Reawakening the Dragon: Part One (6 page)

While Nikki was quiet, Jane sensed the woman wanted to talk. Jane nudged, “You can ask me what you like, Nikki. Kai isn’t here to growl or frown.” She glanced around the car. “Unless he records the conversations from the car.”

Nikki smiled. “Not for want of trying. Bram put his foot down on that one. My guess is because Bram likes to whisk his mate away and have sex with her in the car.”

Jane eyed the dragonwoman and pounced on the opening. “For all that I’ve been working with your clan, few people really ever talk to me. Provided you don’t endanger your clan, will you answer some questions?”

Glancing at her and back on the road, Nikki asked, “Is this to do with Kai?”

“Does it matter?”

Nikki shook her head. “Not really, but I hope you stick around. Few people stand up to him, but you act unafraid.” Nikki looked at her. “Why is that?”

“Honestly? I’ve worked with worse. Besides, my older brother is in the Special Forces and is just as bad as Kai. I have lots of practice dealing with alpha male bullshit.”

Something that looked like recognition flashed across Nikki’s face, but then it was gone. Jane was about to question the emotion, but Nikki beat her to it. “What is it you wish to know? I hope it’s nothing to do with Bram and Evie having sex in cars.”

Jane chuckled. “No, although I’ve always wondered what would happen if a dragon-shifter shifted inside of a car. Would it just peel like a tin can?”

Nikki shrugged. “More like it pops open.”

While it had nothing to do with finding out information on Clan Stonefire, Jane couldn’t help but ask, “You know this from experience?”

“Let’s just say I never turned down a dare growing up.”

Jane connected the dots. “I’ve seen how some of the older clan members treat you differently. It’s because you were the first child born to a human sacrifice on Stonefire, right? I think you’re still trying to move past that label. Taking daft dares would create an entirely different one.”

Frowning, Nikki looked at her. “I hope you’re not writing a story on me.”

“No, although it would be fascinating. While information is slowly seeping out on the dragon-shifters now, pretty much nothing was known in the 1980s apart from the rumors. If you ever want to tell your story, let me know.”

Nikki readjusted her hands on the steering wheel. “Let’s not talk about me. We’ll be at your hotel in five minutes, so if you have questions, now is the time to ask them.”

After nearly a decade of being a reporter, Jane could tell from Nikki’s tone that she wouldn’t talk more on the subject. Although, if things went well and Jane helped Stonefire take down the dragon hunters, Jane might have the chance to tell a lot more dragon-shifters’ stories in the future, including Nikki’s.

For the moment, however, Jane focused on something she’d been dying to ask for months. “How do the dragon and human halves co-exist? I know that when a dragon-shifter’s pupils flash to slits, they’re talking to their dragon, but not much else. Can the dragon half force you to do what it wishes?”

The corner of Nikki’s mouth ticked up. “They always try, especially when it comes to sex, the randy bastards, but a well-trained dragon-shifter can maintain control.”

“What happens to those who lose control?”

“The clan takes care of them unless they reach a major human city, then the DDA takes care of them.”

“As in kill them?”

“Sometimes, if they can’t be contained.” Nikki tapped her fingers on the steering wheel. “Other times, they go through rehabilitation. The ones who usually crack are the ones who want to become Protectors. Because of the agreement with the British government, all prospective Protectors must serve in the army for two years before training with their respective clans. It’s not always easy to take orders and sometimes serve in active war zones, all whilst keeping your dragon in check. It really is the ultimate test of a dragon-shifter over their dragon.”

Jane knew the dragon-shifters helped fight overseas, but she’d never really thought about their role inside the army before. “Did you ever come close to cracking?”

Nikki glanced at her. “All Protectors have, even Kai.”

“Somehow, I find it hard to believe that Mr. Self-control could ever lose it.”

Nikki shrugged. “It happens.”

“Then there’s hope for me.”

“Hope for what?” Nikki asked cautiously.

Jane grinned. “That I can get him to drop his commander persona and figure out the man beneath.”

“And why, exactly, would you do that?”

“I like to know who I’m working with.”

The dragonwoman straightened her shoulders. “I do, too. So I have a question for you.”

