Free Reawakening the Dragon: Part Four by Jessie Donovan Page A

chance.”
    Kai growled. “That’s not bloody funny, Bram.”
    “I thought it was hilarious. But it was a test of sorts.”
    Jane frowned. “What sort of test?”
    Bram motioned toward them. “Watching the two of you hold onto to each other for support tells me volumes about your feelings for each other. Saying you love someone is grand, but actions speak the truth of a strong bond. The two of you belong together.”  
    Jane relaxed against Kai’s chest and her dragonman nuzzled her cheek as he asked, “What about the DDA?”
    Evie waved a hand in dismissal. “I asked them about it last week. The special license is waiting in Bram’s study.”
    Jane jumped in. “You knew before we even did?”
    Evie smiled. “Of course. I have the best track record when it comes to guessing future mates.”
    Bram grunted. “Only when you see them together. You’ve been dead wrong about Sid so far.”
    Evie met her mate’s eyes. “She’s hard to read, but I’ll crack her yet.”
    Jane cleared her throat. “As much as I’d love for Sid to find happiness, maybe one of you could collect the special license and give it to us?” Kai squeezed his arms around her waist and she rubbed his forearms as she added, “I just want to make sure you don’t change your mind.”
    Bram stood. “Impatient, are you?”
    “Yes,” Kai and Jane said in unison.
    Bram chuckled and exited the room. Evie looked to them and tilted her head. “I somehow can’t see Kai wanting a grand mating ceremony in front of the clan, but if you two want one, maybe you can delay it a bit.”
    Kai growled. “I want everyone to know Jane is mine.”
    Jane patted his arm. “Calm down, boy. Let Evie finish.”
    Kai growled again but remained silent. Evie placed her hand over her pregnant belly. “Once you two sign the license, you’ll be legally mated. However, if I know Jane at all, she’d like to use her mating ceremony as an opportunity to help the dragon-shifters’ cause.”
    Jane raised her brows. “If I remember right, you did the same.”
    “Yes, but it was only for a handful of reporters.”
    “Not me,” Jane added.
    Evie grinned. “No, but you won the best scoop in the end.”
    Kai muttered, “Do I get a say in this?”
    Jane turned her head to meet his eye. “Don’t you want your mum and sister to be there, too? It will take some time to garner permission from Snowridge. It’s just a ceremony. You’re already mine, dragonman.”
    Bram entered and handed Jane a piece of paper. Written on it were the words, “Special Mating License.” In black ink were hers and Kai’s names.
    Her hand shook a little and her eyes grew wet. Kai moved one hand to cover hers and he whispered, “No second thoughts allowed, Janey. There’s no bloody way I’m letting you leave.”
    “As if you could prevent me from doing anything.”
    Kai’s eyes turned concerned. “Then what’s wrong?”
    Jane gave a weak smile. “I’m not having second thoughts. I’m just happy and trying not to cry.”
    Kai kissed her cheek. “You’re strong, Janey. Go ahead and cry if you like. I’ll always be there to hold you close.”
    Jane’s throat closed up. “Kai.”
    Her dragonman plucked the license from her hand and tossed it to the side. Then he half-turned her body toward him and he cupped her cheek. “I once thought I’d never love again. But you brought both man and beast back to life with your sassy attitude and heated looks. You could grow two heads and I’d still love you. Never hold back with me, Jane Hartley. Never.”
    Jane nodded as a tear trailed down her cheek. Kai gently brushed it away and she sat up a little taller. “Then kiss me, Kai Sutherland, and make me so happy tears roll down my cheeks.”
    Kai frowned. “I don’t want you to cry if you’re happy.”
    Jane laughed and lightly tapped Kai’s cheek. “Then how about we go home and you make me happy in other ways. I think you like screaming, if I remember right.”
    Jane ignored Bram’s