Content to protect his mate in silence, her scent calming his dragon down enough to avoid taking control, it wasn’t long before Bram’s voice filled his ears. “Tristan, Melanie, it’s time to take you to safety.”
Tristan turned his head to meet his clan leader’s eyes but paused at the nick on his arm. The wound wasn’t serious, so he wouldn’t embarrass his clan leader by asking if he was okay. Instead, he demanded, “Are the threats contained? I won’t allow Mel up until they are.”
His mate huffed. “Tristan MacLeod, if Bram says it’s okay, then let me up.”
Bram nodded. “Aye, she’s right. The threat is contained. At least, for now. I can’t have my Protectors investigate the situation any further until you two are safe and out of the way.”
His mate’s voice was softer. “Tristan, please. I just want to go home and hug my babies, to reassure myself I’m still alive.”
Unable to resist her gentle tone, Tristan pushed himself up and then offered a hand to Mel. She took it, and he hauled her against his side. His mate looked over to Bram and gasped. “Bram, you’ve been hurt. Are you okay?”
As his leader calmed Mel’s fears, Tristan took the opportunity to survey the area.
The three human males and one female who had pulled out guns were currently pinned against a rock face about thirty feet away. Their hands were behind their backs. There was no way they were escaping in the near future.
His dragon snarled. We should teach them a lesson so they will never again threaten our mate’s life.
The Protectors will do their jobs. We need to take Mel home.
His inner beast huffed. Killing them is still the best option. What if they escape?
That is highly unlikely. Now, shut it so I can take care of our mate. She needs us right now.
After his dragon grumbled his agreement, Tristan scanned the rest of the area to ensure there weren’t any more threats. The human journalists were cordoned off to one side, with two Protectors talking with each in turn.
Despite the wide-eyed looks and fidgeting of the humans, any one of them could be carrying a weapon. All it would take was a good actor to fool the Protectors.
However, with the distance and two of the most senior Protectors watching them, Tristan was satisfied he could move Mel in safety. If any of them tried to pull a gun, Tristan would have time enough to shift. A stray bullet didn’t stand a chance against a dragon’s hide.
Tristan hugged his mate close and looked back to his leader just as Bram was ordering, “Don’t tell Evie about the scratch or she’ll find a way out here, Mel.”
Melanie sighed. “Fine. But she’ll find out sooner or later.”
Bram gave a wry smile. “Aye, and I’ll have hell to pay. I can handle it.” Bram looked to Tristan. “We really should go now. I can escort you to the gate, but not all the way to your cottage. I’m needed here.”
Tristan nodded. “Right, then let’s go.”
As they made their way to the front gates, Tristan’s dragon spoke up. I have memorized the faces of the threats. We can hunt them later.
No. I’m a teacher, not a soldier.
I don’t care. If another threat appears, I will fight you and take control.
From his inner beast’s tone, Tristan knew his dragon wasn’t making idle threats. There will be no more threats. I will take our family to safety.
His dragon grunted. She will never agree to that.
That doesn’t mean I won’t try.
Tristan tightened his grip on Mel’s shoulder. When she looked up at him in question, he shook his head. He would fight the battle with his mate in private.
Chapter Four
Mel leaned against her mate the entire way home. His body was nearly as tense as hers, not that she could blame him.
Tristan would care nothing for his own safety. The tension was for her.
While a part of her loved him for his protectiveness, the rest of her wanted to sigh. A big fight was coming. Both man and beast didn’t like threats to her life. Knowing her mate as she did, he would want to lock her away until everything was safe again.