Arabella was trying to think of how to respond to her beast when footsteps pounded down the stairs. A second later, Finn stood in the doorway with his lips pressed together and a frown on his face. Some called it his pissed off face, but Finn couldn’t frighten her. Her mate would rather take his own life than hurt her.
Arabella folded her hands over her stomach and asked, “So, what happened?”
Finn growled out, “Fraser’s an idiot.”
Fergus took a step toward Finn. “Is Holly okay?”
Finn waved a hand in dismissal. “Holly is a little shook up, but fine. We have a much bigger problem on our hands.”
It was Fergus’s turn to growl. “Just tell me what the bloody hell is going on, Finn, so I can go comfort Holly.”
Finn’s eyes flashed for a second. She wasn’t sure if anyone else had noticed it, but it had been a split-second of sympathy. Narrowing her eyes, she demanded, “Finlay Stewart, stop stalling and just tell us already.”
Finn looked to Faye. “Stand by your brother.” Despite the puzzled expression on Faye’s face, she obeyed. The second she reached Fergus’s side, Finn spit out, “Holly is Fraser’s true mate.”
Arabella cursed as Fergus made a go for the stairs. Only because Faye wrapped her arms around his chest from behind and leaned backward did Fergus stay put.
Fergus tried to jab Faye in the stomach, but the dragonwoman dodged it easily. Fergus turned his slitted eyes to Finn. “Are you sure? He used that line once before about a female that I wanted and he was lying.”
Finn crossed his arms over his chest. “I had to knock Fraser unconscious to stop him from all but attacking Holly. If he was faking it, then his act bloody well convinced me.”
Fergus hissed. “Where is he? I need to talk with him.”
Finn shook his head. “No, not until you cool down. You can either take your dragon out for a hunt or bed down in one of the empty cottages. Holly’s staying here tonight and your presence will only make her feel guiltier than she already does.”
Fergus struggled to get free, but Faye tightened her grip. Fergus bit out, “It’s not her fault. It’s my bloody twin. I swear, if he’s faking this time, I will kill him. Hell, I might kill him anyway.”
“No killing your twin. We’ll find out soon enough if Fraser is telling the truth,” Finn stated.
What was left unsaid was if Holly brought on the frenzy and was pregnant by the end of it, then Fraser was indeed telling the truth.
Even from five feet away, Fergus’s anger affected her beast. Her dragon couldn’t stop pacing or flicking her tail.
Arabella slowly rose to her feet and went to Finn’s side. The second she leaned against his chest, some of the tension eased from her body. She murmured, “What about Holly?”
Finn shook his head. “Let’s not discuss this right now.”
Arabella’s dragon chimed in. I was correct. The human wants Fraser too.
Let’s hope so. That will make talking with the DDA easier.
Finn will find a way. He always does.
Arabella agreed with her beast.
She patted her mate’s chest. “The best thing for everyone is to split up until tomorrow. A good night’s rest might clear a few heads.”
The corner of Finn’s mouth ticked up as he looked down at her. “I highly doubt anyone is going to have a good night’s sleep.”
“You will. You sleep through anything.”
Faye cleared her throat. Arabella and Finn both looked in her direction. When they met her eyes, Faye asked, “Can I release Fergus yet?”
The smile vanished from Finn’s face as he met Fergus’s gaze. “Swear on your mother’s life that if Faye releases you, you’ll leave the house directly and check in with me in the morning. I also don’t want you talking with Fraser unless I’m present.”
Fergus’s eyes were flashing, but his tone was even as he said, “I swear. Just let me leave or I will kill my brother.”
Finn motioned with his hand and Faye released her brother. Before Finn could say anything else, Fergus exited the front door and slammed it behind him.