Page 45 of The Dragon's Dream Mate (Savage Shifters Special Ops 3)

“I hope to. They already love Nora and Simone, so it will be an easy transition when I go on an assignment.”

“Good. I wish you luck with that. As I said, I am very proud of you and glad to have you on my watch. But next time you decide to be a hero, try to do it within the proper channels,” he said.

“Thanks, Jefe,” I said.

“I’ll expect you back in two weeks,” he said with a brief wave. I was dismissed.

I left the office, my heart soaring high. I technically got off with a slap on the wrist. My supervisor couldn’t officially approve of my actions, but he was proud of me. That meant a lot because he had risen through the ranks the hard way, by solving case after case. I had a lot of respect for him.

Everything in my life seemed to be falling into place. I had the kids I’d always wanted. I felt, in my gut, that they were mine, and that no blood-related guardian would be found. I had my career that I had wanted so badly. I had fought to prove myself, rising up to the position I held now.

There was only one thing missing in my life. I thought about Nora’s words about growing some cajones and going after my man.

I chided myself a bit. I was brave enough to go after murderers, drug dealers, gangsters, and human traffickers. I was brave enough to put myself in the most dangerous situations that could cost me my life or worse. Yet I was too chicken to go tell the man I loved how I felt.

Simone and Nora were hanging out at my place with Kami and Bobby. Apparently, they had gone shopping while I was conversing with my boss, as both kids had new clothes and toys.

Kami wanted to model all of her new outfits for me. She had never had new clothes before.

Simone showed her the ‘runway walk,’ and Kami was able to mimic her perfectly.

Then, Bobby, not to be outdone, wanted to show me all his new toys. The three of them sat down together to play ‘vroom vroom.’ While I watched them, feeling an overwhelming sense of love for not only Simone but also these special kids who had just come into my life.

“How much do I owe you for the clothes, toys, and whatever else you bought them?” I asked Nora.

“Nothing. Put your purse away,” she said. “They are my kids, too. Simone has already adopted them as her little brother and sister. I have a sneaking suspicion that they won’t be parted. Simone will either be here, or the little ones will be at my house.” Nora had a huge smile on her face. “Nick and I always talked about having a house full of kids, but you know he was killed before that could happen. Now, we get to have Kami and Bobby in our lives, thanks to you.” She hugged me tight.

She and I got down on the floor so we could play ‘vroom vroom’ too.

About five minutes into the game, there was a loud knock on the door.

Simone jumped up and said, “I’ll get it.”

She had learned her lesson. She asked who was at the door, and Lucian answered that it was him. She looked out the window just to be sure before she unlocked and opened the door. I was super proud of her.

Lucian stopped dead in his tracks at the sight of little Bobby driving his cars over my legs as though they were roadblocks. Then, a slow smile spread across his face. I guess he liked what he saw.

The kids jumped up when they recognized him and ran over for hugs. Bobby held out his arms so Lucian could pick him up.

“I guess he likes you,” I said.

“I’m glad that he does. Because I came to ask you, Kami, Bobby, and of course, Simone, a question.”

“What question is that?” I asked, my heart skipping a beat, hoping against hope that it was the one I had been praying for.

“I want to know if I can officially join this crazy family. I want to know if you’ll marry me, Rainey?” he asked, pulling a ring out of his pocket.

The ring had a dragon on it, with its claws outstretched. In the dragon’s claws was a diamond heart.

“Thank goodness,” Simone said. “She was driving us crazy.”

He laughed.

Nora ushered the kids outside. “We’re going shopping,” she said.

“Of course, I’ll marry you. But this time, you had better not disappear on me,” I said.

“Wouldn’t dream of it.”

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