Surrendering To The Dragon Part 21

She rubbed her cheek against one of his hands. "I didn't make the decision because I felt cornered. I made it because of you, Rafe Hartley. I want you to be a father to our child."

Unable to resist any longer, he kissed Nikki and slid his tongue between her lips.

As he stroked and explored, he also gently held her jaw in the palm of his hand. There was nothing more he wanted than to have Nikki as his woman and raise a child with her.

Refusing to let doubt cloud his mind about the future of the DDA, Rafe focused on the positive. He was closer than ever to having the family he never knew he'd always wanted. And he'd fight to keep the gift Nikki had just granted him.

Once Nikki had made her decision about taking a leap of faith and keeping her child, it had been pure torture not being able to tell Rafe while in dragon form. Maybe she should've waited until later. But as she traced his hard, muscled body, the words had just slipped out.

Rafe had since started kissing her, devouring her mouth as if he was starving and she was the only thing that could sate his hunger. His ardor stoked her own fire and she dug her nails into his back as she met him stroke for stroke.

One of Rafe's hands brushed between her legs and Nikki moaned into his mouth. She'd missed his firm, possessive touch.

Her dragon hummed. Me, too.

Gone were Rafe's fingers; instead, his c.o.c.k thrust into her. She cried out at how full and good he felt inside her. Rafe never ceased his attentions to her mouth, though. Raking her nails down his back, she gripped one of his a.r.s.e cheeks. At the contact, Rafe moved his hips slowly, increasing with each motion.

He finally released her lips. Nikki never broke eye contact as he continued to roll his hips. Desire mixed with intensity, as if he were looking down deep into her very being, to both her human and dragon halves. Never had she thought a human would be so understanding of her dual personalities.

Running a hand down to her breast, he plucked her nipple a few times and all serious thoughts fled her mind as her body heated and grew even wetter.

When he stopped his attentions, she cried out and was about to demand why. But as his hands cupped her a.r.s.e and lifted, his c.o.c.k reached even deeper inside, and her protest faded from her lips. "Rafe."

"You're mine, Nikola Gray." He pounded harder. "And I'll use every tool I have to keep you."

In any other moment, she would argue. But the pressure was building. She was too close to care about his alpha statements.

Gripping his forearms, Nikki moved in time to his thrusts. "I'm so close. Harder."

Not missing a beat, Rafe moved faster, as if their lives depended on it.

Rafe leaned down and sucked one of her nipples into his mouth. He bit her lightly before twirling the sting with his tongue. If he would only do it again...

When he then bit her nipple harder, lights dance in front of Nikki's eyes as her o.r.g.a.s.m hit hard. Wave after wave of pleasure coursed through her body and Rafe's movements only intensified the feeling.

Just as she started to come down from her high, he stilled and roared out Nikki's name. His o.r.g.a.s.m sent her spinning into a few more of her own.

When the last spasm wracked her body, Rafe collapsed on top of her. His heat, weight, and scent settled her mind. Somehow during the last few weeks, Rafe had become a rock in her life.

Wrapping her arms around him, she listened to his racing heartbeat. She only hoped she would be able to listen just like this for the rest of her days. Because she wanted much more than to keep their baby; Nikki wanted to keep her human.

The trick would be in finding out how to do it. Especially since it was becoming harder to ignore the growing feelings she had for him. Nikki was far beyond the mere fancies of a young woman. With enough time, she could easily love him.

But would she have the chance to reach that point, or would human laws tear them apart?

Not wanting to ruin the moment with doubts of the future, she nuzzled his shoulder and decided to lighten the mood. "You're aware everyone in a half-mile radius probably heard you scream my name."

A chuckle rumbled in his chest. "Good."

Sighing, she hugged him tighter. "You act like such a male."

He turned his head to meet her gaze and traced a finger down her cheek. "That's because I am one."

She laughed. "And as much as I may regret saying this later, I'm glad of it."

His grin melted her heart further. Although the stubble on his cheeks reminded her of his constant vigilance and the fact Dr. Sid would be back soon.

