The Dragon Guardian (Lochguard Highland Dragons 2)

Holly moved toward the head of the bed. “Aye, for a minute. Then I need to check him over. He seems hearty, but he is a wee bit early.”

Gina could barely nod as Holly placed the small bundle in her arms. Her son was pink faced and wrinkly with wet red hair plastered to his head. But to her, he was the most beautiful thing in the world.

Kissing his forehead, she whispered, “Welcome to the world, Jamie MacDonald-MacKenzie.”

~~~

Fergus was close to crying himself as Gina whispered the greeting to her son. His beast growled and Fergus corrected himself—their son.

With a huff, his beast gloated at the sight of the wee bairn. He is strong and hearty. He will make a great Scot.

Fergus mentally snorted. He’s actually American.

I refuse to acknowledge that. Born in Scotland. That makes him a Scot.

Ignoring his dragon, Fergus reached out a finger and lightly traced the lad’s cheek. “Hello, lad. I’m your dad.”

Gina laid her cheek against his and Fergus simply enjoyed the moment. He’d yearned for a family of his own for so long. Even a month ago, he never would’ve imagined he’d have it. Yet there he was, with both a mate and a son. He would give his life to protect them.

His mate spoke up. “You should hold him, too, Fergus. I want him to know you from the beginning.”

As he gently picked up the wee bairn, he replied, “Why? Are you planning on hiding him from me for a while?”

“Don’t even joke about that, Fergus MacKenzie. I’m just trying to create a memory.”

He stared down at the wee one in his arms, kissed his cheek, and then met Gina’s eyes. “Believe me, lass. I will remember this moment for the rest of my life.”

His mate looked about ready to cry again and he scrambled with what to say. He knew it was the hormones in her body making Gina emotional, but he still didn’t want to upset his lass.

Thankfully, his mum came up to him. “Let me take wee Jamie, Fergus. Grandma needs a turn.”

Glancing to Gina, she nodded and he handed over his son to his mum. Lorna smiled down at the baby and murmured, “That’s right, Grandma has you.”

His mum walked away and Fergus nearly went after her. Without thinking, he growled out, “I wanted a longer turn.”

Gina gave a weak laugh. “I’ll keep that in mind when Jamie starts crying at all hours of the night. I don’t want to deny his daddy time.”

Fergus grunted. “Joke away, but I will always be there for him.” He cu

pped her cheek. “And for you.”

He swore she whispered, “I love you,” but Holly’s booming voice made him unsure. His sister-in-law said, “While I prepare Gina for the afterbirth, why don’t you tell Fraser the good news?”

He was about to shake his head, but Gina spoke up. “Go, Fergus. Fraser is more than your twin—he’s your best friend. I want him here, too.”

“But I don’t want to leave you or Jamie.”

Even tired and sweaty, stubbornness glinted in her eyes. “I can handle a few minutes alone, Fergus. Go. The sooner you leave, the sooner you can come back.”

Glancing over to where Lorna was cleaning up his son, his mum turned her head and motioned toward the door. “Fetch Fraser. And also make sure Arabella is okay. I don’t know where she is.”

Fergus hadn’t even noticed Arabella’s absence. His dragon spoke up. Finn asked us to protect Arabella.

But Gina needs us.

She is strong. Besides, if we run, it will only take a minute.

Fergus asked Holly, “Are you sure Gina’s out of danger?”