Just as she started to come down from her high, he stilled and roared out Nikki’s name. His orgasm sent her spinning into a few more of her own.
When the last spasm wracked her body, Rafe collapsed on top of her. His heat, weight, and scent settled her mind. Somehow during the last few weeks, Rafe had become a rock in her life.
Wrapping her arms around him, she listened to his racing heartbeat. She only hoped she would be able to listen just like this for the rest of her days. Because she wanted much more than to keep their baby; Nikki wanted to keep her human.
The trick would be in finding out how to do it. Especially since it was becoming harder to ignore the growing feelings she had for him. Nikki was far beyond the mere fancies of a young woman. With enough time, she could easily love him.
But would she have the chance to reach that point, or would human laws tear them apart?
Not wanting to ruin the moment with doubts of the future, she nuzzled his shoulder and decided to lighten the mood. “You’re aware everyone in a half-mile radius probably heard you scream my name.”
A chuckle rumbled in his chest. “Good.”
Sighing, she hugged him tighter. “You act like such a male.”
He turned his head to meet her gaze and traced a finger down her cheek. “That’s because I am one.”
She laughed. “And as much as I may regret saying this later, I’m glad of it.”
His grin melted her heart further. Although the stubble on his cheeks reminded her of his constant vigilance and the fact Dr. Sid would be back soon.
“I see wheels turning in your head, Nikki. What are you thinking about?”
She frowned. “You know, I think you’ve become a little too attune to my body language now.”
“And that’s a problem, why? I thought women wanted men to better understand what’s on their minds.”
She couldn’t fight off her smile. “Sometimes. But a female needs to have some secrets.”
Rafe gave her a slow, gentle kiss before answering, “Good luck with that. Remember, I’ve spent most of my adult life finding out secrets.”
Rolling her eyes, she pushed against Rafe’s chest. “You might be good at it, but my hearing is better. I hear someone approaching the tent. So unless you want to be caught in the act, you should toss some clothes on.”
“What about you?”
“My nakedness shouldn’t matter, but if you give me your shirt, I’ll wear that to keep you from growling.”
Rafe reluctantly pulled away. Nikki wanted nothing more than to pull him close again, but the footsteps were growing louder.
He tossed her his shirt. Just as she pulled it over her head and Rafe zipped up his fly, Kai stood in the doorway. Not wanting the two to kill each other, Nikki stood in front of Rafe. “Hi, Kai.”
Her boss gave her a quick, chaste once-over. “You aren’t missing any limbs.”
Leaning against Rafe’s chest, she snorted. “If you have time to make a joke, then things must not be that bad.”
Kai’s expression turned neutral and Nikki tried not to worry. “I wouldn’t say ‘bad’ but they’re certainly not ideal.”
Rafe’s arms wrapped around her waist as he demanded, “What are you talking about, Sutherland?”
“Not here,” Kai answered with a shake of his head. “Once Sid does her final examination, I want you two to eat, clean up, and come see me at my cottage.”
Nikki eyed her boss. “I’m not sure I like the sound of that.”
“We’ll talk more later. I expect to see you both in an hour and a half.”
Kai exited the tent without another word. Nikki looked up at Rafe over her shoulder. “Did he say anything to you over the week that you forgot to mention to me?”
Rafe shook his head. “I have no bloody idea what he’s talking about.”
“Me either,” Nikki murmured.
The pair of them stood in silence, both wondering what would happen. Maybe Nikki’s doubts about Rafe staying on Stonefire had been justified.
As if reading her mind, Rafe tightened his grip on her waist and leaned his cheek against hers. “Whatever it is, we’ll face it together.”
Not even for a second did Nikki doubt his words.
Chapter Nineteen
Rafe stood outside Kai and Jane’s cottage with his arm around Nikki’s shoulders and knocked again. “You would think he could hear us. You dragon-shifters brag often enough about your bloody hearing.”
Nikki poked his side. “It’s not bragging if it’s the truth. Who knows, maybe they’re finishing up and need to get dressed.”