"I see wheels turning in your head, Nikki. What are you thinking about?"

She frowned. "You know, I think you've become a little too attune to my body language now."

"And that's a problem, why? I thought women wanted men to better understand what's on their minds."

She couldn't fight off her smile. "Sometimes. But a female needs to have some secrets."

Rafe gave her a slow, gentle kiss before answering, "Good luck with that. Remember, I've spent most of my adult life finding out secrets."

Rolling her eyes, she pushed against Rafe's chest. "You might be good at it, but my hearing is better. I hear someone approaching the tent. So unless you want to be caught in the act, you should toss some clothes on."

"What about you?"

"My nakedness shouldn't matter, but if you give me your shirt, I'll wear that to keep you from growling."

Rafe reluctantly pulled away. Nikki wanted nothing more than to pull him close again, but the footsteps were growing louder.

He tossed her his shirt. Just as she pulled it over her head and Rafe zipped up his fly, Kai stood in the doorway. Not wanting the two to kill each other, Nikki stood in front of Rafe. "Hi, Kai."

Her boss gave her a quick, chaste once-over. "You aren't missing any limbs."

Leaning against Rafe's chest, she snorted. "If you have time to make a joke, then things must not be that bad."

Kai's expression turned neutral and Nikki tried not to worry. "I wouldn't say 'bad' but they're certainly not ideal."

Rafe's arms wrapped around her waist as he demanded, "What are you talking about, Sutherland?"

"Not here," Kai answered with a shake of his head. "Once Sid does her final examination, I want you two to eat, clean up, and come see me at my cottage."

Nikki eyed her boss. "I'm not sure I like the sound of that."

"We'll talk more later. I expect to see you both in an hour and a half."

Kai exited the tent without another word. Nikki looked up at Rafe over her shoulder. "Did he say anything to you over the week that you forgot to mention to me?"

Rafe shook his head. "I have no b.l.o.o.d.y idea what he's talking about."

"Me either," Nikki murmured.

The pair of them stood in silence, both wondering what would happen. Maybe Nikki's doubts about Rafe staying on Stonefire had been justified.

As if reading her mind, Rafe tightened his grip on her waist and leaned his cheek against hers. "Whatever it is, we'll face it together."

Not even for a second did Nikki doubt his words.

Chapter Nineteen.

Rafe stood outside Kai and Jane's cottage with his arm around Nikki's shoulders and knocked again. "You would think he could hear us. You dragon-shifters brag often enough about your b.l.o.o.d.y hearing."

Nikki poked his side. "It's not bragging if it's the truth. Who knows, maybe they're finishing up and need to get dressed."

"Ugh, no. I don't want to think about my sister having s.e.x."

Nikki merely shook her head. With her dark hair bouncing around her face, it only highlighted the paleness of her skin. As he waited for someone to answer, he whispered, "Are you sure you're okay for this? You lost your food shortly after eating it and look paler than I'd like."

"I'm fine, Rafe. Sid said the baby is fine, and I've just had a spot of morning sickness. The only good thing about being in dragon form for a week was that I didn't have to worry about throwing up. Our dragon sides don't get ill when pregnant."

He eyed her. "If you say so."

Nikki opened her mouth to answer, but the door swung inward, and Jane answered the door. Rafe narrowed his eyes at her flushed cheeks as he said, "You took your time, Janey."

Running a hand through her rumpled hair, she stepped to the side. "It's not my fault you're a few minutes early. Kai's time is limited. Besides, usually you show up precisely on time."

Nikki jumped in before he could. "Ignore your brother. He hasn't slept well over the past week and is cranky."

"I'm not cranky," Rafe muttered.

Nikki turned her face up to him. "You are, but I wouldn't trade the last week for anything."

Rafe winked. "I would've sworn that not talking or being able to scold me would drive you crazy."

"Way to ruin a nice memory, Rafe," Nikki replied.

Jane turned toward the hall. "You two can banter later. Kai's waiting for you and has news you need to hear."

Rafe gently guided Nikki down the hall. "If you know what it is, then just tell us, Jane."

