Grant nodded. “They’re watching the footage, but it’s still going to be fifteen minutes before the first helicopters land.”
Fergus cursed. “By then, we might not have a clan left.”
Grant met his gaze. “I already garnered permission to fight back.” Grant’s eyes moved to Faye. “I need you to lead a squad with the maneuver we’ve been practicing.”
Fraser growled. “Faye is not bloody going out in this. She can barely fly straight.”
Grant’s voice was steely. “She can and she will.”
Fraser opened his mouth to reply, but Faye glared at her older brother. “If you trust me at all, Fraser, let it go. Each second we spend arguing is another second someone could be dying.”
Grant added, “She’s right. Your sister is fit to fly this maneuver. You have my word on this.”
Faye moved toward the door. “I don’t need your permission anyway. Take care of everyone here.”
Faye left and all eyes moved to the screen. Grant raised an eyebrow. “Stay put. If any of you try to leave, my men there have permission to take you down.”
The screen went blank and the room fell silent. Gina raised her gaze to meet Fergus’s. “Is there anything we can do to help?”
Fergus squeezed her tighter against his side. “Aye, stay put.”
Fraser walked up to his twin. “That’s a bloody stupid idea, Fergus. We should be helping.”
Holly emerged from a side hallway. She rushed to Fraser’s side and poked him. “Don’t even think about going out in this. You were lucky at the hospital, but this is much worse.”
Fraser ran a hand through his hair. “But I can’t just stay here and do nothing, honey. Every fiber of my being wants to join the fight.”
Holly leaned against her mate. “We can do something. Get Dr. Innes and Layla on the line. We can start organizing a medical response team so that as soon as Grant and Faye take care of the threat, we can leap into action.”
Fraser gave Holly a brief kiss. “There are so many reasons I love you, lass.”
Holly kissed him again and then shoved him toward the console. “You get started. I’m going to check on Gina first.”
With a nod, Fraser barked orders and the men up front listened.
At the talk of dying and injuries, Gina buried her face against Fergus’s side. It was highly likely that all of this was her fault.
Rubbing her back, Fergus whispered, “Even without you here, the attack was bound to happen sooner or later, Gina. Don’t beat yourself up over this.
She raised her head. “That’s easy for you to say. But without the Americans, the attack would be a lot less powerful.”
Fergus nodded. “Aye, you’re probably right. However, if Lochguard crumbles at a new challenge, then we aren’t worthy of being a clan in our own right. Trust me, lass. We’ve been through wars, clearances, and assassination attempts. A few Yanks with shiny toys aren’t going to be the ones to stop us.”
Holly finally approached them. “He’s right, you know. I may not be a dragon-shifter, but tales of Lochguard’s survival have been passed down through the ages even over in Aberdeen. They’re nearly as hearty as the human highlanders.”
Fergus grunted. “We’re heartier.”
Holly rolled her eyes. “I’ll say yes just to end the debate.” She met Gina’s eyes. “Trust me, hen. If Lochguard took me in and welcomed me as one of their own after the fight at the hospital in Elgin, then they’ll do the same for you. A dragon’s true mate is a rare thing, so when one of the clan finds theirs, they work together to ensure their clanmate’s survival.”
“Really?” Gina asked.
Holly bobbed her head. “Aye, but it’s up to you to earn their respect and trust after the fact. And somehow, I think you’ll do fine.” Holly motioned toward her stomach. “May I examine you?”
Gina murmured, “Sure.”
As Holly moved her hands around her abdomen, Gina only hoped the woman was right about Lochguard accepting her. Gina wasn’t sure she could survive yet another rejection by those she’d come to think of as friends.
~~~