The Dragon's Dilemma (Lochguard Highland Dragons 1)

Supper was going to be the ultimate test. Not being charming would set off red flags to his family. They would expect him to flirt and charm the human female.

He only hoped Fergus didn’t pick up on anything more. His twin knew Fraser better than anyone else in the world, even their Mum.

Sighing, he ran toward the edge of Lochguard’s lands. Maybe physical exhaustion would be a good enough excuse to leave supper early.

Chapter Four

Holly sat across from Finn and frowned. “There was nothing in the contract about having to live with my assigned dragonman. My only duty is to sleep with him.”

“Aye, that’s true. But both the DDA and myself think it’s best if you get to know Fergus a little better. Unlike in the past, we want sacrifices to keep in contact with their children.”

The word “children” brought back reports she’d read about survival birth rates amongst human women who bore a dragon-shifters child.

The fact she had a fifty-fifty chance of surviving the birth reminded her of something Arabella had mentioned. “I will live with Fergus from next week on one condition.”

Finn raised one blond eyebrow. “Oh, aye? You have conditions already?”

Holly refused to back down at his intense gaze. “Yes. I want to assist in the surgery and have access to any research done related to the effects of dragon-shifter hormones on humans.”

Finn sat back and steepled his fingers. “It’s possible, but it’s not me you’re going to have to win over, lass. It’s Dr. Gregor Innes, the head doctor here on Lochguard. And let’s just say he’s not the most gregarious of dragon-shifters.”

“I’ve worked with all types of nurses and doctors. I’m sure I can handle it.”

Arabella shouted from the next room, “Let her try, Finn. She’s the only one who’s been able to help with my nausea so far.”

Concern flashed in Finn’s eyes. “Are you all right, Ara? Do you need me to bring you something?”

“Just go back to your meeting. I’m fine,” Arabella answered.

Finn looked about ready to stand up, so Holly drew on her strength and said in her sternest voice, “Stop fussing.”

Finn met her eye and his pupils flashed to slits and back. “Careful, lass. You’re a guest on my land.”

Holly leaned her elbows on Finn’s desk. “And you’re suffocating your mate. If she wants your help, she’ll ask for it. Believe me, the most frequent complaint I get about a pregnant woman’s other half is that they stifle them and walk on eggshells. I may not have experience with pregnant dragon-shifters, but I’m fairly certain they want the same thing.”

“And what’s that?”

“To be treated as a normal person.” Holly leaned closer and whispered, “Most of the time. Save your fussing for when she really needs it.”

Finn whispered back, “And how will I know?”

Before Holly could answer, Arabella shouted again. “Because I’ll tell you, you bloody idiot. Okay?”

Finn raised his voice to normal speaking levels. “We’ll talk about it later, love.” He looked back to Holly. “Before we discuss any position or opportunities with the clan we need to get two things straight right now, lass.”

Holly refused to be intimidated and sat back in her chair. “What?”

“I’ll allow you to order me about on matters concerning Ara’s pregnancy when we’re alone. But outside of that, I won’t tolerate it. You’re a guest on my land and I’m trying to create the best possible environment for you. However, I am the law here on Lochguard. Are we clear?”

Holly nearly blinked at the change in Finn from the smiling, teasing bloke he’d been a few minutes ago to the steely-eyed, intimidating presence. The dominance in his voice nearly made her want to just nod and say nothing.

However, that wasn’t Holly’s way. “I agree, provided you’re not embarrassing me or doing something worth a scolding.”

Holly swore she heard a bark of laughter from the other room, but Finn replied before she could think about it. “Provided our definitions of ‘something worth a scolding’ are the same, then I can accept that. Any clan member would do the same.”

Holly nodded. “Good. And what’s the other condition?”

Finn’s face relaxed and he smiled as he leaned back in his chair. “You need a recommendation from my Aunt Lorna before you can approach Dr. Innes about working in the surgery. And before you ask, she’s Fergus and Fraser’s mother.”