Flint lay on the bed next to Kenzie, his body curled around hers, and fuck, she felt so good in his arms. Flint tightened his hold, pulling her against him, her soft curves fitting against him as if she’d been hand-made just for him . . . and in a way, she had by the Goddess herself. His heart beat faster as that hit home, the enormity of what he held within his embrace: his Bloodmate. The woman that meant everything in the whole damn universe to him, and he knew this tiny body next to him had wrought immense changes inside him. He felt them deep inside . . . feelings and emotions growing with each passing hour that scared the hell out of him and at the same time, in a strange way, calmed his soul. He placed a soft kiss on her hair, whispering, “I’ll keep you safe, baby, I promise I will. Nobody will hurt you ever again. Not now that I’ve found you.”

Moira had been surprised when he’d appeared several hours ago, but she’d smiled when he’d said he wasn’t leaving again until he had to, explaining his place was with Kenzie. The old woman had nodded and given him an update, one that was encouraging. Kenzie’s head trauma was almost healed and it was just a matter of time—for her body to rest and recuperate—before she’d wake. Flint had never felt such relief before in his extremely long life than he had at that moment. It flooded his body, a euphoria filling him up and making him feel light-headed, so much so that his legs shook and Moira had taken hold of his elbow and sat him on the edge of the bed. Her eyes crinkling at the side as she looked down at him as if she knew how he was feeling.

Talon was in the living room with Moira, enjoying a dram while Dougie and his men remained on guard duty, alert and allowing Flint to relax and spend time with Kenzie without worrying about her safety. It was late afternoon and he knew it wouldn’t be long until he’d have to leave, his heart pounding with the thought of releasing Kenzie from his embrace. Closing his eyes, he inhaled deeply, her scent . . . vanilla and caramel, allowing it to calm him and his fears as he drifted into a light slumber.

Her soft hands ran down his naked torso, her fingers raking across his skin, his cock twitching between their bodies as her lips trailed soft kisses across his chest . . . he was in heaven. “Don’t stop,” he gasped, his hands exploring her body, soft, silky skin that felt so damn good beneath him.

“I won’t.” She continued to pepper him with caresses, her tongue darting out, licking across his chest and latching onto a nipple, biting it playfully while she reached between them, her fingers circling his hard length, slowly working back and forth, ripples of pleasure cascading through him.

“You should be resting,” the thought whispered through his mind . . . from where?

“I am.” She looked up, her eyes sparkling brightly, her lips covering his with a searing kiss full of desire and longing, taking him higher and higher to a place he’d never been before and where he wanted to stay forever.

His eyes closed, pleasure coursing through him . . . suddenly a slithering coldness slid up his spine, her hands no longer on his body, his eyes springing open and he was back in Edinburgh, in the alley and . . . fuck. He was looking up into Kragen Smithson’s face, fear lapping inside him as hard hands held him securely. What the fuck? His heart fluttered wildly in his chest with terror running wildly, words flying out of his mouth. “Let me go! You’re a bunch of bastards!” Flint realized he wasn’t inside his own body . . . he was seeing through Kenzie’s eyes and he was back in the alley the night when she’d been accosted by Kragen and Stelian! He could feel her utter horror and dread, then the pain when Stelian had landed the fateful blow that caused her terrible injury. But that wasn’t all. No. She’d been able to look down and see what he’d had planned for her. Oh my god.

Flint saw it all. Saw it through her eyes as Stelian had prepared to rape her in that dank, dirty alleyway and he felt every single one of her emotions. Fear, dread, shock, panic . . . so many ran through her as that filthy animal prepared to ravage her unconscious, bloody and broken body. Rage stormed through him like a hurricane . . . a frenzy of wrath building up inside him that he thought he would shatter into a million pieces until . . .

“I feel you.” Her voice washed over him and he jerked awake, staring down at her still sleeping form, shock and surprise coursing through him.

His arms tightened over her, tugging her closer, his mouth at her ear as he whispered, “Kenzie? Are you awake?”

He waited, anticipation and longing building inside as hope coursed through him, desperately wishing for her eyelids to lift so he could gaze into her eyes and tell her how much he loved her, worshipped her, and would for all eternity. But no. Nothing.

“No, not yet . . . soon. But I’m aware you’re there . . . Flint.”

“Fuck, you know my name? How?” He stumbled over the words, his heart thudding in his chest like a freight train as it rammed into him that he was actually hearing her in his mind at the same time as the fact that she knew his name. How was that possible?

“I heard it . . . in the car, when you rescued me, before. Sorry, I need to rest some more but I’ll be with you soon.”

And she was gone. Gone! The dream he’d just had leaving him burning with an anger so great he knew he’d have no qualms about carrying out his planned sentence on those that had dared to harm his Bloodmate.

“Moira!” he bellowed, feeling bereft that she’d been so close and now she was no longer with him.

Her grandmother rushed in, her face full of hope . . . obviously thinking that Kenzie had woken. When she saw her still unconscious in his arms she looked confused. “What? What’s wrong?”

“She spoke to me . . . in here.” He stabbed a finger to his temple. “How’s that possible? What’s going on? And why didn’t she wake up? If she can do that then why can’t she wake up?”

