Reawakening the Dragon: Part One by Jessie Donovan

around and not getting answers. The truth usually speeds things up.”
    “I’ll try to keep that in mind.” When Jane remained silent, Nikki added, “While Kai would cut off his own arm before asking humans for help, humans like your brother could help us with the dragon hunters. I’ve tried to convince Kai to ask our colleagues from the army for help, but he refuses.” Nikki met her eye. “Maybe you can convince him.”
    “Why ask me this? You barely know me.”
    “You’ve helped our clan more than Kai will admit. Plus, I know your brother’s reputation. Those two combined tell my gut to trust you.”
    Her brother Rafe had two reputations—one with women and the other as a soldier. “Please tell me you didn’t sleep with Rafe.”
    Nikki blinked, looked at Jane, and then away. “Um, no.”
    But judging by Nikki’s response, the dragonwoman had wanted to.
    That meant Nikki was basing part of her trust on Rafe’s role as a soldier. By all accounts, her brother was a damn good one. “Well, asking Rafe and other soldiers unofficially for their help is an interesting idea. But I think we need to locate the hunters first and see what we’re up against. Then I’ll decide if it’s worth the hassle of convincing your stubborn-headed boss to ask for outside help.”
    As Nikki nodded and turned into the hotel car park, the dragonwoman added, “If anyone can change Kai’s mind apart from Bram, I think it might be you.”
    “All I do is ignore his growly orders and demand equal footing.”
    Turning off the engine, Nikki turned toward Jane. “He needs that more than you know.”
    Before Jane could ask for clarification, Nikki exited the car and Jane followed.

    ~~~

    Kai ended the call to Aaron, his second-in-command back on Stonefire. Everything was in order and no new threats were detected.  
    While that was a good thing, it also meant Kai needed to find something else to occupy his mind until Jane and Nikki returned.
    His dragon spoke up. Thinking about the human now will avoid distractions later.
    She’s not a distraction.
    Liar. You want her naked as much as me. I still say fuck her and clear your mind.
    No fucking the human.  
    His beast paused a beat before adding, It’s okay to want someone else. The other one chose a different male.
    Kai had spent the last eleven years not thinking about Maggie. But if his dragon was going to bring her up, Kai would, too. And what if Maggie shows up tomorrow, newly widowed? She didn’t want us then and I don’t want her now, but will your instincts allow me to have someone else? Or, will they be a slave to the true mate pull?
    I’ve waited a long time for you to talk to me about this.
    Then talk, dragon.
    His beast huffed. Don’t order me around. I deserve better.
    Kai rubbed his hand over his face. If he didn’t stop his dragon’s near-tantrum, he would definitely have a headache in five minutes. Fine, then please answer my question. Otherwise, I’ll never fuck a female again.
    Liar.
    Care to dare me, dragon? My record is pretty solid when it comes to winning over you.
    After what seemed like an eternity, his beast replied, Dragons can find another mate.
    In theory. But you don’t let things go.
    I can and I will. Kiss the human and we can forget about the other one.
    And what happens when the kiss is just a kiss? How long will your interest hold? Kai asked.
    His dragon’s voice turned steely. With Jane, it could be forever.
    How do you know?
    No more talking. Kiss her and then ask me again.
    Before Kai could press his beast for answers, the front door opened and two female voices drifted down the hall.
    Jane and Nikki were back.
    Shoving his beast into a mental prison, Kai exited the room and moved down the hall. He opened his mouth to bark an order when he saw Jane and forgot what he was going to say.
    The female wore jeans that hugged her long legs, leaving no detail to the imagination. Her black top dipped to a V, revealing a creamy expanse of cleavage. A