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Tears filled the woman’s eyes. “He was only eight years old. And yet the selfish dragons wouldn’t even try to save him.”
“What was your son’s name?”
For a second, he didn’t think the woman would answer. But eventually, she whispered, “Alfie.”
Rafe spotted movement just behind the woman. He needed to keep her focused on him. “I’m fairly sure Alfie wouldn’t want you to kill on his behalf.”
“How would you know? You probably don’t have any children and don’t understand what it’s like to lose a piece of your heart.”
Just as he opened his mouth to reply, Aaron pulled the woman back at the same time Rafe dove to the side. A laser blast sailed a few inches over his shoulder.
Taking a deep breath, Rafe stood. Aaron had the woman with her chest to the ground and her hands tied together with a zip tie. Tape over her mouth kept her quiet.
“Thanks.”
Aaron nodded in acknowledgment before moving to the gun. “As much as I don’t want this thing on Stonefire’s land, we should probably bring it back with us. Then you can have your colleagues cart it away.”
Staying away from the end of the barrel, Rafe peered at the controls. Considering Aaron had saved his life, Rafe didn’t hold back. “They’ve been wanting one of these ever since Tristan MacLeod was injured almost two years ago. The word is someone in Russia designed it and exchanged the blueprints for a few vials of dragon’s blood.”
Aaron peered down at the weapon. “I don’t care who designed it.” He looked up. “As long as your people can find a way to defend against it, that’s all I care about. I hope you will keep me in the loop.”
“I can’t guarantee it, but I’ll make my best case about including Stonefire on the research.” Rafe moved his gaze to the woman on the ground. “Do you know who they allied themselves with? The Dragon Knights or the hunters?”
“I don’t know. But if anyone can find out, Zain can.” Aaron motioned toward the two unconscious men. “Secure them.”
Following Aaron’s order, he asked, “What of the others?”
Aaron pulled out his mobile phone from a pocket and checked it. “The other teams have finished, although one Protector was injured and one of the attackers managed to escape. The dragons in the sky will alert us if they find any more enemies nearby.”
“Good.”
Aaron studied him a second before replying, “Nikki will be fine. Sid let me know.”
For one of the first times in his life, Rafe wished he could just run off and leave an assignment behind. But Nikki would never approve. And, to be honest, Rafe would hate himself for it later.
Still, he counted the minutes until his relief arrived. Not caring what the others thought of him, once his duty was completed, he ran all the way to Stonefire’s outside infirmar
y. He needed to see Nikki.
~~~
To better help Nikki’s wing heal, Sid had put it into a type of splint to keep it extended. While it rested on the ground to prevent straining her shoulder muscles, it was bloody uncomfortable. She was stuck sleeping on her belly instead of her side.
Her dragon huffed. So much for being a warrior.
Considering the males whine more than me, you shouldn’t complain.
The sound of pounding feet garnered her attention. Since she was trapped inside a tent, she couldn’t see what was happening. Was there another attack?
As she debated the best way to move without hurting her wing, Rafe rushed into her tent. His eyes darted to her splint before he walked slowly around her body. Since his face was neutral, she had no idea what he was thinking.
He finally stopped in front of her. After a second, he flicked her snout with his fingers, and she narrowed her eyes.
Bracing herself for a telling-off, one corner of Rafe’s mouth ticked up. “Next time, try not to get yourself injured. If we need to set up a challenge of who can remain injury-free the longest, I can do that.”
Nikki let out a breath. Rafe hadn’t yelled at her to never take such a stupid risk again.
At least, not yet.