“Ask away.”

“Do you have a brother who serves in the army named Rafe Hartley?”

Jane tilted her head. “I was wondering when you were going to comment on my brother.”

“What?”

She waved a hand. “I noticed your expression earlier.” Nikki opened her mouth, but Jane continued, “Reading people is essential to my job. But to answer your question, yes, I do. He’s older and in the UK Special Forces.” Jane frowned. “He didn’t do something daft, did he? I love my brother, but he tends to think with his dick instead of his brain.”

Nikki blinked. “You sound like a dragon-shifter. Most humans would blush and say something such as ‘man parts.’”

Jane waved a hand. “My mother is Australian and grew up on a cattle ranch with five brothers. Being delicate is not in her nature, and she passed that on to me.” Jane turned a little toward Nikki. “But back to my brother. Tell me if he was a dick and I’ll handle it.”

Smiling, Nikki shook her head. “As much as I’d like to see that, I was just curious if you were related.”

“And?”

Nikki raised an eyebrow. “You’re quite demanding, aren’t you?”

Jane shrugged. “I don’t like dancing around and not getting answers. The truth usually speeds things up.”

“I’ll try to keep that in mind.” When Jane remained silent, Nikki added, “While Kai would cut off his own arm before asking humans for help, humans like your brother could help us with the dragon hunters. I’ve tried to convince Kai to ask our colleagues from the army for help, but he refuses.” Nikki met her eye. “Maybe you can convince him.”

“Why ask me this? You barely know me.”

“You’ve helped our clan more than Kai will admit. Plus, I know your brother’s reputation. Those two combined tell my gut to trust you.”

Her brother Rafe had two reputations—one with women and the other as a soldier. “Please tell me you didn’t sleep with Rafe.”

Nikki blinked, looked at Jane, and then away. “Um, no.”

But judging by Nikki’s response, the dragonwoman had wanted to.

That meant Nikki was basing part of her trust on Rafe’s role as a soldier. By all accounts, her brother was a damn good one. “Well, asking Rafe and other soldiers unofficially for their help is an interesting idea. But I think we need to locate the hunters first and see what we’re up against. Then I’ll decide if it’s worth the hassle of convincing your stubborn-headed boss to ask for outside help.”

As Nikki nodded and turned into the hotel car park, the dragonwoman added, “If anyone can change Kai’s mind apart from Bram, I think it might be you.”

“All I do is ignore his growly orders and demand equal footing.”

Turning off the engine, Nikki turned toward Jane. “He needs that more than you know.”