Moira’s shoulder’s rose as she inhaled and exhaled loudly, a smile on her face that crinkled her entire face. “That’s my girl! She’s letting us know she’s healing and almost ready to wake up. Not long now, Flint.”

“What? But how? Can she talk to people like that? In their heads?” Flint barked, confused and shocked in equal measures.

“If she’s close to someone she can, yes,” Moira confessed. “She and I can, and obviously she can with you now. It’s one of her special abilities.”

“Shit.” Flint glanced back down at Kenzie in amazement. “Not only is she the most beautiful creature on this damn planet, she’s fucking remarkable too. I’m the luckiest man alive, Moira. You hear me, Kenzie . . . the luckiest man alive.”

“Aye, Flint, you are,” Moira agreed.

They were interrupted by Talon, who knocked on the open door. “Sorry, I don’t mean to disturb you but you’ve got a couple of visitors. You need to come out, Flint.”

“Visitors?” Flint frowned.

“Aye.” Talon nodded over his shoulder. “They’re pretty insistent that you come.”

“Shit.” Flint disentangled himself, kissing Kenzie’s lips softly and whispering, “I’ll be back soon, baby.”

Talon led the way along the hall, Dougie’s booming voice rumbling down toward them. “It’s great to see you again. It’s been far too long!”

Flint wondered who the hell he was talking to and sped up, entering the lounge to find . . . Dougie shaking Victor’s hand vigorously as Kimber stood next to him. What the hell?

“Victor, what’re you doing here? I said not to come and I definitely said not to bring Kimber. It’s too dangerous for her to be here.” Flint stopped dead, the words tumbling out fast as shock overtook him.

Kimber spun around, rushing to him and flinging her arms around his waist. “Don’t you dare, Flint! You’re family and when Victor told me what was going on . . . well, there was no way in hell I was allowing us to stay away. I might be pregnant but I’m a Dragon. You think that Vampire’s going to get away with what he’s done? No way in Hades! So, here we are . . . and just for the record, I’m pretty sure Victor was going to try sneaking away anyway. There’s nothing that was going to stop him from being at your side, Flint. Nothing.”

She looked up at him, her brilliant emerald eyes full of concern and he couldn’t help but feel shamefaced for how he’d felt about how she’d impacted on his relationship with Victor. “Thank you, Kimber, I appreciate that more than you know.”

He glanced over at his best friend who was heading their way, his presence settling him like nothing else in the universe could. Seeing him here was just what he needed. Knowing he’d be by his side no matter what was coming . . . well, that was exactly where he should be, because they were brothers and that’s what brothers did for each other.

Victor stopped, pulling Kimber back against him. “Stop hugging him like that, baby, or I’ll start to get jealous.”

Looking over her shoulder she scowled up at him, rolling her eyes. “Don’t be silly.”

“I’m glad you’re here,” Flint admitted, his hand wiping down his face. “I’m on edge with everything that’s happened and seeing you has settled me down.”

“I couldn’t stay away,” Victor countered with his own admission. “After we spoke, I tried. With Kimber being pregnant, I did try . . . but I couldn’t. You’re my brother, not by blood, but you’re my brother and I couldn’t allow you to face this alone. After I hung up, I turned around and madam here was standing there, so we talked. I did attempt to sway her to stay away, but you know what she’s like. She wouldn’t listen and yes, I was going to try and sneak away without her. But then I knew she’d only charter another plane and follow me and she’d be pissed when she arrived, so I thought better of that idea. So, here we are. Want to fill us in?”

Flint chuckled, knowing exactly how that conversation would’ve gone and how strong-willed Kimber was. He’d also seen how determined she was once she’d made her mind up. Victor had been fighting a losing battle from the get go. No two ways about it. “Sure, want to sit and I’ll let you know what’s been happening . . . including the fact that Jana’s here.”

Victor’s eyes betrayed only a hint of surprise, his lips lifting at the sides slightly. “That’s not entirely surprising. She’s got a soft spot for you.”

“There’s never been anything between us, Victor. You know that,” Flint countered defensively.

“I do, but I suspect that she’s always wished there could’ve been,” Victor answered. “Anyway, that’s a moot point now that you’ve found your Bloodmate and it’s a testament to her loyalty that she’s arrived to help.”

“Indeed,” Flint sighed, “I just hope she doesn’t get injured because that would cause problems for everyone involved.”

They moved to the large sofas, Dougie already back at his position in the hallway, guarding Kenzie. Moira was nowhere to be seen, so she must have remained in the bedroom with Kenzie, and Talon hovering around nervously, like he did in the presence of Quinn Alexander. Flint was having none of that nonsense. “Victor, this is Talon, he helped me rescue Kenzie. Talon, this is Victor and Kimber.”

Kimber gave the Wolf a huge friendly smile, pointing to the sofa opposite her. “Hi, Talon, nice to meet you, come and join us and tell us what this big lump’s been up to. I bet he’s been a nuisance . . . right? Did he get you into trouble?”

Victor snorted. “That’s him all right. Acts first, thinks later.”

“Hey,” Flint burst out. “I’m right here, guys.”

