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Still, whatever it was, her father’s expression turned into one of resignation. “I just want what’s best for my baby girl. I nearly lost you once, and I don’t want it to happen again.”
Nikki stood and moved to her father. Engulfing him in a hug, she murmured, “I’ll be fine, Dad. Don’t worry. I’m not going anywhere.”
All the other dragon-shifters in the room shuffled their feet or rubbed the backs of their necks. Even Delphine was looking at Hector and Nikki with teary eyes.
Rafe hated being in the dark. One of his first tasks would be drilling Nikki on her past. If there was anything that could come back to harm her, he needed to know.
Clearing his throat, Bram broke the silence. “Right, then with that settled, I’ll let the DDA and British Army know you’ve accepted their terms. Kai and Jane can show you to your new place since it’s next door to theirs.”
Rafe blinked. “What?”
Kai met his gaze, and the corners of the dragonman’s mouth curled up. “It’ll be easier to keep an eye on you.”
“Surely there’s another empty cottage?”
“That one was just vacated by a Protector who went to foster with Lochguard in Scotland. It’s the best—and only—option you have.” Bram turned toward the back door. “Keep me updated on everything.”
Once Bram was gone, Hector pierced Rafe with his blue-eyed stare. “Hurt my daughter and I will personally drop you from a very great height.”
Before Nikki could reply, Rafe jumped in. “Hurting Nikki is the last thing I plan on doing.”
Nikki’s expression turned guarded. No doubt, their past had flashed through her mind.
She turned to pat her father’s arm. “We’ll be fine, Dad. I can take care of myself.” She turned toward Kai and Jane. “Take me and Rafe to our new place. I know you have loads to do, Kai. I don’t want to keep you.”
Kai bobbed his head. “Right, then follow me.”
Kai and Jane left the cottage without another word.
Nikki hugged her dad. “Don’t worry about me. I’ll drop by as much as I can, I promise.”
Hector grunted. “I still don’t like it. The human won’t be able to protect you like I can.”
Rafe took a step. “I will protect Nikki and the baby with my life, so stop doubting me at every turn.”
He and Hector stared at one another until Delphine finally broke the tense silence. “He’ll do fine, Hector. You haven’t seen them together like I have. He suits Nikki.”
“If you say so, love.”
“I do.”
Nikki nodded toward the door. “I’m off, then. Love you both.”
Not wanting to dally, Rafe moved as quickly as possible to Nikki’s side. He looked to each of her parents in turn before Nikki took his hand and hauled him out the door. It looked like he at least had Delphine on his side. That could come in handy later.
~~~
Nikki kept a hold of Rafe’s hand as she charged silently after Kai and Jane in the distance.
Not because she didn’t have loads to say. No, it was because she was tired of the males in her life meddling, growling, and all around acting as if she couldn’t make her own decisions. The next time she talked with Rafe, it would be alone. That way, she could pin him if need be to make him listen. Hell, she wasn’t above tying him to a chair and putting tape over his mouth.
Unfortunately, Rafe didn’t have the same idea. He leaned down and whispered, “You seemed to accept all that rather easily. I expected more of a fight.”
She raised an eyebrow. “Are you kidding me? I’ve wanted to move out for years, but never really had a strong enough case to win against my father’s worry. Now, I do.”
“Glad your father recognizes my talents.”
She shook her head. “Not because of you. Living next to Kai is what did it.”
