A Mate for Kai (The Program Book 6) by Charlene Hartnady Read Free Book Online Page B

we had…” He swallowed thickly. He didn’t want this to end. “It was special. I don’t know your name.” He cupped her chin and tilted her face up. “I don’t need to know your name or anything about you to know that it was different…I will never forget you.”
    Her eyes were wide. “I won’t forget you either.” They welled with tears.
    What the fuck?
    Then she blinked them away and pulled in a breath through her nose before continuing. “What will you tell them?” She blurted, clearly trying to change the subject. “You’ve been missing for days and they’ll scent me…on you.”
    “I’m hoping that they won’t know what a dragon shifter smells like. I didn’t know what you were and neither did my subordinates.” He shrugged. “Vampires are hugely attracted to human females, it won’t be too much of a stretch for them to buy my story.” He had to chuckle. “Although it seems that our attraction for dragon shifters is far more pronounced. Who knew? Maybe we should organize a meet and greet between our species?” He meant it as a joke.
    Her expression changed from relaxed to horrified. She shook her head. “No way. It wouldn’t work. There are so few females of our species.” Then she squeezed her eyes shut, like telling him was a bad thing. What difference did it make to the vampires? It’s not like their species interacted.
    He tried to lighten the moment. “Then I guess I’m one lucky male to have spent some time with you. I’m sure you are highly sought after.” She stiffened against him.
    The female tried to pull away from him but he tightened his grip on her. “Shhh.” He ran his hand up her back. Slow and easy. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you.” Kai thread his fingers into the hair at the nape of her neck. He leaned forward and tried to kiss her but she turned her head to the side at the last moment and he caught just the edge of her mouth.
    “I need to go now,” she stammered.
    “One kiss.” Kai didn’t like the idea of her walking away. Of this being over. He realized, realistically, that it needed to happen. The female was right; they couldn’t be together.
    She shook her head, her eyes refused to meet his. The female didn’t explain further. Who was he to push her? Instead, he forced himself to release her. To step away.
    Their time was at an end.
    “I wish you well.” Kai touched the side of her arm. “I hope you have a good life and that all of your hopes and dreams come true. You are a sweet female. You’re going to make some male very happy one day.”
    Her beautiful eyes turned stormy. “If only that were true. Thank you and I’m so very sorry.” She gave him a teary smile. Her lip quivered.
    Before he could reply, the female moved away from him, simultaneously there was a cracking noise and her body stretched out. Scales appeared on her skin. Her jaw elongated. Her teeth erupted. Seconds later, a dragon stood before him staring at him with those sad, amethyst eyes. She lowered her head and leapt into the air, her magnificent wings sprung open. With minimal effort she took to the sky and moments later was gone. Swallowed by the night.
    Kai felt more tired than he’d ever been in his whole entire life. Drained. Wrung out. He had meant what he said, he would miss her. He would remember their time together. With the shake of the head, he made his way back to the vehicle and climbed inside. His heart felt heavy. It was worry over what his future would hold. Of the shit storm he was facing back home.
    The SUV was pretty banged up. He put the key into the ignition. “Please start. Please.” The engine turned over on the first attempt. Thank fuck. He didn’t relish the thought of a long-ass walk.
    Kai found himself driving on autopilot, it was wrong of him but he couldn’t face his kings right then. Instead of going straight back to vampire territory, he pulled in at the only hotel in town and got himself a room for the night. After a quick