Surrendering to the Dragon (Stonefire Dragons 5)

“Right then,” Kai stated. “I know I said to take the day off, but you can spare twenty minutes later today. You two can meet with Aaron and the other Protectors this afternoon to plan for the twins’ celebration.”

Nikki had known Kai her whole life and couldn’t help but point out, “You’ve been leaning more and more on Aaron lately.”

“When I was mate-less, I had a lot more time. Out of necessity, I now have to lean on him so I can spend some time with my mate. It’s part of the reason I called him back from Italy.”

Jane poked Kai’s side. “You make it sound as if I take up all your time.”

“Not all of the time. But some of it.”

Uh oh. Kai was digging a hole.

Since Kai probably had no idea since the truth was important to him, Nikki jumped in. “Considering Kai was a workaholic before, I say it’s a good change.”

With a frown, Kai looked down at Jane. “I never said it was a bad change. You are my heart and my life, Jane.”

Leaning her head against Kai’s shoulder, she gazed up at her dragonman. “I love you.”

As the two stared at one another, Nikki smiled. Even without being true mates, Kai and Jane were meant to be together. Fate had been wrong in this instance.

Stealing a glance at Rafe, she wondered if it had been correct in hers.

Kai kissed Jane and then waved a hand toward the door. “We’ll talk later. For now, leave so I can enjoy the day with my mate.”

As Kai and Jane shared a loving glance, Nikki hoped she’d have the same one day.

She blinked at that. Since when had she wanted to settle down?

Her beast merely chuckled at the back of her mind as Rafe tugged Nikki out of the room and exited the cottage.

~~~

Rafe couldn’t get out of Kai’s cottage fast enough. He definitely didn’t need to see Kai kissing Jane, or worse, feeling her up. Holding up his end of the temporary truce was going to be bloody difficult.

Nikki stopped walking, and he looked back at her face. “Is something wrong?”

She smiled. “I’m perfectly fine. But there’s something I want to show you.”

“Is it safe?”

She rolled her eyes. “Fairly safe, unless you piss her off.” Before he could ask her to explain, Nikki pulled him away from the cottages. “This way.”

Rafe followed. A few dragon-shifters scowled at him along the way, but Rafe didn’t pay them any attention. Rather than stand down, he kept Nikki’s hand tightly in his. Whenever a male looked their way, Rafe glared with everything he had. “Do you think everyone knows?”

“What, about the frenzy? I think so. News travels fast here.”

“Then the men should know not to let their gazes linger on you.”

The corner of Nikki’s mouth ticked up as she looked at him askance. “Is somebody jealous?”

“Yes.”

She blinked. “Wow, I did

n’t expect you to be honest.”

“Why not? How else are you supposed to know the real me?”

Nikki turned them down a path between some trees. “Good point.”