The Dragon Guardian (Lochguard Highland Dragons 2)

When Harris merely followed, Sid had a feeling the male was feeling defeated. She was usually pretty good about keeping her feelings partitioned when it came to tragedy and death, but Harris’s case was too similar to another one.

Not now, Jackson. Sid pumped out some antibacterial gel from its receptacle and rubbed it into her hands. Pulling down the sheet, she was greeted with Gregor’s bare chest. The light dusting of hair and muscles told her that even the doctor took time to remain fit and healthy.

She placed her fingers on the side of his neck and was surprised at how warm his skin was. Not too hot, but warm in a way that made her want to lie on top of him and drink it in.

Blinking at the randy suggestion, she looked at her watch and focused on each beat of his heart. The rhythm was steady and nothing to be concerned about. After checking the responsiveness of his pupils, she felt his neck and then ran her hands down his chest and sides. Sid had done the same procedure a thousand times before, but she found herself lingering at his waist. It was almost as if she didn’t want to let go.

Maybe Evie was right and Sid needed to start enjoying life a little more. Sid couldn’t remember the last time she’d had sex. Even without a dragon-half to demand it, the release would ease some of the tension she stored up because of her occupation.

Thinking of sex, her eyes trailed down Gregor’s chest to the light line of hair just below his navel. The sheet stopped her from finishing her perusal. She hesitated, but then assured herself that she needed to check all of him. It was her duty as a doctor.

And it was most definitely not because she was curious about what was under the sheet.

With a deep breath, she tossed back the sheet. Gregor Innes hadn’t been maimed in the lower half of his body. All the long inches of his penis were lying intact.

What are you doing? Sid was a doctor. She’d never had the slightest interest in gaping at one of her patients before. Maybe it was just because she didn’t usually treat Lochguard’s clan members.

Her eyes moved to his face and Gregor’s chiseled cheekbones and strong jaw. Whatever it was, it was highly unprofessional of her. Sid needed to get her shit together. There were injured and dying people who needed care.

Tossing the sheet back over the lower half of his body, she examined his head. The large bump was probably the reason he was unconscious. Considering all of his other vitals were right on target, she would just need to wait for him to wake up.

With one last glance at the rise and fall of Gregor’s chest, Sid took a deep breath and exited the partitioned room to dive into the fray. Thankfully, as she examined one patient after another, she never had another inappropriate thought. Only Gregor Innes has that effect on her and Sid refused to think of the reason behind it.

She would do everything in her power to steer clear of the doctor once she left Lochguard. That should protect her from any dangerous feelings of hope.

After all, solitude was the best chance for a dragon-shifter without a dragon to avoid losing their mind and going insane.

Chapter Eighteen

Gina relaxed after her latest contraction. All of the books and articles she’d read hadn’t prepared her for how much birthing a child hurt without drugs. To be more accurate, they should say, “A contraction is like someone gripping your uterus and twisting it until you think you’ll break in two.”

Sweat trailed down the side of her face, but Fergus wiped it away with a cloth. She looked over at her dragonman. While his eyes were calm and collected, the tightness of his jaw told her how he was worrying for her on the inside. Squeezing his hand, she murmured, “I’m glad you’re here.”

He kissed her forehead and lingered. When he finally pulled away, he answered, “Me, too, lass. Me, too.”

Holly’s voice cut through their moment.

“You’re fully dilated, Gina. So far, you’ve been brilliant. On the next contraction, I need you to push as hard as you can, okay?”

Gina nodded. “I’ll try.”

Holly looked over to Lorna at her side. “Is everything set up to check the babe once he’s here?”

“Aye, it is. And if he’s anything like my own kin, he’ll be in a rush to get out.”

Even though there was no blood relation between Lorna and Gina’s son, Lorna acted as if they were. Tears prickled her eyes. “Thank you.”

Lorna raised her brows. “For what? You’re giving me my first grandchild, hen. The sooner he’s here, the sooner I can spoil him rotten.”

At Lorna’s comment, Gina burst into tears and Fergus hissed, “Mum.”

Not hearing their ensuing argument, Gina tried to stop crying. But the MacKenzies were kinder than she could’ve ever dreamed of. More so than her own family.

Her grandmother’s words echoed inside Gina’s mind: Not all dragon-shifters are bad, Gina. Don’t let one clan’s actions close off your heart from the rest. At the time, Gina had wondered why her grandmother would say such a thing. Now she knew—her grandma had probably foreseen Gina seeking out the Scottish clan’s help.

Fergus kissed her tear-stained cheek. Then his strong-yet-kind voice filled her ear. “Let’s just get the wee man out and deal with my mum later.”

Gina sniffled. “But I’m crying because I’m happy, Fergus.”