Reawakening the Dragon Read online

  Rafe took a step toward them. “I agree with the dragonman. Try to go off and take care of the Dragon Knights by yourself and I’ll hunt you down.”

  Kai eyed Rafe and decided he and the human may get along after all. “If she does, I’ll be right beside you.”

  Jane rolled her eyes. “Hello, I’m right here. I’m not sure if I should be irritated that you’re planning my rescue before I’ve done anything or offended that you just assume I’ll go off to take on the Dragon Knights all by myself.”

  “I just want to make sure you’re safe, Jane,” Kai murmured.

  Before his human could reply, Bram did. “The idea about the knights is promising, but I want you two to come up with a more detailed plan before any of it is put into motion. I’m not about to risk the clan.”

  Kai grunted. “I would never put the clan in danger.”

  “Good,” Bram replied. He looked to Rafe. “Before you leave Stonefire today, I want you to review all of the intelligence we have on the former Carlisle-based hunters. One of my Protectors, Zain, should have some new information this morning. Nikki can be your escort.”

  Rafe answered, “You mean my babysitter.”

  Bram smiled. “Call that to her face and see what happens. She’s young, but strong and she can shift into a dragon. Don’t forget that.”

  Rafe grunted and a small part of Kai wanted to see how Nikki handled the human.

  But he trusted Nikki Gray to do her job. Besides, Kai needed to visit Sid, see about his injury, and strategize with Jane about the Dragon Knights.

  His dragon grumbled, If we’re cleared for sex, then we’re going to fuck Jane before strategizing.

  We’ll see, dragon. The clan matters, too.

  The knights aren’t our current threat. We’re safe on Stonefire. They can wait a day.

  Kai tended to agree with his beast, but he wasn’t going to get his hopes up. Let’s see what Dr. Sid says first.

  Kai looked to Bram. “Anything else? I need to visit the surgery.”

  Amusement danced in his clan leader’s eyes. “I bet you do.”

  Evie smacked Bram. “Don’t tease him.”

  Bram looked down at his mate. “Why not? I’ve already lost the bet. I may as well make the most of it.”

  Kai jumped in. “What bet?”

  Evie shook her head. “Not now. Go to the surgery. We’ll watch Rafe until Nikki shows up.”

  Jane snorted at Kai’s side and Rafe glared at his sister. Grinning, Jane said to her brother, “I can’t help it. The thought of anyone ‘watching you’ is hilarious. But, on the other hand, somewhat necessary. You get into far more trouble than me.”

  Rafe growled. “Not now, Jane. Shut it.”

  Jane shrugged. “Why not? I’m sure they’ve looked into your past. Kai here is quite thorough in his screenings.”

  His female was teasing him. Kai couldn’t remember the last time someone had shared a private joke with him.

  His dragon spoke up. She is unafraid of us. She is perfect. Hurry, so we can claim her properly.

  Kai hugged Jane closer to his side. Ignoring Rafe’s glare, Kai looked to Bram. “We’ll contact you as soon as we have a rough plan.”

  “Aye, I know you will. Although tomorrow is fine. Since the knights aren’t an immediate threat, there’s no rush.”

  Kai knew his clan leader was hinting about Kai fucking Jane, but he wasn’t going to acknowledge it. He wasn’t a prude, but he also didn’t need Rafe Hartley challenging him over his sister.

  It may be the twenty-first century, but he had a feeling Rafe didn’t care. Meeting Jane’s brother had put her sass into perspective; she’d needed it to stand up to her brother.

  His dragon growled. Stop dawdling. Go to Sid’s. I want our human.

  Kai looked to Rafe. “We’ll be in touch.” He paused, and then added, “Do what Nikki says or next time I’ll be the one to watch over you.”

  Jane groaned at the same time Rafe narrowed his eyes and said, “Careful, dragonman. Don’t dismiss me just because I’m human.”

  Before Kai could reply, Jane pushed against his side. “Let’s go before you two start a growling contest.”