Talon’s head flew around them all, his body relaxing as he saw how they were with each other and finally he chuckled. “Aye, he has caused a fair bit of bother, that’s for sure. But to be honest, he had to rescue Miss Kenzie, and that arse, Kragen Smithson, needs to be taken out once and for all, so I guess this is serendipity at work.”

“Sounds like this Smithson guy does indeed need to be dealt with,” Victor seethed, his obvious anger showing in his body language and his tone. “I did some digging on the way here and that man has quite the reputation, for all the wrong reasons. He traffics people. Not just women for sex, but kids too. He sells them to work in factories and other places and they’re nothing more than slaves. I want him dead.”

“No, you don’t,” Flint thundered loudly . . . far too loudly. Kimber jumped, turning to him with a look of astonishment at his outburst. Ignoring her he carried on, “He’s mine, Vic, mine. Him and his side-kick, Stelian. That’s the fucker who hurt Kenzie. They are both mine.”

Victor didn’t flinch. Relaxing back against the sofa, his arm reached around Kimber’s shoulder and pulled her against his side, tucking her safely to his body before he responded, “Calm down and stop shouting. Please remember there’s a pregnant lady present.”

Taking a deep breath in and cracking his neck he looked up at the ceiling for a long moment before back at Victor and Kimber. “Sorry, but I have to take those two out myself. I didn’t mean to raise my voice or upset you.”

“I’m hungry.” Kimber rubbed her belly. “Is there any food here?”

She talked as if nothing just happened and he’s grateful. So grateful that he grinned over at her and winked. “Sure is. The Pack that Victor so kindly send to guard Kenzie are wolves and I’m sure there’s a ton of food available. Talon, can you help Kimber out?”

Victor took that moment to help her to her feet and motioned to Flint. “Care to show me the lake? It looks lovely.”

Flint knew it did. It was gorgeous. But he had a feeling that his friend had no interest in the beauty of the surroundings he found himself in. He wanted to talk and he wanted to do it out of earshot of his Bloodmate and pregnant wife. Interesting.

“Yeah, follow me.” He led him outside and they walked away from the cottage in silence.

Sure enough, as soon as they were far enough away, Victor stopped and turned to him, hands clasped behind his back, a worried expression marring his usually calm face. “So, how do we stop her? We obviously can’t allow her to come with us . . . she’s fucking pregnant, Flint!”

Victor was strung tight like a drum, his body thrumming with restrained power. Flint could feel it in the air around them, his friend holding onto his control with a steely dominance that few Vampires would be able to do. Thank goodness his friend could. If not, they’d be met with destruction all around them within seconds.

“Calm down, Vic. We’ll think of something.” He attempted to soothe him, keeping his voice low and relaxed.

“Calm down? Calm down?” Victor seethed, his jaw tightened in anger. “She’s carrying my child inside her. A baby that I never thought possible, Flint. Don’t you understand what that means to me? Don’t you think I’m going insane just with the thought of her being here in the vicinity of what looks set to be a fucking battle? The mere inkling of something happening to her is driving me insane with worry. Insane. I’m losing it, Flint. Losing it and I can’t allow her to go anywhere near that fight. I. Just. Can’t.”

Victor’s head dropped forward, his hands rising to run through his hair as he gulped air inside his lungs and Flint felt his friend’s pain. Actually felt the anguish rolling through him. Stepping forward he wrapped his arms around him, held him firmly and told him the only thing he could. “I’ll fix it, Vic. I promise I’ll make sure she’s safe. I swear to you that Kimber won’t be harmed.”

Victor’s hands latched onto him, his face rising and with tortured eyes he nodded. “Promise me, Flint. Promise me my love and my child will be safe. If I know they’re safe then I’ll wreak bloody vengeance on those fuckers that dare to come here. I swear I’ll tear them apart for what they’ve done.”

Flint knew he would. Victor was one of the strongest Vampire’s he knew, hell, he was probably one of the strongest in existence. Yet here he was with one thought on his mind: keeping Kimber and his child safe. Not so long ago that would’ve felt alien to Flint . . . not now. He knew exactly how his brother felt because those same emotions, those same feelings were rampaging through him too. In the space of twenty-four hours, he’d gone from being lonely and, if he were honest, a little jealous of his friend, to feeling exactly the same . . . totally bewitched by his Bloodmate and ready to destroy anyone and anything that posed a threat to her safety.

And that was the answer: Kenzie.

“I’ve got it.” He stepped away, grinning. “Kenzie. I’ll tell Kimber that I think only she can keep her safe. That only a Dragon has the power to keep my Bloodmate safe . . . what do you think?”

Victor walked away for a few yards, pacing back and forth, his face lost in thought and his finger tapping his chin. “It might work . . . if we brought Dougie in on it. He’d be game though. I’m sure of it. He’d never met a Dragon before, in fact, I’m certain he’d be over the moon about it. I think you’re onto something. Can you go back and ask him to come out here? I’ll have a word with him and see if he’ll help us.”

“On it.” Flint clapped Victor’s shoulder, turned and jogged back toward the cottage, certain they now had a plan that would settle his friend’s worry for Kimber.