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“Maybe.” She pulled back and wiped her eyes. “But I’d like my first and hopefully last TV appearance in my human form to be a good one.”
Delphine laughed. “It’ll be fine, love.”
Nikki’s father walked into the tent with a scowl. But it eased when he spotted Nikki and Delphine. “Here are my two beautiful females.”
Nikki sighed. “Where else would I be, Dad? I’m not about to run away.”
“Good,” Hector answered. “I mostly approve of Rafe and would hate to see him left standing out there alone. There’s quite a crowd, you know.”
Nikki’s stomach flipped. As she took a deep breath, her dragon spoke up. Good. I want everyone to notice us.
Ha! I wouldn’t be surprised if you shifted right after the ceremony so everyone can admire your hide.
I’ve thought about it. But I hate when humans scream, and I have a feeling they would.
Glad you understand that, dragon.
But don’t worry. Everything will be fine. Besides, we can inspire other dragon-shifter females with our mating. Today is important.
Even though the law hadn’t changed for all, Rosalind Abbott had agreed to consider special privileges to clans with good behavior.
It was a long way from equality, but considering how much worse it could be—such as Rafe being torn from her side—Nikki would take what she could get. She had a lifetime to enact more permanent change for her children.
Her dragon spoke up again. Thinking of more babies already? My, my, someone’s changed their tune.
Shut it, dragon.
As her beast chuckled, Nikki looked back to her dad. “Don’t worry, I’m keeping Rafe. If you’re here, it must mean it’s almost showtime.”
“Yes. I just need to collect your mother and to do this.” Her father engulfed her in a hug. “I’m glad you found your happiness like I eventually found mine.”
“Thanks, Dad.” Hector released her, and Nikki blinked her eyes quickly. “You two really should leave, or I’m going to start crying. And that would definitely ruin my Protector image.”
Her dad snorted. “It might work to your advantage if they underestimate you.”
Delphine looped her arm through Hector’s. “Don’t give her any ideas. Come, let’s take our places. I still can’t believe we’re going to be sitting one row away from the human prime minister.”
Hector patted his mate’s hand. “Only the best for our Nikki.”
Her parents waved and left Nikki alone once more.
She paced for a few minutes until Rosalind Abbott’s voice boomed through the sound system. “Thank you all for joining me today. Whether at home or here with us in an undisclosed location in Northern England, I thank you.
“The turbulent changes over the past year have strained relations between humans and dragon-shifters. I truly believe our future will be better if we work together. To symbolize a fresh start and to showcase how much I want our two peoples to get along, I wish to start my term as Director of the Department of Dragon Affairs with a mating ceremony. And not just any mating ceremony, but one between a human man and a female dragon-shifter.” Applause sounded before Abbott’s voice continued, “Since a dragon-shifter mating ceremony is between two people, I’m going to take my seat and let it begin.”
More clapping and Nikki peeked through the crack in the material partition. She spotted Rafe ascending the steps to the stage. He was kitted out in a tradition male dragon-shifter outfit. With the dark red material tossed over his shoulder and wrapped around his waist in a similar fashion to a human Scottish kilt, she wanted to lick him up.
Not just because he was sexy, though of course he was. But also, because he’d volunteered to wear the traditional garb of her kind despite the chilly March temperatures. They were inside a giant tent, but it wasn’t exactly cozy.
Her dragon grunted. It’s not that cold. Can we hurry up? I want to undress him and claim him.
Not until I claim him first.
Then get a move on.
Right, then. Taking a deep breath, Nikki stood up tall and exited the partition. All eyes turned toward her, but she forgot about everything else as she met Rafe’s gaze. With her shoulders back and chin raised, she walked to her mate. It was time to bind herself to him forever.
~~~