  Ignoring Bram and Evie’s smiles, Kai let Jane lead him out of the room.

  ~~~

  Once they were outside, Jane smacked Kai’s good side. “You were antagonizing Rafe on purpose.”

  “He was doing the same.”

  She sighed. “I think once you two get past this I’m-more-alpha-than-you stage, you might actually get along.”

  “You say that as if it’s a bad thing.”

  She raised her brows. “It is, because then you’ll team up against me.”

  The corner of Kai’s mouth ticked up. “If it keeps you out of trouble, then I’m all for it.”

  Rolling her eyes, Jane pointed in the direction of the surgery. “Start walking. I want to make sure everything’s healing as it should.”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  After a few strides, Jane looked up at Kai. “Sorry I didn’t tell you about my source monitoring the Dragon Knights. I never brought them up because nothing of importance has surfaced recently. And before you ask, there hasn’t been any chatter about me. I had no idea they had a reward for my capture.”

  “Not even I think you’re daft enough to go into the heart of dragon-hater country with a price on your head. But one day, I will know everything about you, Jane Hartley. For now, I’ll let this one slide.”

  “Let it slide, huh?”

  His look turned heated. “You can make it up to me later.”

  She wanted to scold him, but the desire in his eyes warmed her skin. If Sid cleared him for sex, Kai would be doing much more than giving her a look like he would devour her. No, he’d devour her slowly and make her beg.

  She was both irritated and aroused by that thought.

  Clearing her throat, Jane forced the images away. The last thing she needed was for Kai to scent her arousal and then walk around like a smug idiot. “I’m sure you’re holding out a secret or two from me, but those will have to wait. We need to think about the knights.”

  Kai was quiet for a second before he asked, “Are you sure about turning in your notice to the BBC?”

  Her heart squeezed, just as it had done when she’d first said it. “Yes. They’ve been good to me over the last decade, but I think what I want to do will be too risky.”

  “Are you really going to make me ask you what you have planned?”

  She flashed a grin. “Maybe. I like making you ask for things, especially since you much prefer to order people around.”

  “If I’m not careful, you’ll probably start ordering everyone around for me.”

  “Of course. Whenever you’re sick or injured—because, let’s face it, you’ll be injured again—I can help fill in.”

  “I’m not so sure my second-in-command, Aaron, would like that. You’ll have to work it out with him.”

  “Well, I haven’t met him yet, but give me time.”

  Kai chuckled. “You’re pretty brave, for a human.”

  She raised an eyebrow. “I think I’m pretty brave even for a dragon-shifter.”

  When all Kai did was shake his head, Jane decided to stop teasing him for a little bit. They were drawing nearer to the surgery and she wanted him to hear her idea. She hadn’t told anyone, not even her brother, and she wanted to share it with Kai first.

  Jane nearly faltered at that thought. She’d only known him a few days. And yet, it was true—she wanted Kai to be the first to know about her plans. He wouldn’t just smile and nod. If it was a crap idea, he’d say so. And she needed that.

  Moving closer to Kai, she wrapped an arm around his waist. “Back to my idea, do you still want to hear it?”

  “Yes.”

  She laughed. “Straight to the point as always.” Kai grunted and she put up a hand. “Okay, okay. I want to do a series of audio and video podcasts centering around your clan. The audio reports would be for those who
don’t want to be recognized and we can even alter their voices, if need be. The video podcast would focus on certain aspects of dragon-shifter life and act as an introductory guide to understanding your kind. If Melanie Hall-MacLeod gives her blessing, I’d like to use her book as a starting point. After that, the possibilities are endless, especially if I can get Lochguard to participate, too.”

  “You’ve been thinking about this for a while.”

  “Yes, but none of my BBC producers wanted to commit to such a long series and I didn’t want to stop after only three or six episodes. I want to create something that makes the listener or watcher feel a part of the clan. And, most importantly, I wanted everyone involved to feel like they were making a difference, too.”

  “I would have to approve your footage.”