"No," Jane replied with a shake of her head. "Kai's office is the most soundproofed place in the cottage. You can hear it in there."

The fact they needed a soundproofed room didn't ease any of Rafe's fears.

Nikki squeezed the arm she had wrapped around his waist, reminding him she would stand with him, no matter what happened. Last month, it wouldn't have mattered. But in the present, Nikki's rea.s.surance actually eased his worries a fraction.

Between caring for her in dragon form and the news about keeping their child, it was becoming harder to imagine his life without her. h.e.l.l, he was already falling for her. If Rafe wasn't careful, he might actually start spouting romantic c.r.a.p.

Yet as Nikki leaned her head on his shoulder, he smiled and thought maybe it wouldn't be so bad. He loved watching Nikki's eyes light up with happiness or amus.e.m.e.nt. He wasn't sure which emotion she'd feel if he tried to be romantic.

Yes, Rafe Hartley, the hardened soldier with an alpha reputation was turning soft because of a certain dragonwoman. And he didn't mind it at all.

Jane knocked twice on the office door and Rafe was brought back to the present. All thoughts of romancing Nikki and trying not to muck it up would have to wait.

His sister opened the door at a m.u.f.fled voice. Kai stood at the window but turned his gaze to meet each of theirs in turn. "Shut the door."

Rafe was tempted to say he was going to do that already. But the quiet, serious expression and tone of Kai's voice caused the back of his neck to p.r.i.c.kle. Kai's news wasn't going to be good news.

Shutting the door, Nikki was the first to speak up out of the pair. "Just tell us what's going on, Kai."

With a sigh, Kai turned to face them. "I received some news last night that is relevant to all of us. While it's not public knowledge yet, Jonathan Christie was selected as the new Director of the Department of Dragon Affairs."

Rafe narrowed his eyes. "You mean the b.a.s.t.a.r.d we're pretty sure hired that group of former hunters, but can't yet prove it?"

Jane answered. "Yes, him. Public pressure forced the Prime Minister's hand. Ever since Christie's speech, the public has been rallying around Christie and bombarding MPs to pick him in order to save Stonefire."

Rafe jumped in. "Does no one remember his former public statements? About how the dragons should be grateful to the humans for helping them out? And that if they didn't like the DDA's rules, the dragons should just leave Britain?"

"I know," Kai answered. "But the media has been touting it as a change of heart. Keep in mind, most humans feared us two years ago. They figure if they can change, so can Christie."

Jane waved toward Rafe. "With him appointed, it means your future is now uncertain, Rafe. I doubt Christie will try to take on the army regarding your posting here, but I b.l.o.o.d.y well know he won't change the law to allow you to stay."

Anger boiled in his stomach. "Then there's only one thing we can do."

Nikki frowned. "What's that?"

Rafe looked down to meet her eyes. "Find concrete proof that Christie is connected to the dragon hunters."

Nikki had barely digested Kai's information about the new Director of the DDA when Rafe made his proposal. Kai opened his mouth to say something, but she beat him to it. "And how the b.l.o.o.d.y h.e.l.l are we going to do that? The one prisoner who said Christie donated the weapons has since changed his mind. And I doubt the army will give you permission to spy on the DDA Director."

"I might have some contacts who can help. I also plan to find the hunter who escaped us in the forest last week. Everything the others told us points to him being the mastermind of the attack." Rafe looked to Kai. "Although if we work together, we'll probably find him quicker."

"Since we both want Christie debunked, it's fine. Although I need to talk with Bram to confirm."

Jane spoke up. "You conceded that rather easily, Kai."

Kai shrugged. "Just because your brother is a pain in my a.r.s.e doesn't mean I can't recognize his skills."

Nikki blinked. Kai quasi-complimenting Rafe on something was strange. Had the world changed that much since she'd been injured?

Her dragon grunted. Not all change is bad.

Finding her voice again, Nikki said, "If Bram says yes, then I'm going to help Rafe, too. Together, we might find things out quicker than if he worked solo. I know who I can trust on Stonefire to help with the hunt, too. Pooling our resources should make everything work faster."