Loved by the Dragon (Stonefire Dragons 4.50)

The bastard grinned. “Finn thought you might say that. And he said that if you ever want to step foot on Lochguard to see Arabella’s babies, then you’d better be nice to me. That includes not kicking me off your land, I might add.”

Arabella was originally from Clan Stonefire and was the closest thing Bram had to a little sister. “I am going to kill Finlay Stewart one of these days.”

Fraser shrugged. “You can try.”

Bram walked up to the Scottish dragonman and narrowed his eyes. “Now is not the time to test me, lad. I earned the right to be clan leader with blood and sweat. You wouldn’t be much of a challenge.”

Someone pounding on the front door prevented Fraser from answering. After glaring another two seconds at Fraser for good measure, Bram went to answer the door. His dragon sniffed. Someone’s looking for a fight.

I know how to knock a male flat on his arse; it’s a tangible enemy. It gives me something to think about since I can’t fight any sort of pregnancy complications Evie might face.

Try to be a little more positive. She is strong and stubborn. If she can handle us, she can handle anything.

Bram ignored his dragon and opened the door to find Tristan and Melanie standing in the doorway. A quick peek told him they hadn’t brought their twins. “What the bloody hell are you two doing here?”

Melanie poked him in the chest. “One of my dearest friends is about to have a baby. At least Sid thought to send me a text message.”

Bram looked to Tristan and his friend shrugged one shoulder. “Mel wanted to come.”

Since Tristan would do most anything for his mate, Bram looked back to Melanie. “You can come in, but only if you keep the Scottish bastard out of my hair.”

As if on cue, Fraser appeared at Bram’s side with a grin. Looking to Melanie, he bowed. “My lady.”

Tristan grunted and Melanie laughed before replying, “I’ve heard a lot about you from Arabella. It’s nice to meet you in person.”

Fraser winked. “Likewise. It’s not every day you meet the famous human who changed some of the laws for dragon-shifters.”

Melanie sighed. “A little. But there’s still a long way to go.”

Tristan wrapped an arm around Melanie’s waist and pulled her close. With a scowl, he demanded, “Which twin are you?”

Fraser studied Tristan a second and then answered, “I’m Fraser. And what Arabella’s told me so far hasn’t done you justice.”

Tristan hugged Melanie closer. “And what the bloody hell has my sister been saying?”

Shrugging, Fraser answered, “Oh, not much. Just that she used you as an example when describing the exact opposite of my family.”

Melanie beat Tristan to the reply. “That’s why we should’ve gone to visit again, Tristan. Whether you like it or not, Finn is the father of your nieces or nephews. You need to show him the lovely man you’ve become, especially since the last time you saw him, you all but challenged him to a fight.”

Bram growled and stepped between everyone. “On second thought, Mel and Tristan, take Fraser out of my cottage and keep him preoccupied. I can’t take much more of this.”

Fraser’s grin faded and something fierce flashed in the dragonman’s blue eyes. “I’m not leaving my mate alone. It’s dangerous enough that Holly left Lochguard at all. I won’t risk someone trying to take her from me again.”

Bram’s respect for Fraser raised a notch. “Nothing will happen to her whilst I’m here, I promise. She is a guest and if she helps Evie, I will be in her debt.”

Fraser crossed his arms over his chest. “If I leave, so does Holly.”

Mel interjected, “Just let him stay. Fraser can help me make some tea.” She looked up at Tristan. “You can release me at any time, Tristan.” Her mate grunted and she merely waited.

&n

bsp; With a sigh, Tristan released his mate. “Fine. But if he so much as touches you, I will kick his arse.”

Fraser opened his mouth to reply, but Bram stepped between the two. “Enough. Tristan, I need to talk to you alone. Let Mel make some tea. Fraser isn’t about to betray his true mate. His dragon won’t let him.”

Just as Tristan muttered, “Fine,” Melanie walked up to Fraser and motioned toward the kitchen. “Come with me, Fraser. I want to hear all about your mating ceremony. Holly mentioned a few details, but I want to hear it from your side of things. After that, you can help me watch baby Murray.”

Fraser’s jaw unclenched. “I’m sure I can’t top what my lass already told you, but I can never tell that story enough. The room was decorated with silver fabric...”