The Dragon Guardian (Lochguard Highland Dragons 2)

Without thinking, Gina whispered, “Finn trusts me.”

Fergus squeezed her shoulders gently. “It appears so, not that I’m surprised.”

She wanted nothing more than to lean against Fergus and revel in the safety of his arms. But to do so in that moment would be selfish. With great effort, she leaned back until Fergus released her. “Go help your brother.”

He lightly caressed her cheek with the back of his fingers. “Are you sure, lass?”

Standing taller, Gina motioned toward the front. “Go and help the clan. I should check on Arabella and your mother anyway.”

Fergus looked as if he wanted to say something, but instead, he leaned forward and kissed her. When he pulled away, he murmured, “I’ll come to you as soon as I’m done.”

As they gazed into each other’s eyes, Gina’s heart warmed. Not caring that his brother was listening, she said, “I’m glad you swooped down that day to check on me. If I were still living at my grandmother’s cottage, I might be captured or worse.”

Fergus’s pupils turned to slits and back. “But you’re alive, and you’re my mate. Anyone who tries to take you away will face the entire collective wrath of Lochguard. Never doubt that, Gina MacDonald.”

“After today, I’m starting to believe you.”

He smiled. “Stubborn female.” He gave her one more quick kiss and added, “I should help my twin. Go to Ara. She’s probably bored of my mum’s chatter by now.”

With a nod, Gina moved toward the hall. “And I might just mention your words to your mom.”

Fergus growled and Gina laughed. Not wanting to delay her dragonman any more, she dashed down the hall to the only door not open. She knocked. A muffled, “Come in” made it through the door and Gina entered.

Inside, Arabella was upright on the sole bed, watching Lorna and Ross. The pair didn’t even notice Gina standing in the doorway.

Lorna frowned. “You try to leave this bunker and I will drag your arse back to this room and tie you to the chair.”

Ross took a step toward Lorna. “I’m not an invalid and I want to help.”

“You’ve only stopped the treatments a few weeks ago. Don’t be daft, Ross. You’re staying.”

“I have four years on you, Lorna MacKenzie. You should listen to your elders. I’m going.”

Lorna snorted. “Idle threat, human. I may be female, but even a dragon-shifter female is stronger than a human male.”

Motioning Lorna forward, Ross replied, “Then try me, woman.”

Arabella met Gina’s gaze and rolled her eyes. Apparently, Arabella had tried to stop them to no avail.

As Lorna geared up to charge Ross, Gina rushed between them and held up her hands. Thankfully, they blinked and didn’t try to run over a heavily pregnant woman. Gina pointed to one and then the other. “Stop it. Finn ordered us to stay put. Are you really going to defy him?”

Lorna crossed her arms over her chest. “Tell that to the human. He’s the one who wants to leave.”

Ross growled. “I was a volunteer firefighter as a young lad, when I lived in the country before moving to Aberdeen. I can help.”

Gina interjected, “How about this? The next time Finn touches base, you can ask him if you can help?”

Ross frowned. “Is there nothing I can do right now? I don’t like cowering in this bunker.”

Lorna rolled her eyes. “You’re sixty-five, Ross, not a young man.”

Gina jumped in again. “Ross, sir, how about you go out and see if Fergus, Fraser, and Holly need your help? They’re coordinating the clean up and medical teams. I’m sure they have something for you to do, if you ask.”

Ross grunted. “As long as they don’t dismiss me as an old man, as Lorna does.”

Lorna walked up to Ross. “There’s nothing wrong with admitting your age—”

“Save it, Lorna. We can discuss this later,” Ross replied before moving to the doorway. “But you have my word that I won’t try to leave until Finn gives permission.”