a deep breath, Rafe stood. Aaron had the woman with her chest to the ground and her hands tied together with a zip tie. Tape over her mouth kept her quiet.
“Thanks.”
Aaron nodded in acknowledgment before moving to the gun. “As much as I don’t want this thing on Stonefire’s land, we should probably bring it back with us. Then you can have your colleagues cart it away.”
Staying away from the end of the barrel, Rafe peered at the controls. Considering Aaron had saved his life, Rafe didn’t hold back. “They’ve been wanting one of these ever since Tristan MacLeod was injured almost two years ago. The word is someone in Russia designed it and exchanged the blueprints for a few vials of dragon’s blood.”
Aaron peered down at the weapon. “I don’t care who designed it.” He looked up. “As long as your people can find a way to defend against it, that’s all I care about. I hope you will keep me in the loop.”
“I can’t guarantee it, but I’ll make my best case about including Stonefire on the research.” Rafe moved his gaze to the woman on the ground. “Do you know who they allied themselves with? The Dragon Knights or the hunters?”
“I don’t know. But if anyone can find out, Zain can.” Aaron motioned toward the two unconscious men. “Secure them.”
Following Aaron’s order, he asked, “What of the others?”
Aaron pulled out his mobile phone from a pocket and checked it. “The other teams have finished, although one Protector was injured and one of the attackers managed to escape. The dragons in the sky will alert us if they find any more enemies nearby.”
“Good.”
Aaron studied him a second before replying, “Nikki will be fine. Sid let me know.”
For one of the first times in his life, Rafe wished he could just run off and leave an assignment behind. But Nikki would never approve. And, to be honest, Rafe would hate himself for it later.
Still, he counted the minutes until his relief arrived. Not caring what the others thought of him, once his duty was completed, he ran all the way to Stonefire’s outside infirmar
y. He needed to see Nikki.
~~~
To better help Nikki’s wing heal, Sid had put it into a type of splint to keep it extended. While it rested on the ground to prevent straining her shoulder muscles, it was bloody uncomfortable. She was stuck sleeping on her belly instead of her side.
Her dragon huffed. So much for being a warrior.
Considering the males whine more than me, you shouldn’t complain.
The sound of pounding feet garnered her attention. Since she was trapped inside a tent, she couldn’t see what was happening. Was there another attack?
As she debated the best way to move without hurting her wing, Rafe rushed into her tent. His eyes darted to her splint before he walked slowly around her body. Since his face was neutral, she had no idea what he was thinking.
He finally stopped in front of her. After a second, he flicked her snout with his fingers, and she narrowed her eyes.
Bracing herself for a telling-off, one corner of Rafe’s mouth ticked up. “Next time, try not to get yourself injured. If we need to set up a challenge of who can remain injury-free the longest, I can do that.”
Nikki let out a breath. Rafe hadn’t yelled at her to never take such a stupid risk again.
At least, not yet.
Laying a hand on her snout, Rafe stroked it in slow, gentle movements. “Don’t look at me like that. Just because you can’t speak right now doesn’t mean I can’t read what’s in your eyes. Stop doubting me, Nikola Gray.” She grunted and he continued, “I’ll be honest and say watching you fall toward the ground nearly stopped my heart. And seeing you in pain makes me wish I could do something to take the burden from you.” He stopped stroking and took her snout in between his hands. “Do I want to yell and growl at you? I’d be lying if I said no. But asking you never to fly a mission again or to give up your Protector position would slowly kill you. Am I right?”
She nodded.
“Then just know when I tell you never to do that again, I’m saying it because I care. Not because I’m trying to throw ultimatums or to force you into a mold that would destroy you.”
Tears prickled her eyes. She wanted to believe Rafe. She really did. No dragon-shifter male soldier she’d ever met would be so understanding with a pregnant female.
Her beast spoke up. Don’t doubt him. He cares for us. His honesty should convince you.
In that second, she decided to believe Rafe until he gave her a reason not to. Letting go of her doubts and excuses, she acted on impulse and gently pulled him close to hug him. His warmth and scent helped her to forget about the pain in her wing.
Just like he’d help to ease her fear of going to sleep.
It seemed her human was proving to be the best medicine she ever could’ve hoped for.
Rafe chuckled, interrupting her thoughts. “Careful, Nikki. I’m man enough to admit you’re stronger than me right this second.” She loosened her grip a fraction and Rafe met one of her eyes. “But once you can shift into a human again, I challenge you to a sparring match so I can pin you beneath me again.”
Nikki snorted.
Her dragon spoke up. You want to keep him, too. Admit it.
Let’s see how this week goes first.
Although, if Rafe kept up his acceptance of her, she just might start doing more than merely fancying him.
Then he leaned forward and kissed her snout. The gesture touched her.
“I’ll take your expression as a yes.” Rafe patted her snout and his voice filled the tent again. “Now that I know you’re okay, I’m going to fill you in on what happened.” Nikki tilted her head and he continued, “We found one of the guns that fired at you. We’re unsure if it’s the only one, but one of your engineers is taking a look at it right now before I call in some of my army colleagues. Our hope is to find a way to defend against it.”
Bobbing her head, Nikki pushed aside her feelings about Rafe and switched into work mode. She traced a word in the dirt floor with a talon. “Who?”
