The Dragon's Dilemma (Lochguard Highland Dragons 1)

Finn’s voice interrupted his thoughts. “Bram is not going to be happy. The fucking rogue traitors are ruining the good image his clan has worked so hard to foster.”

Fergus spoke up. “There are dragons on the screen I don’t recognize as being from Lochguard. This problem runs deeper than a handful of former Lochguard clan members. I’ll look into it as soon as I can. There has to be information floating around somewhere.”

Finn grunted. “Even if dragons from other clans are involved, it doesn’t matter. For all we know, the Lochguard bunch started it all. I’m just trying to understand why they’re targeting Holly.”

Fergus answered, “Because she’s the first sacrifice we’ve had under your leadership, Finn. The traitors who abandoned Lochguard never liked humans in our midst. After all, they sided with the old clan leader when he ejected all of the humans and their mates out of the clan ten years ago. That’s how the tiny clan of Seahaven was formed.”

Fraser stopped pacing and moved to stand in front of Finn. “None of that matters right now, cousin. Holly’s life is at stake. Rescue her first and then worry about mending relations.”

Finn raised an eyebrow. “Someone’s grumpy.”

Grabbing Finn’s top, he yanked his cousin close. “Imagine Arabella inside that hospital and possibly at the mercy of those bastards. I doubt you’d be calm and collected.”

“Probably not.” Finn looked to Fraser’s hand and he released Finn’s shirt. His cousin looked back up at him. “Save your anger for the enemy, lad. We may yet need your help.”

Fraser’s dragon chimed in. While we’re waiting, tell Finn our demands. There’s no reason to wait. That way, we can tell Holly the truth when Grant and the others rescue her.

Fraser eyed Finn’s hard jaw and neutral eyes. I’m not sure now is the best time.

Do it, or I will take control and tell him for you.

Unsure if his dragon could pull off the threat or not, Fraser decided to just spit it out. “Of course I’ll do anything to help Holly. But there’s something I need you to do for me.”

“Oh, aye? If it’s to do with Holly and her dad living with us, I already have that covered.”

Fraser blinked. “How?”

Finn shrugged. “When you snuck out last night, after hearing she’d lost the bairn, I knew you would do anything for the lass. So, I rang Bram and talked things over with him.”

Fraser held his breath. “And?”

Before Finn could answer, Faye gave a piercing whistle and all eyes zoomed in on her. She motioned toward the screen. “Both Grant and Kai from Stonefire are arriving at the hospital. You two will have to finish your chat later.”

Finn nodded. “She’s right, Fraser. We’ll talk later.”

Fraser swore under his breath, but forced himself to remain silent. He didn’t want to risk saying something he would regret later.

Looking to the screen, Fraser watched as Lochguard’s and Stonefire’s Protectors arrived at the Inverness NHS hospital.

They had better bring his lass back to him safe and sound. Fraser refused to think of the alternative.

~~~

Grant McFarland looked over the green hide of his back and did one final double-check. All of his Protectors were in position for their DDA-approved rescue mission.

And as much as he hated relying on another clan’s help, Stonefire’s head Protector, Kai Sutherland, also had his dragons at the ready about 200 yards to his right.

Grant’s dragon spoke up. It’s okay to ask for help. I wish you would listen to Faye.

Faye, the female you all but ignored for two years. That one?

His dragon huffed. I had my reasons. But she is different now. I like her.

Only because she’s lame and you can easily best her in a flying race now.

Not only. I think she’s forgiven us for before. But I didn’t like her scoffing at us.

Grant regretted hurting Faye two years ago. As much as he didn’t like her being hurt, Grant assisting in Faye’s recovery had mended relations between them. She may still do it. I had to nearly tie her to a chair so she wouldn’t join the mission.