The Dragon Guardian (Lochguard Highland Dragons 2)

Holly murmured, “I don’t know about a ‘horde.’”

As Holly, Fraser, Lorna, and Ross started arguing about respect and talking back, Fergus leaned down and whispered in her ear, “Are you all right, Gina? It’s a lot to take in.”

“It is. I wish I knew more about why or how my parents had done it.”

“You could ask them,” Fergus stated.

A small part of her was tempted. But that would mean dealing with the scorn and disappointment all over again. “Maybe some day. But right now, I want to cherish my new son and my new husband.”

He tucked a section of hair behind her ear. “Maybe if we sneak out now, they won’t notice. I’d like to do a little cherishing of my own. Holding my son and mate beside me on the couch, with maybe your wee cat next to us, sounds like heaven to me.”

“Oh, Fergus.”

“Come, lass. Before they stop arguing.”

Fergus tugged her hand and moved toward the door. He didn’t get more than two steps before Finn shouted, “Not yet, you two. We have a few more things to discuss.”

~~~

Fergus growled as he turned his head toward his cousin. “Then hurry up and tell us, Finn. I want to see my family settled.”

Finn raised his brows. “But I think your mate will like this bit.”

Fergus’s dragon snarled. If he doesn’t get to the point soon, we should pin him to the ground and demand answers.

You’re aware he’s leader, aye?

Right now, he’s not clan leader—he’s our annoying older cousin.

Lorna walked up to Finn and grabbed the top of his ear. Finn yelped. “What the bloody hell are you doing?”

Twisting his ear, Lorna narrowed her eyes. “In private, you’re merely my nephew. Watch your tongue, Finlay.”

Fergus bit his lip to keep from smiling. From experience, he knew his mum would grab his ear too, if given the chance.

Arabella sighed. “How about I just tell them, Finn? Otherwise, we could be here for another hour and I’m hungry for a change.”

Finn looked at his mate with concern. “Are the bairns giving you trouble, Ara? You promised to tell me if they did, no matter what I’m doing at the time.”

Arabella shook her head. “They’re actually behaving, which means I’m starving.” Arabella looked to Fergus and Gina. “What my dear mate wanted to say is that in addition to BroadBay being under constant surveillance to ensure they don’t cause any more trouble or plan any more attacks, there was one other stipulation from the DDA.”

Relief flooded Fergus’s body. Unless BroadBay found a way to bribe the DDA, Gina and Jamie would be safe.

Fergus would whittle the details surrounding BroadBay out of Finn later. He needed to know what else to expect from the DDA. “A requirement beyond the changes to the sacrifice system?”

Arabella nodded. “Yes. That was something Finn hashed out with Bram. This next bit was a request from the American DDA office.” Arabella smiled at Gina. “You’re going to see your sister Kaylee sooner than you anticipated.”

Gina clutched his hand and stood perfectly still. “Please explain what you mean, Arabella.”

Arabella shrugged. “The American DDA is investigating BroadBay and the actions of their clan members. While that Travis bastard wasn’t part of the attack on Lochguard, some other Broadbay members were. As such, the American DDA is afraid of retaliation against your family. Your parents and Kaylee were offered a relocation program, complete with new identities. The only catch is they could never contact you again.”

Fergus adjusted his hold on his son and wrapped his arm around Gina’s shoulders. “Something must’ve happened.”

Arabella answered, “Correct. Kaylee refused. She wanted to be relocated here.”

Gina’s reply was breathy. “And?”

Finn chimed in. “I agreed to the plan.