“Ugh, no. I don’t want to think about my sister having sex.”
Nikki merely shook her head. With her dark hair bouncing around her face, it only highlighted the paleness of her skin. As he waited for someone to answer, he whispered, “Are you sure you’re okay for this? You lost your food shortly after eating it and look paler than I’d like.”
“I’m fine, Rafe. Sid said the baby is fine, and I’ve just had a spot of morning sickness. The only good thing about being in dragon form for a week was that I didn’t have to worry about throwing up. Our dragon sides don’t get ill when pregnant.”
He eyed her. “If you say so.”
Nikki opened her mouth to answer, but the door swung inward, and Jane answered the door. Rafe narrowed his eyes at her flushed cheeks as he said, “You took your time, Janey.”
Running a hand through her rumpled hair, she stepped to the side. “It’s not my fault you’re a few minutes early. Kai’s time is limited. Besides, usually you show up precisely on time.”
Nikki jumped in before he could. “Ignore your brother. He hasn’t slept well over the past week and is cranky.”
“I’m not cranky,” Rafe muttered.
Nikki turned her face up to him. “You are, but I wouldn’t trade the last week for anything.”
Rafe winked. “I would’ve sworn that not talking or being able to scold me would drive you crazy.”
“Way to ruin a nice memory, Rafe,” Nikki replied.
Jane turned toward the hall. “You two can banter later. Kai’s waiting for you and has news you need to hear.”
Rafe gently guided Nikki down the hall. “If you know what it is, then just tell us, Jane.”
“No,” Jane replied with a shake of her head. “Kai’s office is the most soundproofed place in the cottage. You can hear it in there.”
The fact they needed a soundproofed room didn’t ease any of Rafe’s fears.
Nikki squeezed the arm she had wrapped around his waist, reminding him she would stand with him, no matter what happened. Last month, it wouldn’t have mattered. But in the present, Nikki’s reassurance actually eased his worries a fraction.
Between caring for her in dragon form and the news about keeping their child, it was becoming harder to imagine his life without her. Hell, he was already falling for her. If Rafe wasn’t careful, he might actually start spouting romantic crap.
Yet as Nikki leaned her head on his shoulder, he smiled and thought maybe it wouldn’t be so bad. He loved watching Nikki’s eyes light up with happiness or amusement. He wasn’t sure which emotion she’d feel if he tried to be romantic.
Yes, Rafe Hartley, the hardened soldier with an alpha reputation was turning soft because of a certain dragonwoman. And he didn’t mind it at all.
Jane knocked twice on the office door and Rafe was brought back to the present. All thoughts of romancing Nikki and trying not to muck it up would have to wait.
His sister opened the door at a muffled voice. Kai stood at the window but turned his gaze to meet each of theirs in turn. “Shut the door.”
Rafe was tempted to say he was going to do that already. But the quiet, serious expression and tone of Kai’s voice caused the back of his neck to prickle. Kai’s news wasn’t going to be good news.
Shutting the door, Nikki was the first to speak up out of the pair. “Just tell us what’s going on, Kai.”
With a si
gh, Kai turned to face them. “I received some news last night that is relevant to all of us. While it’s not public knowledge yet, Jonathan Christie was selected as the new Director of the Department of Dragon Affairs.”
Rafe narrowed his eyes. “You mean the bastard we’re pretty sure hired that group of former hunters, but can’t yet prove it?”
Jane answered. “Yes, him. Public pressure forced the Prime Minister’s hand. Ever since Christie’s speech, the public has been rallying around Christie and bombarding MPs to pick him in order to save Stonefire.”
Rafe jumped in. “Does no one remember his former public statements? About how the dragons should be grateful to the humans for helping them out? And that if they didn’t like the DDA’s rules, the dragons should just leave Britain?”
“I know,” Kai answered. “But the media has been touting it as a change of heart. Keep in mind, most humans feared us two years ago. They figure if they can change, so can Christie.”