  “Of course. The last thing I want to do is endanger Stonefire, especially since it might soon be my clan.”

  Kai remained quiet for a second and she worried she’d assumed too much too soon. Kai had asked her to stay, but nothing formal had been arranged. Were there some sort of protocols she had to go through first?

  Before she could think too much more on the subject, Kai finally answered, “Both my dragon and I like that you think of Stonefire’s safety. But putting that aside, I’m not sure why you went after the dragon hunters. Your ‘Better Know a Dragon-shifter Clan’ idea is far better.”

  She noted him brushing aside her statement about Stonefire becoming her clan and decided she would bring it up later. “Are you just saying that because you want to get into my pants?”

  Amusement danced in Kai’s eyes. “I don’t think I need to butter you up to get into your pants.” He lowered his voice. “All I need to do is kiss you and you’d start rubbing against me, Janey.”

  Remembering the last time she’d kissed Kai sent a rush of heat through her body. In the next second, the corner of Kai’s mouth ticked up and approval flashed in his eyes.

  She poked his side. “Behave or I’ll tell Dr. Sid that you haven’t been following orders. Then you’ll have to spend all of your time with Ginny.”

  He growled. “You wouldn’t dare.”

  Tilting her head, Jane smiled. “Wouldn’t I? As I recall, you mentioned a war. I’m just trying to win.”

  Kai moved behind her before she could do more than blink and wrapped his muscled arm around her waist. The heat of his chest on her back, combined with his masculine scent, made her heart beat double-time.

  Kai whispered, “I want you under me more than my next breath, Jane Hartley. And I will do whatever it takes to win if it means I can feel your tight, wet pussy around my dick.”

  Jane’s breath hitched. She wanted the same thing, not that she’d let him know that just yet.

  She swallowed before she replied, “Taking me before you’re cleared will definitely bring down the wrath of Dr. Sid. Keep your dick in your pants for a little while longer, Kai Sutherland. Then we’ll see.”

  Kai nuzzled her neck and nipped it lightly. “We’re a little early for my appointment and I have ideas of how we can spend our extra time.”

  She turned her head. “So do I. You can feed me something. I’m starving.”

  Kai’s pupils flashed to slits and back. “Bloody fantastic. You just had to mention you were hungry. For a human, you sure know how to get my damn dragon on your side.”

  Grinning, Jane patted Kai’s cheek. “I need to keep my strength so I can keep up with you. If I need to get your dragon on my side to do it, then I will. Speaking of which, once you’re better, I want to see you shift.”

  Kai grunted. “You’ve seen me in dragon form before.”

  “Only from a distance. I want to scratch behind your ears and pet your snout.”

  “It’s not like I have a choice. My dragon is all but bursting to come out.”

  Jane turned and Kai loosened his hold so that she could face him. “Good. I’ve seen my fair share of the human half of you. I need to see what the dragon half is like.”

  “Does that mean you’re tired of me already?”

  After placing a gentle kiss on his lips, she murmured, “Not even close, dragonman.”

  He brushed her cheek. “Right, then let’s get you a cup of tea and some food. You can tell me more about your Dragon Knight idea over breakfast.”

  Kai dropped his arm and Jane nearly reached out to take his hand. But before she could, he took her hand in his and tugged. “Follow me.”

  She tried to make her face stern, but amusement danced in Kai’s eyes.

  She’d master his neutral expression eventually, even if it killed her. “Since I have no bloody idea where we’re going, I don’t have a choice.”

  Kai tugged once more. “Then stop fighting me and let’s go. If you waste much more time, you won’t get to eat for a while.”

  “Fine.”

  Kai guided her toward one of the family restaurants on Stonefire and she followed. She needed to be careful or Kai might start assuming she’d follow his lead all of the time. As soon as she could, Jane was going to ask Bram, Evie, or one of the other people she knew on Stonefire to give her a guided tour.

  Kai tugged her hand again and Jane picked up her pace. “For a supposed invalid, you’re walking quite fast.”

  He flashed a smile over his shoulder. “You’re nearly as tall as me and should be able to keep up. Stop dawdling.”

