AllFreeNovel
Share Us
He turned the laptop so she could see the screen. “A recording of Simon Bourne’s most recent speech to the former Carlisle-based dragon hunters. My undercover man, who thinks with his dick, is trying to make up for his mistake.”
Rafe clicked play and the deep voice of Simon Bourne filled the room: “After a lot of thought, you are the one chosen to start recruiting from Belfast and Londonderry. With enough men, we can take down Clan Glenlough. The alliance between Lochguard and Stonefire has made attacks more difficult. Glenlough needs to be taken care of before they form an alliance as well.”
A different male voice asked, “Why come in person, Simon?”
“Because there are moles in the ranks. I want this done swiftly, with as many dragons captured as possible. We’ll meet again tomorrow. I expect each of you to bring ideas of how to accomplish the takedown without attracting much notice.”
Murmurs of agreement finished the recording.
Nikki met Rafe’s eyes. “How in the bloody hell did your man get that? I can’t imagine him being in that room.”
“He wasn’t. The woman he’s shagging was. He slipped a listening device into her pocket.”
“Can you trust him, though? Sex has led many a male astray before,” Nikki stated.
“He has a weakness for women, but he and I served together for years. He would never let me down. I saved his life not once, but twice.”
“Right, then putting aside any doubts for a second, this is huge, Rafe. Does Killian O’Shea know what’s about to happen?” Nikki asked.
Killian was the leader of Clan Glenlough, which was based in Glenveagh National Park, in northwest Ireland.
Rafe shook his head. “I highly doubt it. The British DDA knows Bourne’s movements rather well. However, the Irish clans haven’t reached out to the British DDA offices since the Irish Republic gained independence and created their own Department of Dragon Affairs. And given what I know of bureaucracy, the two DDA offices haven’t done much sharing between them.”
“B
ut sometimes the militaries trade information. Maybe someone you know in the army could reach out to the Irish and give Killian a head’s up.”
“Good point. I’ll have to ask around.”
“In the meantime, I might have an idea.” Rafe raised his brows and she debated telling clan secrets. Then she remembered Bram had petitioned Rafe to stay with Stonefire; if he hadn’t wanted Rafe to be privy to clan knowledge, he wouldn’t have done that. She added, “Bram’s brother, Bennett, is currently living with Glenlough. We might be able to reach out to Bennett, and through him, talk with Killian.”
“From what little I know, Killian isn’t a fan of the British dragon clans. The division of Ireland nearly caused a war between his clan and the one in present-day Northern Ireland. During that time, the British clans had backed the Northern Irish one during the dispute.”
“So? We weren’t even on speaking terms with Lochguard until last year and now look at us—fostering clan members, allowing cross-clan matings, and fighting together. I’m sure if we share the recording with him, he might open up.”
“You’re a bit more optimistic than I am,” Rafe grumbled.
She stuck out her tongue. “That’s because you’re an old man.”
“Old man, eh?” He reached over and tickled her side. As Nikki tried to contain her laughter, he lifted and settled her on his lap. “After we talk with Bram and I reach out to my contacts, this old man is going to show you a thing or two.”
“Rafe.”
He chucked her chin. “Have you changed your mind from last night?”
“No. But there are a million things to do. If we play our cards right, you and I might even be the ones going over to County Donegal to meet with Killian.” Rafe fell silent, and Nikki barely restrained from swallowing. “You aren’t going to break your vow now, are you? Even if we technically don’t catch Simon Bourne with this mission, I’m not about to pass it up. Reaching out to a new clan is something I’ve dreamed about.”
Patting her hip, the corner of Rafe’s mouth ticked up. “As much fun as it would be to tie up your dragon and watch you break loose, no, I haven’t changed my mind. I’ll allow you to go.”
She raised her brows. “Allow me?”
“You know what I mean. Now, how about you make your famous bacon and toast? Bram is either sleeping or busy with his sick daughter. You should have time for it.”
“But Kai should be awake. I’ll call him.”
Rafe groaned. “Do you have to?”
“Did you share this with him yet?”
