Fraser interjected, “That’s not true and you know it, Holly.”
Finn answered before she could. “I know you’re trying to be romantic, Fraser, but I’m going to speed things up since time is of the essence.” Finn met her eyes. “Between the dragon hunters, knights, and other dragon-shifters, who have a grudge against me, there could be hundreds if not thousands who want to use you to tarnish the clan’s reputation.” Holly opened her mouth, but Finn cut her off. “You’ve just survived a twelve-day mating frenzy and you’re newly pregnant with a dragon-shifter’s child—congrats, by the way. That means you’re exhausted and need the help. As much as I love Fraser, he’s not a soldier. He’ll need the help, too. Faye and Iris will go with you, or no one goes at all.”
The dominance in Finn’s voice signaled the topic wasn’t up for negotiation.
Knowing when to pick her battles, Holly merely nodded. “Okay, but when can we go? I need to see my father, and soon.”
‘While he’s still alive,’ was left unsaid.
No. Holly refused to believe her father would die in the next few hours. Hell, the doctors had predicted his death six months ago. But Ross Anderson was a fighter.
She only hoped her dad would keep on fighting.
Someone knocked on the front door. Arabella went to answer it and Finn motioned them toward the living room. “That should be Faye, Iris, or both of them. As soon as everyone’s debriefed, you can leave. There’s already transportation waiting for you at the rear gates.”
Fraser rubbed slow circles on her back as they moved. Looking up at him, she murmured, “Thank you for being on my side. I can’t imagine it’s easy to go against your cousin.”
He smiled. “Don’t worry, honey. I can be loyal to Finn while still defending you. He has a mate, so he understands.”
“This whole mate thing is starting to sound a bit caveman-like.”
He kissed her nose. “We can debate that later, on the way to see your father.” His expression turned fierce. “We’ll be with your father soon. And knowing your stubbornness, I’m sure you’ll find a way to keep him alive.”
“I hope so, Fraser. I really do.”
Finn called their names and they picked up their pace. The sooner they were debriefed, the sooner they could leave.
Holly only hoped they weren’t too late.
Chapter Twelve
Three and a half hours later, Fraser drummed his fingers against the car door as the scenery rushed past at a speed much slower than if they had flown.
It also didn’t help that Faye was driving slightly under the speed limit. “Faye—”
“Don’t, Fraser. Or I swear I will tape your mouth shut at the next opportunity,” his sister answered.
“I’d like to see you try, little sister.”
Faye growled. “If not for Holly, I would turn off the motorway right now and teach you a lesson.”
“I’m sure Holly is the only reason,” Fraser replied.
Iris’s voice boomed out, “Enough.”
Iris may not be clan leader, but Fraser believed she could be if she put her mind to it. How Grant had taken over the Protectors instead of Iris, Fraser had no idea.
Not wanting to irritate the strong dragonwoman, Fraser went back to looking out of the window. His dragon spoke up. Admit it, flying is always better.
Only if you want to be spotted from miles away.
That’s why you fly at night.
Fraser glanced over at Holly, who was closing her eyes and opening them in a cycle, trying to fight off sleep. “It’s okay to rest, honey. There’s nothing we can do until we arrive at the hospital.”
Holly lightly slapped her cheeks. “No. I should be reviewing my father’s medical records again. My gut tells me something is off, but I can’t place it. If only I were a doctor, I could spot it.”
Fraser shook his head. “Not necessarily. Dr. Innes couldn’t find anything unusual.”