Jane stilled. Delia had interrogated her at every opportunity about being a journalist. She had never imagined the teenager would go off on her own.
As if reading her thoughts, Kai squeezed her hand in reassurance. He didn’t blame her.
Kai probed. “About what?”
Bram shook his head. “That’s unclear. The notes that were forwarded to me are somewhat vague and unhelpful. Her message yesterday merely said that she was okay and not to worry.”
“Did they trace the call?” Kai asked.
“Aye, it was from a pay phone in a remote part of Wales. Snowridge’s Protectors have been searching, but your sister hasn’t been spotted anywhere. You didn’t teach her how to hide in plain sight, did you?”
“Of course not. Although I might be able to find her, even if the others can’t,” Kai replied.
Bram bobbed his head. “I know, which is why I’ve managed to negotiate a deal with Snowridge’s leader. He’s going to allow you to go to Snowridge and help search for Delia.”
Jane jumped in. “You said negotiate. In exchange for what?”
“That’s my concern, lass. Right now, the end goal is to find Delia,” Bram stated.
“When can I go?” Kai asked.
“As soon as you have everything set up for your absence. With Aaron recently mated to Teagan O’Shea, it leaves a bit of a gap in the chain of command.”
Aaron Caruso had been Kai’s second-in-command of the Stonefire Protectors. However, Aaron had gone to strengthen alliances with a clan in Ireland and had ended up mating their female leader, Teagan O’Shea.
Kai nodded. “That may be, but I think Nikki can handle the clan whilst I’m gone.”
Amusement danced in Bram’s eyes. “Make sure her mate is on board with that.”
Nikki Gray’s mate was Jane’s older brother, Rafe. Ever since Nikki had become pregnant, he’d become even more overprotective.
Jane was just glad she wasn’t on the receiving end of it.
She waved a hand. “Leave Rafe to me. I’ll convince him right quick and then we can leave.”
Kai looked at her. “We?”
“If you think I’m going to stay behind, you’re out of your mind. I can help, Kai. Putting together clues and finding people is a big part of my life.”
Bram stepped in. “She’s right. Besides, Rhydian cleared the pair of you since you’ve both been to Snowridge several times already. I’d say he almost trusts you, which is a rare thing with that bastard.” He stood. “Go see Nikki and Rafe and be on your way. Make sure to keep me updated on Delia’s status, as well as your own.”
Kai stood and tugged Jane up with him. Her dragonman grunted before guiding her out of Bram’s house.
Her mate remained silent until they were far enough away from Bram’s cottage so as to not be overheard. She wondered if he had it down to the inch as he finally said, “If you’re coming with me, then you need to promise me you won’t go off anywhere without telling me. I usually don’t try to curb your freedom too much, but Snowridge is unfamiliar territory, complete with humans who don’t trust the dragons as much as those near Stonefire. I can’t risk losing you, Janey. I won’t survive it.”
Any retort she had died at his last sentence. “I’m not a wilting flower, but I’ll be careful. However, if something comes up that requires immediate action or we might lose your sister, I will seize the opportunity. I have no wish to die, but I’m not about to let your sister come to harm, either.”
He threaded his fingers of one hand through her hair. “You’re noble for a human.”
She raised her brows. “I’m not noble, just stubborn. I won’t allow any more pain in your life if I can help it. Your sister is important to you, which means she’s important to me.”
~~~
Jane Hartley was the best bloody female he could’ve ever hoped for. Not for the first time, he mentally gave the finger to fate for thinking anyone else would’ve suited him.
His beast hummed. Jane is our perfect fit. I agree.
As Kai took in his mate’s straightened shoulders and raised chin, pride surged through his body. “You are worthy of being a head Protector’s mate.”