He chuckled before he eased back to see her eyes. “I’m going to miss you, Evie Marshall.”
Evie’s heart squeezed at the emotion in his words. Yet she somehow managed to keep her voice even when she replied, “Then stop dawdling and go. The sooner you save Murray, the sooner you can come back to me.”
With a nod, Bram released his grip. She nearly reached out to pull him close again, but she resisted. There was too much at stake and it was no time to be selfish.
Bram cleared his throat and the two dragonwomen turned around. Nikki was fighting a smile, but Charlie’s face was still as calm as before.
Her dragonman said, “Take care of Evie. You all should be safe here since I took great care in choosing this location, but don’t let your guard down for a second until I return. Who knows how far Simon Bourne’s reach goes, let alone where he has spies.” Nikki and Charlie nodded. He looked to her. “I know you don’t like orders, but stay put. When all of this is over, we’ll work on some self-defense training beyond what the DDA taught you. Until then, let my people watch over you. Worrying about you is a distraction I can’t afford until the clan and Murray is safe.”
Evie replied, “Don’t worry. I’ll stay until all of this is over. Not only do I want to live, I have mountains of data from the DDA database to comb through. I haven’t found anything in the fifteen minutes you were away, but I’m going to keep looking.”
“Good. Then I’m off.”
With one last quick kiss, Bram exited the room. Pushing aside the ache in her chest at his leaving, she turned toward Nikki and Charlie. “Right, I have a ton of information to sort through. Would anyone like to make some breakfast?”
Nikki crossed her arms over her chest. “We’re your guards, not your maids.”
Before she could launch into why it would benefit the clan to allow her to work, Charlie said in a quiet voice, “This job isn’t always as glamorous as you’d like it to be, Nikola. Now, start looking for something to make. I’m starved.”
Nikki gave a terse nod and turned toward the cabinets.
Looking toward Charlie, Evie said, “I don’t think we’ve met officially. I’m Evie Marshall.”
“I know.” Charlie gestured toward the laptop. “Why don’t you start working? I’ll let you know when the food is ready.”
Evie scrutinized the dragonwoman’s face, but she couldn’t detect any discernible emotion. Not everyone will love you instantly. Focus on your work.
“Sounds good,” Evie said and moved to her computer and started reading.
~~~
Bram walked away from the cave dwelling toward the clearing surrounded by trees he would use to shift and take off. After taking a deep breath of cool mo
rning air, he spoke to his dragon. Do you still agree to our deal?
His inner beast gave a sleepy yawn before replying. Yes. I will hand control back over to you once we arrive at Stonefire’s lands. Then I will be first to fuck our mate when the danger has passed.
Bram hated that his inner beast would be in control again the next time he had Evie naked and willing, but he was clan leader. Sacrifices had to be made. Good. Channeling some of your sexual frustration will help us rescue Murray.
Yes. I’m strong, but I’m reaching my limit. I want our mate every second of every day.
I know how you feel. I don’t ever want to let her go, and not just because she’s our true mate.
My plan succeeded. You’re welcome.
Bram simply shook his head at his beast’s tone of surety. She knows how to put you in your place. I’d be careful.
She won’t need to hurt us again. Next time, she will understand. She will bear our young.
How is that even possible?
Not now. I will tell you later. It will encourage you to finish the task quicker.
First Evie, and now his dragon; he was a bit worried about everyone dangling incentives for him to return in one piece. Even without the enticements, he wouldn’t let down his clan.
Bram stopped in the middle of the clearing and decided he would finish the rest of the conversation later. I’m trusting you. Don’t let me down.
We have a deal. I will not renege.