Page 13 of Wild Fire

“That could prove interesting,” he all but purred at her, watching her body react to the way his was beginning to call to hers. “However, I think I would prefer having you bound to my bed.”

“Inappropriate, Warrick. Knock it off. We have to work together.”

“My apologies, my lady.”

As they got out and retrieved the rest of Dani’s purchases from the back of the Jeep. Warrick found the exhaustion that had been creeping up on him almost overwhelming. She must have sensed his fatigue as she laid her hand on his arm, the spark that ran through him lighting up every nerve ending.

“Take it easy big guy. The bed is really comfortable. I have a couple of steaks for tonight and grabbed the last of the store’s potatoes au gratin. If you can light the fire in the stove and the heater, that would save a lot of time.”

He chuckled. “I can get those steaks grilled faster too.”

“Good enough. I’ll do a quick perimeter check…” she held up her hand to stop him from protesting, “…just a precaution, but then I can reset the alarms. There’s an inner and outer one. I’ll show you how they work come morning. There is an indoor sink and toilet so no need to worry about setting them off.”

Warrick didn’t like it, but he had to admit, Dani was more than competent, and she was armed. Once she handed him the groceries and two more guns—a shotgun and another handgun—she left him to do a brief tour to ensure their lodgings for the night were secure.

He felt funny being the one left behind to do the domestic chores but had to agree that with his state of exhaustion, she was better equipped and as she pointed out—she had a gun and had proven to be an excellent shot. By the time she joined him and set the alarm, he had the two fires lit, the steaks grilled, and the potatoes not only warmed but had added additional butter and cheese.

He set out the plates loaded with the steak and potatoes at the small dining table that looked out over the river where he’d lit a small lantern that cast an intimate glow. Holding out the chair for her, he waved her into it.

“Thank you. This smells divine.”

“I’m used to mostly cooking for myself, but I prefer to actually sit down and have a meal as to just consuming one.”

“And I prefer takeout, a beer, and a Kraken’s game.”

“Krakens have organized games?” he asked and laughed as she dropped her fork. “Just kidding. A little mythological beast humor. Krakens are far too rude to have organized games.”

“I can’t tell if you’re teasing me or not. Are there real Krakens?”

“No. That is truly a mythological beast. But what is a Kracken’s game?”

“Seattle’s ice hockey team is the Kraken. I love ice hockey.” When they were finished, Dani grabbed both plates. “Why don’t you take the big bed? The sofa pulls out into a comfortable bed, but it’s also pretty comfy the way it is.”

“You could join me.”

“I don’t think so, and remember, I sleep with a gun.” She said the last with a grin, but Warrick could tell she was only half joking.

“Duly noted. I think I’ve been remiss in not expressing my gratitude for your intervention on my behalf.”

“I’m a cop. It’s kind of my job.”

“I doubt they covered saving dragons in any of your manuals. The fact that you accepted who I am and that I even exist…”

“Kind of hard to ignore what’s right in front of me. Now go on, get in bed. Try and get some sleep.”

“And you?”

“I don’t generally sleep well, especially around strange men. And being a dragon, you qualify as the strangest.”

“Then I would submit for your consideration, that you’ve been sleeping with the wrong men.”

She searched his face for a moment and then slowly shook her head. “You’re exhausted. I’m beat, and we both need our rest. Tomorrow, we have to figure out what the hell is going on and come up with some kind of game plan.”

Warrick nodded. He wasn’t sure what kind of game plan she was envisioning, but once he’d realized why his head had been thundering from the time she’d entered the subterranean basement his plan became pretty simple—keep her safe and destroy those who would think to harm her. He crawled into bed and watched as she sat in the large rocker by the window, her service weapon on the small table beside her, and looked out into the night sky.

He closed his eyes and inhaled her scent, a ghost of a smile playing on his lips. He’d never thought to find her. He’d thought that unless he was killed in battle, he was doomed to be immortal for all time. Only fate had smiled on him at last—much to his chagrin, his eternal flame had finally struck—a beautiful, curvy human female with long dark hair, soulful eyes, and a smile that had melted the icy shell that had formed around his heart.

CHAPTER 6

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