The Dragon's Dilemma (Lochguard Highland Dragons 1)

Holly turned her head. Fraser’s dark blue eyes were less than six inches from her own. For the first time, she noticed flecks of lighter blue around the iris.

Fraser’s pupils flashed to slits and back. His dragon must be waking up, which meant she didn’t have much time.

Leaning around his face, she whispered into his ear, “Don’t tell the others, but I’m glad I met you first, too.”

Fraser growled and she took his earlobe between her teeth. As she teased his flesh with her tongue, his hand wrapped around her waist before sliding down to her arse. “I knew your tightly controlled appearance was hiding the true lass beneath.” He slapped her bum lightly. “I look forward to seeing her free and open to my hands, my mouth, and my cock.”

She released his ear. “You still have to earn all of that, Fraser Moore MacKenzie.”

“What are you talking about?”

Smiling at the disappointment in his voice, she moved her head until she could see his eyes. “It takes more than a few pretty phrases and caresses before I trust you with my body.”

He frowned. “Did they not explain the frenzy properly? Because my dragon isn’t going to care about games until after you’re pregnant.”

“We’ll see about that, Fraser. After all, your dragon has yet to really get to know me.”

Fraser’s grip tightened on her bum. “My dragon will have to get in line. You’re going to know me first.”

Sensing the conversation was heading toward talk of a more permanent future on Lochguard, Holly pulled away and stood. Confusion flashed in Fraser’s eyes, but it was gone before Holly could blink.

Tossing her hair over her shoulder, Holly changed topics. “Well, seeing as Finn and Dr. Innes talked about keeping your dragon sedated for days if need be, that might be easier than you think.”

“Days? Why?”

She searched his eyes. “Is it really that awful to be without your dragon for a few days?”

Fraser adjusted his position on the bed until he was sitting upright and cleared a space at the edge. Taking the hint, Holly sat down and he answered, “My dragon started speaking to me when I was six. For twenty-two years I’ve had a constant companion with me. Sometimes he’s a pain and most other times he drives me crazy. But he is part of me. I know it’s hard for a human to understand, but imagine taking something essential to who you are and ripping it from your life. That’s what it’s like to have your dragon go silent and remain that way for any prolonged period of time.”

Holly tilted her head. “But surely there’s more to you than just your dragon.”

“Aye, there is. But the silence is uncomfortable. It’s probably similar to taking away your ability to nurse, every hobby you enjoy, plus not seeing your dad even though you know he’s still alive back in Aberdeen. You could probably live without all of those if need be, but you wouldn’t be the same person you are now.”

Holly looked away from Fraser. She should tell him about her plans to return home. Much like his dragon was essential to Fraser’s being, her dad was to hers. After all, it’d been just the two of them for longer than Holly could remember.

Fraser touched her lower back. “I don’t like secrets, Holly. Tell me what’s on your mind, lass.”

Deciding it wasn’t the time to talk of her future when she barely knew the dragon-shifter beside her, Holly forced a smile and looked back to Fraser’s face. “I just miss my father is all. You seem close to your mum, so you understand.”

Fraser’s voice turned dry. “Aye, we’re close but maybe a tad too close.”

Holly grinned. “I like her.”

“Of course you would, honey. She’s always going to take your side against me.”

Holly poked his chest. “My name’s not Honey.”

Fraser reached out and brushed her cheek. “I know that, but I can’t help but use it. You have such bonny eyes.”

Heat flooded Holly’s cheeks. “They’re just brown.”

Fraser took her chin between his fingers and turned her head one way and then the other. “No, you’re wrong, lass. They’re dark amber with little flecks of brown and green. If you don’t like Honey, then I can call you Kitty.”

She rolled her eyes. “Let me guess, I have cat eyes?”

Fraser grinned. The humor dancing in his eyes in addition to his pearly whites made him extremely handsome.

Unable to resist, she traced the scar near his left eye. “Where’d this come from?”