Jane waved toward Rafe. “With him appointed, it means your future is now uncertain, Rafe. I doubt Christie will try to take on the army regarding your posting here, but I bloody well know he won’t change the law to allow you to stay.”
Anger boiled in his stomach. “Then there’s only one thing we can do.”
Nikki frowned. “What’s that?”
Rafe looked down to meet her eyes. “Find concrete proof that Christie is connected to the dragon hunters.”
~~~
Nikki had barely digested Kai’s information about the new Director of the DDA when Rafe made his proposal. Kai opened his mouth to say something, but she beat him to it. “And how the bloody hell are we going to do that? The one prisoner who said Christie donated the weapons has since changed his mind. And I doubt the army will give you permission to spy on the DDA Director.”
“I might have some contacts who can help. I also plan to find the hunter who escaped us in the forest last week. Everything the others told us points to him being the mastermind of the attack.” Rafe looked to Kai. “Although if we work together, we’ll probably find him quicker.”
“Since we both want Christie debunked, it’s fine. Although I need to talk with Bram to confirm.”
Jane spoke up. “You conceded that rather easily, Kai.”
Kai shrugged. “Just because your brother is a pain in my arse doesn’t mean I can’t recognize his skills.”
Nikki blinked. Kai quasi-complimenting Rafe on something was strange. Had the world changed that much since she’d been injured?
Her dragon grunted. Not all change is bad.
Finding her voice again, Nikki said, “If Bram says yes, then I’m going to help Rafe, too. Together, we might find things out quicker than if he worked solo. I know who I can trust on Stonefire to help with the hunt, too. Pooling our resources should make everything work faster.”
Kai raised his brows. “Are you well enough to take this on?”
“Of course I am,” Nikki stated. “My wing may still be tender, but there’s a lot I can do without flying. I’m sure Dr. Sid would agree with that.”
Rafe rubbed circles on her lower back. The circular motion eased some of her tension. Without him saying a word, she knew Rafe would back her up.
Kai assessed her for a second before nodding. “All right, then I need to make my proposal to Bram. I want you two to rest up until Aaron arrives back from Ireland this afternoon. I want you both at that briefing. Unless you have any other pressing questions, you can leave.”
“When will you find out Bram’s answer, Kai?” Nikki asked.
“Soon,” Kai answered. “I’ll talk to you after Aaron’s briefing.” He paused a second before adding, “But feel free to brainstorm ideas in the meantime. You two are like me in that once you have a possible mission, you just want to get started.”
Nikki eyed Kai. “I’m grateful for the understanding, but I’m surprised you aren’t protesting or barking orders.”
“You warning the clan of the attack instead of taking them on yourself, even with your history related to the dragon hunters, proved to me you are ready for more responsibility. Don’t disappoint my judgment, Nikki,” Kai answered.
Her dragon spoke up. It looks as if you’re finally getting the recognition you so desperately wanted.
You seem a bit underwhelmed.
I am. I don’t need the clan’s approval to know I’m brilliant, and so are you.
Aware everyone was waiting for her to answer, she stopped talking to her beast. “I won’t disappoint you, Kai. The fact you’re willing to help me keep a male you don’t much care for means a lot to me.”
Kai grumbled. “Hartley isn’t too bad.”
Rafe snorted. “Don’t sound too happy about it.”
Jane frowned. “Rafe, don’t make the situation worse. Your actions this week changed Kai’s mind about you quite a bit.”
Kai grunted, and Nikki bit her lip to keep from laughing at the look on his face. Apparently, Jane had shared too much.
Looking up at Rafe’s profile, Nikki would fight to have the same comfort and trust with her human as Kai did with his.
Her beast snarled. No one will take him away from us. He is ours.
Needing the comfort of Rafe’s touch, she leaned against his side, and he lightly patted her hip. Rafe nodded at Kai. “We’ll be at the meeting. In the meantime, I’m going to take care of Nikki.”
“Good. We’ll see you this afternoon.”
