“Of course. We should think of a secret code name.”
“Dragons don’t usually give code names.”
“Well, seeing as I’m human, that means I can.” She tapped her chin, and he couldn’t help but smile at the action. Jane finally added, “How about Operation Teenage Rebellion?”
“More like Operation Bloody Idiot.”
Jane laughed. “See, I knew I could get you on board.”
He smiled at Jane’s laugh and realized his mate had been trying to calm him down and distract him from his sister’s disappearance. “Thanks, Janey. Maybe now I won’t kill your brother.”
“Not killing Rafe is one of the unbreakable rules of our relationship.” She lowered her voice. “Although if he’s too much of a bastard, feel free to punch him. That’s allowed on rare occasions.”
Kai shook his head as they arrived at Nikki and Rafe’s cottage. He knocked and Nikki opened the door. “Kai, I didn’t expect to see you today.”
Rafe’s voice drifted from inside the cottage. “What the bloody hell does he want now? We’re busy.”
Nikki grinned. “Don’t mind him. If he had it his way, we’d always be ‘busy.’”
Kai took in Nikki’s mussed hair and rumpled shirt. “I’m going to pretend I didn’t notice that. This is important, Nikki. Let us in.”
At Kai’s serious tone, Nikki stepped aside and they walked into the cottage. Once she closed the door, she looked between him and Jane. “What happened?”
Rafe appeared at Nikki’s side as Kai explained his sister’s situation and added, “Which means I need you to be in charge in my absence.”
Nikki blinked. “Me? Are you sure?”
“You have the most experience when it comes to the hunters and even the Dragon Knights. Not only that, you’ve proven yourself over and over again.” Rafe opened his mouth, but Kai spoke first. “And before you bring up her pregnancy for the hundredth time this week, Nikki will be fine. She’s months away from giving birth and I trust her to delegate as needed.”
Rafe grunted. “I still don’t like it. Nikki doesn’t need the stress. Dr. Sid said she needed to take it easy.”
Jane chimed in. “Easy doesn’t mean putting her in a bed and wrapping her in blankets to prevent the slightest bump. Am I right, Nikki?”
Nikki looked to her mate. “I’ll be fine, Rafe.” She met Kai’s gaze. “Although I want Rafe to be my right-hand man. He’s still waiting for the specifics of his army liaison post and needs a purpose.”
“I have a purpose,” Rafe replied. “It’s protecting you and our child.”
Kai squeezed Jane’s side, signaling for her to take Rafe in hand. Once Jane nodded, Kai said, “Nikki, come with me and we’ll discuss everything, including your mate’s temporary role.”
Rafe stepped in front of Nikki. “We still need to hash out the details of her post, and I want to be present for that.”
Jane poked her brother’s arm. “Just stop, Rafe. Nikki can handle herself. Because I guarantee if you keep tiptoeing around her and treating her as if she’ll shatter, she’s going to hate you.”
Rafe blinked. “She wouldn’t.”
Nikki smiled. “I may. So, go chat with Jane. I’ve important stuff to do.”
Before Rafe could say anything else, Nikki waltzed out of the room, and Kai followed.
Once they were inside the kitchen, Kai muttered, “I’m not sure how you put up with him.”
Nikki rolled her eyes. “I’d say the same of Jane with you. But enough about mates. Tell me what needs doing in your absence and I’ll make sure it’s done.”
As Kai went through the current status of clan affairs and secret operations, he tried his best to ignore the shouting from the other room. After all, if anyone could handle Rafe Hartley outside of Nikki, it was Jane.
~~~
Jane glared at her brother. “Why do you insist on making everyone’s life so bloody difficult?”