Jane took a step forward. “So, let me get this straight. You think Delia went searching for dragon hunters. And not only that, but hunters who kidnapped children, to probably keep them captive and harvest their blood at maturity?”
Dragon’s blood could cure many illnesses, but it only became usable once a dragon was an adult.
“Yes,” Rhydian answered. “But before you start cursing at her stupidity, her note suggested investigating only and reporting on what she finds. She’s clever, and I believe she’ll keep out of harm’s way if possible.”
“You have more bloody faith than I do, Rhydian,” Kai growled out. “We’ve all been sixteen before, and being rational isn’t the most important of priorities at that stage.”
Raising an eyebrow, Rhydian replied, “Berating a teenager is a waste of time. I’ve invited you here to help at your mother’s request. My condition for that information is that you report anything you find. The last thing I need is Lily losing both of her children and a daughter-in-law in one blow.”
Jane jumped in before Kai’s temper flared. “Of course we’ll tell you everything. I think it’s best if Kai and I borrow a conference room and comb through these files. We want to make sure we know everything before searching the area.”
Rhydian nodded. “There’s one across the hall from my office that you can use.” He picked up a sticky note with a number written on it. “This is Wren’s number. He and Eira worked with some of your fellow Protectors in Scotland not that long ago and know a little bit about your clan. They’ve volunteered to help and be your clan liaisons.”
Jane bet they were also going to be her and Kai’s babysitters.
She took the small piece of paper. “Thank you. Hopefully we’ll find Delia and the missing children soon.”
“Report everything to me and we’ll get along fine.”
Jane turned Kai toward the door. “Thank you.”
They exited the room and tried the door opposite Rhydian’s office. Thankfully it opened. The instant it closed, Kai growled, “He doesn’t seem to have much faith in us.”
Jane raised her brows. “Then we need to work extra hard to prove how good we are.” She opened the folder and handed Kai half of the papers. “Work will help tame your temper.” She leaned over and kissed him briefly. “Delia is all that matters right now, love. Let’s get to work.”
For a second, Kai did nothing. Then he kissed her cheek and sat down. Jane followed suit. It was time to do what she did best and read between the lines to find a lead most would overlook.
Chapter Four
Three hours later, Kai flew in his dragon form ahead of Eira and Wren. Their destination was Delia’s last known location, a town called Dolgellau.
He and Jane had memorized as many facts as possible. But until they could see both the farms where the children had been taken from as well as where Delia had made her call the night before, the trail would remain cold.
His beast spoke up. I could fly faster if you’d let me.
We have Jane to consider.
He glanced down at his brave human, clutched in Kai’s back talons. She’d volunteered to travel that way, despite her fear of unstable heights.
His dragon answered, I still say a harness would’ve been easier.
And taken up too much bloody time. This way, I can ensure she doesn’t fall to her death. The shape of Cadair Idris, the mountain which loomed over the small town of Dolgellau, came into view. Kai added, Now, focus on gently putting Jane on her feet and shifting back. There’s not much time before the post office shuts and we need to talk to them.
Delia’s call had been traced to the town’s post office.
Thankfully his dragon closed the remaining distance in silence. Just outside the town, his beast found a wide open space to land. When they were only a few feet from the ground, he hovered in place to release Jane. His mate stumbled a second but quickly regained her balance. She moved away, signaling for Kai to land.
His feet touched the grass and Kai folded his golden wings against his back. Everything shrank back into his human form.
Jane came to his side with a forced smile. Uncaring that the Welsh dragon-shifters were landing just behind them, he caressed Jane’s cheek. “Are you all right, Janey?”
She shook her whole body. “That’s not something I’d do every day, that’s for certain. Still, I’m fine.” She lowered her voice, even though the only ones nearby were the two Welsh dragon-shifters, who possessed supersensitive hearing and could understand it anyway. “It’ll be easier for later, if we need to fly under the cover of darkness and sneak in somewhere.”
The corner of his mouth ticked up. “I don’t need darkness to sneak, as you put it.”
“Once all of this is sorted, I’m going to bring that up again.” She pressed his clothes against his chest. “Now, hurry and get dressed.”
Kai quickly put on his top and trousers. By the time he turned toward the other dragon-shifters, Eira and Wren were already waiting for him. Taking Jane’s hand, he closed the distance between him and the others.