Rafe shook his head. “I don’t know yet.” He met her eye again. “But one of the women I met troubles me. She seemed to think dragon’s blood can cure cancer. As successful as Melanie’s book was last year, I’m starting to think its popularity is beginning to fade.”
Tracing a few more letters, Nikki moved her paw away and Rafe looked at the words “Jane can help” scratched into the ground.
“I was thinking about that too,” Rafe answered. “My sister keeps talking about launching her videocast but hasn’t accomplished it yet. A human from Lochguard, Gina MacDonald, has started offering marketing ideas. But with Gina’s new child and a protective mate, the project isn’t going as quickly as it could be.” Rafe grimaced. “As much as I hate to think of the danger Jane could be in, I’m going to suggest for her to go up to Scotland to finalize things. The trouble will be getting Kai on board.”
Nikki tapped Jane’s name on the ground, hoping Rafe would understand her meaning. If he went to Jane first, then Kai might not even be able to stop her.
With a sigh, Rafe finally answered, “Her mate is going to hate me even more, but sometimes, the dragonman needs to be a little less protective.” Nikki tilted her head in question and Rafe continued, “I know it’s weird coming from me. But a certain dragonwoman has taught me that flat-out saying no without taking into account someone’s skills and assets is just plain daft. I can’t promise never to be protective, especially if yours, Jane’s, or the health of anyone else I care about comes into question. But I would rather change than push you away for good. And not just because of the baby. Life would be boring without you, Nikki. The thought of losing you rushed through my mind as you fell today.” He placed a hand on her snout again. “And I realized it was a life I didn’t want to have.”
And just like that, Nikki fell a little bit in love with Rafe Hartley.
Her dragon chuckled. I told you he is a good match. He is our true mate. He will make us happy.
Lightly tapping his chest with her snout, Nikki wished there was another way to say how much she valued Rafe’s confession.
However, before she had much of a chance, Ginny, one of Stonefire’s nurses, rushed into the tent.
The gray-haired dragonwoman was notorious for handling difficult cases. But as Ginny looked from Nikki to Rafe and back again, she smiled. “I was expecting to find a row. But it seems I misjudged the pair of you.”
She held out a file to Rafe and Nikki’s human retrieved it. Ginny nodded toward the file. “That tells you not only how to care for Nikki, but also what to expect. I can show you for the first few times how to change and dress the wound on her wing. But if you could do it after that, it would greatly help me out.”
Rafe answered, “I’ve had my fair share of field medic training. Show me once and I can manage it.”
Ginny smiled at Rafe and Nikki wanted to hug her man to her side.
Her beast snorted. She’s an older female. There is nothing to worry about.
But she’s flirting with him.
It’s just a smile.
Ginny laughed. “I’ll be back in two hours to show you how. Judging by the look in Nikki’s eye, she wants you all to herself.”
Rafe darted a glance at Nikki. “Is that so?”
Nikki merely stared back, and Rafe chuckled. He moved toward her again and leaned against her good side. “I’ll keep her company. If there’s a way someone could bring a makeshift desk, laptop, and something for me to sleep on, I’d much appreciate it.”
Nikki blinked. Rafe was going to live in the tent with her until she was better?
“I’ll pass that along,” Ginny answered. “Although I came across Aaron Caruso on my way here and he’s going to talk with you as soon as I’m finished. He tried to weasel his way in before me, but I wasn’t having it.”
Nikki smiled as much as a dragon could. Ginny was one of the few females who could stand up to any dragonman, much like Dr. Sid.
Maybe she could ally with the two women to propose some change
s. Her dragon hummed in approval before saying, I like that idea. Maybe our daughter won’t have to put up with the same crap we do.
There’s absolutely no way you know it’s a girl. Dragons aren’t psychic.
No, but I like siding with Rafe to irritate you.
Nikki ignored her dragon. Nothing like a bloody rebellion inside your head.
Ginny’s voice cut through her conversation. “Two hours. Don’t forget.” She then waved and exited the tent.
Rafe continued to lean against her side as he thumbed through the files. Him leaning so casually against her dragon form was cozy. It was a familiarity she’d always wanted but wasn’t sure she’d ever have. She wished she could tell him so. From here on out, Nikki wanted to be as honest with her human as he was with her.
Not being able to talk to Rafe for a week was going to be torture, pure and simple.
Her dragon chimed in. I will enjoy it. I want him to pet every inch of our hide. It will feel good.
You and the petting. We’re not a dog.
Her beast huffed inside her mind. Of course not. But it feels nice, and that’s all that matters.
Nikki mentally smiled. I want to try something else first.
Before her dragon could stop her, Nikki picked Rafe up gently, turned him toward her tail, and placed him on the edge of her back. Not wanting him to protest and stop her, she moved her tail into a straight, downward angle and lightly pushed him. Rafe slid down her tail and onto his bum on the ground.
She waited to see if he’d call her childish and demand for them to go back to work.
However, when Rafe met her eyes, it was with a grin. “I’ve always wanted to do that but was afraid to ask. Let’s try that again.”
And so Nikki played with her human. His laughter filled the tent as he slid down her tail again. It seemed even her human soldier liked to have fun once in a while. She wondered what sort of trouble she could talk him into later.
She only hoped that she could be doing the same antics in her seventies as she was now. But in order to do that, she needed to find a way for Rafe to stay.
Surrendering to the Dragon (Stonefire British Dragons Book 7) Page 15