After Jane waved farewell, Rafe guided Nikki out of Kai and Jane’s cottage. When they were far enough away from any cottage, she whispered, “Do you really think we can find evidence linking Christie to the hunters?”
“If anything exists, no matter how small, I will find it.”
Nikki hated to doubt, but she couldn’t resist replying, “How do you know?”
Rafe stopped and cupped her cheek. “Because I’m fighting for the greatest prize of my life. And I’ll be damned if I ever give you up.”
She placed a hand over her lower belly. “For our child.”
“Not just our daughter, but also for you. I intend to make you my family, Nikki. And I will do whatever it takes to win that right.”
The honesty in his eyes made her eyes prickle. She could try to blame it on pregnancy hormones, but she wouldn’t. “You should try asking me if you’ve won that right. Because if you had, then you’d already know that I want you as my family, too, Rafe Hartley.”
Running the backs of his fingers down her cheek, he murmured, “Tell me again.”
Placing her hands on his chest, she leaned close and whispered, “I want to start a family with you.”
“‘Start’ might be the wrong word since we already have something cooking in the oven.”
“Do you always have to focus so closely on the details?”
He grinned. “Of course. That’s my job.”
Rolling her eyes, Nikki replied, “Fine, then make a family with you. Is that better?”
“Yes,” he whispered before kissing her gently. “Although, we might have to do a lot more ‘making’ in the future. For practice, of course. I say the next nine months should make us experts.”
“Then how about we do some practicing now since we have some time?”
“And here I thought you’d want to think of ideas on how to find proof on Christie.”
Nikki leaned even closer until the hard tips of her nipples brushed Rafe’s chest. “Who says we can’t do both at the same time? Unless you’re not able to do anything else when using your dick?”
“Of course I can.” He cupped her arse possessively. “But I may need some practice to hone my skills. I give you permission to torture me with your tongue until I can answer questions coherently. No matter how long it takes.”
She snorted. “Right, that’s the reason.”
“Okay, maybe your preview this morning makes me wonder what else you can do. Torturing takes skill, after all.” Rafe swore. “Sorry, Nikki. I didn’t mean to bring it up. I’m an arseh
ole.”
“At one time, the word might’ve triggered a memory. But right now, all it does is remind me of how you torture me with your tongue.”
Searching her eyes, he murmured, “Then maybe I should do it a bit more, just to cement the connection. I only want happy memories for you, Nikki. Let me give this to you.”
She raised her brows. “Is Rafe Hartley going soft? I never thought I’d see the day.”
“Woman, be quiet. I’m trying to help you.”
Rafe kissed her again. As he gently explored her mouth, Nikki sighed.
As he expressed his true feelings with his touch, she took the time to memorize his taste and the way it felt to be pressed up against his heat. She was going to need the memories to motivate her in the future because she had a feeling the times ahead were going to be rough.
Then we’ll fight, her beast growled.
Yes, yes they would.
~~~
A few hours later, Rafe sat with Nikki at his side inside Bram’s office. Also in attendance were Kai, Jane, Bram, and Evie. Everyone was waiting for Aaron Caruso to show up. Rafe crossed his arms over his chest. “He’s late.”
Before anyone could answer, Aaron Caruso, along with Quinn and Sebastian, walked into the room. All the dragon-shifters standing in the room made it feel much smaller than it really was.
Aaron nodded to Kai and Bram. “There was a last minute request from Glenlough, which is why we’re late.”
Bram crossed his arms over his chest. “Aye, but where’s Brenna? All of you were supposed to report to this meeting.”
Aaron shared a glance with Quinn before he finally answered, “She’s still with Glenlough.”
“Explain,” Bram demanded.
Aaron didn’t hesitate. “The Irish required a ‘guest’ in exchange for us leaving and sharing one particular secret. If I tell the wrong people, Brenna will be executed.”
Kai raised his brows. “And what is this secret?”
Aaron looked to Rafe and then back to Kai. “Are you sure you want the human to hear it?”
Surrendering to the Dragon (Stonefire British Dragons Book 7) Page 18
