The Dragon Guardian (Lochguard Highland Dragons 2)

Fergus chuckled just as Gina cleared her throat. A quick glance showed his female clenching her jaw. She didn’t like being ignored. “Sorry, Gina.” He motioned toward Arabella. “May I introduce Arabella MacLeod, formerly of Clan Stonefire and now Finn’s mate. She’s pregnant like you, lass, so you have lots in common.”

Arabella rolled her eyes. “Yes, because being pregnant is the only thing I want to talk about.”

Fergus shrugged a shoulder. “The bairns pretty much force you to talk about it all of the time. Has the acute morning sickness passed?”

Arabella answered, “Mostly.” Arabella motioned toward Gina. “But as fascinating as morning sickness is, I think you’re forgetting something, Fergus. For a Guardian, you’re not doing a very good job with your charge. You should introduce her straight away.”

Fergus opened his mouth, but Gina spoke up. “I can introduce myself. Hello, Arabella. I’m Gina MacDonald. Nice to meet you.”

Fergus muttered, “I was getting to that.”

Arabella and Gina both ignored him. Arabella smiled. “Finn told me a little about your circumstances. If staying the night with the MacKenzies doesn’t frighten you off, then maybe you can tell me a little more. My sister-in-law, Melanie Hall-MacLeod, has a penchant for helping people and she might be able to work her magic again to help you, too. Provided you’re not a threat to either of our clans.”

Gina’s eyes turned bright. “I would never hurt either of you. But do you really think Melanie can help me?”

Arabella shrugged. “If anyone can, it’s Mel. You might even give me the excuse I need to convince Finn to let me visit Stonefire. We can stay with Mel and my brother.”

Fergus hugged Gina closer. “Gina’s not going to Stonefire to stay with Melanie and Tristan.”

Arabella waved a hand. “Tristan is mated, Fergus. He won’t pose a threat to the human.”

Fergus growled. “That?

?s not the point.”

Arabella looked to him and her pupils flashed. “Ah, I see. I hope it works out for you, Fergus. I really do.”

Gina looked between them. “Hope what works out?”

His dragon spoke up. Just tell her already. She deserves to know she is our true mate.

Later. If Gina doesn’t eat something soon, she might faint.

Then why are we standing in the hallway? Let’s go.

Fergus met Gina’s gaze. “I’ll tell you when we’re alone again, lass. I promise.”

Gina searched his eyes and sighed. “I can see you’re not going to budge, even if I push. But I’ll hold you to your promise, Fergus. I want to know what’s going on.”

Arabella chimed in. “He will. If he doesn’t, I’ll see to it myself. At any rate, Aunt Lorna is probably about to have a stroke, so I say we best get inside. Gina’s had a long day and could use a rest.”

Before Fergus could say anything, Arabella went back into the dining room. Looking down at his human, he murmured, “Brace yourself, lass.”

Gina raised an eyebrow. “Let’s hope your family together lives up to all of the hype. Otherwise, I’m not going to believe anything you say.”

“Oh, aye? Well, just for that, I may stir the pot a little.”

“Bring it on, Fergus MacKenzie.”

He grinned. “Right, then prepare yourself for war.”

~~~

Despite her brave words, Gina’s stomach churned in knots. From everything she’d witnessed thus far, Fergus was close with his family. If they hated her, would he still offer to be her Guardian? She didn’t like the idea of a stranger watching her every move.

Fergus brushed her cheek. “Be yourself and stand strong.”

I can do this. As soon as she nodded, they entered the dining room.