Reawakening the Dragon (Stonefire Dragons 4)

“What? Me? A cheater? No, never.”

Kai grunted. “You’re such a cheater.”

In the next second, he tickled her side and Jane couldn’t stop laughing. After nearly two weeks, Kai knew her most ticklish spot was just under her armpit.

He didn’t hold back.

She kicked him in the shin a few times and he finally stopped. Nuzzling her cheek, he murmured, “You may be a cheater, but you?

?re my cheater.”

Jane melted at his words, but the niggling fear from earlier crept back into her mind. It must’ve shown on her face because Kai’s voice turned dominant. “Tell me why you will only ‘probably stay’ with me, Janey. Something’s bothering you and I don’t like it.”

“You could ask, you know.”

He hugged her tighter against his body. “Don’t try to distract me. Whatever it is, you can tell me.”

Jane rarely hesitated, but she did in that second. As much as she wanted to know the truth, Kai’s answer could instantly rip away the happiness she’d found with her dragonman.

Kai grunted. “Tell me, Jane. I’m not allowing you out of this bed until you do.”

She pushed past her fear and spit out, “It’s about Maggie Jones.”

Kai’s voice softened. “What about her?”

Jane picked at Kai’s chest hair before she answered, “I’m not your true mate, Kai. I understand that your dragon’s instincts are strong. If you want her, then tell me now. Because if she shows up a few years down the line wanting you and the frenzy takes over, it will break my heart.”

“Look at me, Jane Hartley.” She obeyed. Kai’s gaze was fierce as he continued, “It’s true that a frenzy can overcome a weaker dragon-shifter and they lose the ability to control their lives. But I am not weak-willed. You may have noticed my stubbornness.” Jane smiled at that and Kai traced her cheek. “I don’t want Maggie Jones. Hell, I don’t think my dragon even wants her anymore.” He traced her brow. “All we want is you, Jane. You’re clever, stubborn, and more beautiful than any female I’ve ever seen. I’m stronger with you at my side and while I won’t admit it to anyone else, I’m a better male because of you. You brought laughter back into my life when I thought I’d never have it.” He laid his forehead against hers. “I love you, Jane Hartley. Will you stay with me forever?”

Jane’s eyes teared up. “You say all of that with such conviction. I’m not sure I can say no.”

Kai growled. “That’s still not an answer, Janey.”

Jane raised a hand to Kai’s cheek and whispered, “I bloody love you, too, so I guess that means I don’t have a choice.”

Kai growled and flipped her onto her back. “Tell me you want to stay.”

“Kai Sutherland, I want to stay. You and Stonefire are my future.”

“Good answer,” he murmured before he kissed her and showed just how much he loved her.

Chapter Five

A few hours later, Kai squeezed Jane’s hand in his as they approached Bram’s cottage. “I still say we should’ve just talked with Bram over the phone.”

Jane squeezed back. “You of all people should appreciate a face-to-face conversation. There’s so much we can learn from Bram’s facial expressions.”

Kai grunted and looked down at Jane. “Remind me why I love you again.”

She grinned and his heart skipped a beat. “Because you can’t scare me and I don’t put up with your crap.”

Kai’s dragon grunted. Why did you let her convince us to do this? If you had allowed me to be in charge, I would’ve found other ways to persuade her to stay home.

It’s hard to say no to her. You know that.

We’re going to work on that soon. I can keep her in line.

Kai snorted inside his head. I’d like to see that.