  Jane stuck out her tongue and Kai chuckled.

  Damn the dragonman and his laughs. It was almost as if he knew they helped erase her irritation.

  Determined not to let him win, Jane picked up her pace. She soon had Kai trying to keep up with her.

  As they kept trying to outdo each other all the way to the restaurant, Jane forgot about the dragon hunters, the Dragon Knights, and her overprotective brother. In the moment, she was just a woman trying to best a dragonman.

  And she was in it to win.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Kai tapped his fingers against his thigh and glanced at the clock for the tenth time. He’d been waiting for nearly fifteen minutes in the examination room and Sid had yet to check in with him.

  Normally, he was a patient man. Hell, he’d been willing to wait two years for a bloody female.

  But Kai didn’t like Jane being in the waiting room without someone to watch over her. After all, Stonefire did have a traitor the year before. Kai didn’t think there were any in the clan presently, but with the threat of Dragon Knights looming over Jane’s head, he wanted to be extra careful.

  His beast spoke up. She is safe in the waiting room. Leo at reception will watch over her.

  My fifteen-year-old sister could probably take out Leo.

  Don’t be ridiculous. All of the clan members go through at least some basic training. He could handle your sister.

  As if that’s a comfort.

  His beast sighed. There’s also an alarm button at reception. Aaron will come if it’s pressed.

  Kai grunted. He couldn’t think of a single reason why Aaron wasn’t good enough. Since when are you the reasonable one?

  Because I want to shift and have Jane pet me. Only Sid can tell us when we can do that again.

  You keep banging on about Jane petting you. Next thing you know, you’ll want to take her for a flight.

  Of course. But that can wait until after we’ve fucked her.

  So, the order of things are: have Jane pet you, shift back to human to fuck her, and then back to dragon to take her for a flight.

  It’s a grand plan, if I do say so myself.

  Kai sighed. He was going to have to talk to Jane about not feeding his dragon’s ego.

  His beast grunted, but the door opened before his dragon could say anything. Sid walked in and shut the door behind her. She studied him a second and then spoke up. “I don’t know why you look so irritated. You know we’re understaffed.”

  “I know.”

  Sid walked up to him. “Your human is safe and sound in the waiting room. Fifteen or twenty minutes apart won�
�t kill you.”

  “It might.”

  Sid searched his eyes. “Is she your new true mate?”

  “No.”

  “But you obviously care for her, and it’s more than just being protective.”

  He frowned. “Since when are you a bloody psychologist? Just check my injury and let me know when I can shift again.”

  Sid tsked. “Order me around again and I’ll make you wait a day.”

  Kai grunted. “My dragon is impatient and wants the human. He’s driving me crazy.” The second he said it, Kai regretted it. “Sid—”

  She put up a hand. “Don’t you dare coddle me, Kai. I’m doing a job I love and helping my clan. That’s enough for me. If I couldn’t stand hearing people talk about their inner dragons, I wouldn’t be here. End of story.”

  Kai didn’t even know what to say to that. As much as his beast annoyed him, he couldn’t imagine living without his dragon’s constant chatter inside his head.

  He’d never had a problem before, of not referring to his dragon in Sid’s presence unless she asked a direct question about his beast. Jane was causing all sorts of changes to his life. Kai only hoped the good would outweigh the bad.

  His dragon chimed in. She is good for us, full stop.

  Sid removed his sling and not-so-gently took off his bandages. Her poking and prodding helped Kai to shove his beast into the back of his mind and focus on the situation at hand. “Well?”

  Leaning back to meet his eye, Sid answered, “It’s healing well. I’ll take the stitches out, but you’ll need to perform a set of physical therapy exercises for a few days before you can shift, let alone fly.”

  She fell silent and Kai growled. “Are you really going to make me ask you?”

  Crossing her arms over her chest, Sid shrugged. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

  Bloody female. “I want to have sex.”

  “With me? Sorry, Kai, but you’re not my type.”

  “Cassidy Jackson, now is not the time to play games with me.”