Before Jane could ask for clarification, Nikki exited the car and Jane followed.

~~~

Kai ended the call to Aaron, his second-in-command back on Stonefire. Everything was in order and no new threats were detected.
 

While that was a good thing, it also meant Kai needed to find something else to occupy his mind until Jane and Nikki returned.

His dragon spoke up.
Thinking about the human now will avoid distractions later.

She’s not a distraction.

Liar. You want her naked as much as me. I still say fuck her and clear your mind.

No fucking the human.
 

His beast paused a beat before adding,
It’s okay to want someone else. The other one chose a different male.

Kai had spent the last eleven years not thinking about Maggie. But if his dragon was going to bring her up, Kai would, too.
And what if Maggie shows up tomorrow, newly widowed? She didn’t want us then and I don’t want her now, but will your instincts allow me to have someone else? Or, will they be a slave to the true mate pull?

I’ve waited a long time for you to talk to me about this.

Then talk, dragon.

His beast huffed.
Don’t order me around. I deserve better.

Kai rubbed his hand over his face. If he didn’t stop his dragon’s near-tantrum, he would definitely have a headache in five minutes.
Fine, then please answer my question. Otherwise, I’ll never fuck a female again.

Liar.

Care to dare me, dragon? My record is pretty solid when it comes to winning over you.

After what seemed like an eternity, his beast replied,
Dragons can find another mate.

In theory. But you don’t let things go.

I can and I will. Kiss the human and we can forget about the other one.

And what happens when the kiss is just a kiss? How long will your interest hold?
Kai asked.

His dragon’s voice turned steely.
With Jane, it could be forever.

How do you know?

No more talking. Kiss her and then ask me again.

Before Kai could press his beast for answers, the front door opened and two female voices drifted down the hall.

Jane and Nikki were back.

Shoving his beast into a mental prison, Kai exited the room and moved down the hall. He opened his mouth to bark an order when he saw Jane and forgot what he was going to say.

The female wore jeans that hugged her long legs, leaving no detail to the imagination. Her black top dipped to a V, revealing a creamy expanse of cleavage. A small mole lay on the top of her right breast. He wondered how many more moles and freckles she had on her body.

Not that he’d ever find out.

With herculean effort, Kai looked to Jane’s face. Her long, black hair tumbled around her shoulders. He couldn’t help thinking her hair was the perfect length to wind around his fist and tug her head back for a kiss.

Then amusement danced in Jane’s eyes and her voice broke the spell. “Did you get a good enough look or would you like me to give a little twirl so you can see the rest?”

He longed to see how her jeans hugged her arse, but he dared not ask for it. “Don’t be daft. That outfit is a bit revealing, but better than the dress from last night. You also look different enough from yesterday that few should recognize you, in the event you run into a hunter. Are you ready to go investigate now?”

Jane crossed her arms over her chest and Kai made every effort not to look at her plumped up breasts. “I’m surprised you aren’t asking for a play-by-play on how the trip to the hotel went.”

Kai looked to Nikki. “Any problems?” Nikki shook her head and Kai looked back to Jane. “Done. Now, answer the question.”

Sighing, Jane shrugged off her short, faux leather coat. “Before we go anywhere, I want a word with you.”

Kai frowned. “Then speak.”

“In private,” Jane stated.

“Whatever you want to say to me you can say to Nikki.”

Jane raised her brows. “Oh, really? So if I wanted to rip your shirt off and asked you to flex, you’d be okay with Nikki watching, too?”

He shrugged. “Nudity is a human concern. Nikki has seen me naked before and will again.”

“It’s called teasing, Kai Sutherland. You should try it sometime,” Jane replied.

His beast finally broke free.
I want to do a different type of teasing. Get her alone and we can try it.

No.

Kai gave Jane his best stare. “You’re wasting time. Speak.”

Jane took a step toward him. “In private.”

As they stared at one another, Kai almost admired the female’s stubbornness. Most humans would back down from a dragon-shifter, especially if they were a Protector.

Yet Jane looked about ready to fight him if necessary.

The image of the human attempting to tackle him almost made Kai smile.
 

His dragon growled.
I think we should tackle her into bed.

Ignoring his beast, Kai studied Jane’s face. Judging by the firmness of her jaw, she wasn’t going to back down.

Rather than waste time, Kai motioned down the hall with a hand. “Fine. Go to the map room from last night.”

With a triumphant look on her face, Jane walked down the hall. As he watched her arse move in the tight jeans, Nikki cleared her throat.

Fuck.
He didn’t need Nikki teasing him later.

Kai met her brown eyes. “Zain arrived while you were out and took the two hunters to a secure location. Contact him and see if he’s found out anything.”

Before Nikki could do more than bob her head, Kai moved down the hall. Part of him was disappointed Jane’s arse was nowhere to be seen, while the other part of him was glad the temptation was out of sight.

His dragon spoke up again.
Remember what I said before. Kiss the human and forget about the other one.
 

He entered the room and lost the ability to speak. Jane was bent over the table with the map and he had a clear view of her breasts encased in a black bra.

Looking up, Jane smiled. “Do I have your attention now, dragonman?”

~~~

Jane bit her lip to keep from laughing. Kai blinking with his mouth open wasn’t a sight she’d soon forget.

Since she needed him to think with the head on his shoulders, Jane stood up and placed a hand on her hip. “Can you speak now?”

Clearing his throat, Kai clenched and unclenched his fingers. “Tempting an unattached dragonman is a dangerous thing to do.”

“Maybe with a regular dragonman, but not you. You’re Mr. Self-control, after all.”

Kai’s expression turned neutral. “You put up a tantrum to get me in private to talk, so talk. You’re wasting time we could be using to investigate the area for the hunters’ hideout.”