Kai made sure Jane was sitting on the arm chair in the corner of her hospital room before he faced Rhydian and waited.
The Welsh leader could play dominance games if he wanted. But instead, he merely started talking. “I need your help.”
He blinked. “What?”
“I wouldn’t ask if it weren’t absolutely necessary. However, Stonefire has far more people currently serving with the British Army than we do, which means you should have an influx of Protectors soon enough.”
“Perhaps. But isn’t this something you should discuss with my clan leader?”
“I already did, but Bram said I needed your permission for anything Protector-related.”
His dragon spoke up. As it should be.
Hush. Kai focused back on Rhydian. “What exactly are you asking for? I need numbers, specifics, and reasons why you need them before I can make any sort of important decision.”
“I’m almost done sorting through my clan and figuring out who’s a threat or not. If my initial instincts are correct, I’ll be down ten Protectors. Wren and Eira can manage in the short-term with your blokes, Zain and Sebastian, but only for so long. While we’re lucky to be more isolated than other dragon clans in the UK, I expect for there to be some retaliation for our dismantling the dragon drug operation near Dolgellau. I need skilled and trustworthy Protectors to help keep Snowridge safe, when and if that happens.”
Kai studied the Snowridge leader. Admitting faults and possible shortcomings was never easy, but less so for a clan leader.
His dragon chimed in. I also believe the sincerity in his voice. We should help him.
If you gave me a bloody second, you’d know I feel the same way.
But?
But there will be conditions.
Kai finally spoke aloud. “I’ll need to document all potential new Protectors finishing their army stints and assess their skills. But as long as you formalize your alliance with Stonefire and keep an open line of communication, I’m more than willing to assist you.”
“Just like that?” Rhydian asked skeptically.
“Bram will contact you with the final alliance details. I already know you’re supposed to trade foster candidates soon. I’m sure there’ll be more conditions, including one more of my own.”
Rhydian searched his gaze. “I hope you don’t plan on adding more and more conditions. As much as I need help, I’m not about to be jerked around on a lead for the rest of my life.”
Kai shook his head. “Nor do I plan to do that. But I think it’s more than time for my mate’s family to come visit my mother. I want you to work with the DDA to secure a visit for Jane’s parents. If her brother doesn’t piss me off, he’ll already have clearance since he’s a member of Stonefire. Jane’s parents, on the other hand, will need protection and formal permission.”
Jane took his hand in hers and squeezed. He returned the gesture but never took his gaze from Rhydian’s.
Rhydian finally spoke up. “I’ll only agree to that condition once I’m sure the clan is safe for them, and not before.”
“I wouldn’t expect anything else,” Kai stated.
Rhydian put out his hand. “Then we have a deal.”
Taking the leader’s hand, he shook it. “Unless there’s anything else that can’t wait, my mate needs to rest. We can talk more later.”
When Jane didn’t protest, Kai knew he’d judged her drooping eyelids correctly.
Releasing his grip, Rhydian nodded and moved to the door. “Keep your phone on, just in case. I’ll contact you later.”
The instant the door closed behind Snowridge’s leader, Kai leaned down and gently lifted Jane into his arms.
She sighed. “I should protest and say I can walk, but I’m more tired than I’d like to admit.”
He carried her to the bed and gently laid her down. Once he was laying next to her, she moved to rest her head on his chest, careful to not bang her still-healing shoulder.
Kai wrapped his arm around his mate and said, “Dragon’s blood speeds up the healing process, but isn’t an instant cure. Rest, Janey. I’ll stay awake and watch over you.”