The Dragon Guardian (Lochguard Highland Dragons 2)

Grant merely raised his brows and Faye looked away.

Fraser whispered loudly to Kaylee. “Speaking as an uncle to an aunt of wee Jamie, maybe you can help me.”

Kaylee looked around the room. “How?”

Fraser grinned. “I’m trying to get a nickname to stick, you see. What do you think of Mac-squared?”

Kaylee paused a second and then laughed. “Because of MacDonald-MacKenzie.”

“Aye,” Fraser stated. “Are you with me?”

Mischief flared in Kaylee’s eyes. “That depends. Will you shift into a dragon for me?”

Holly frowned. “Maybe you should ask someone else. I don’t like other people seeing Fraser naked. Maybe Grant can do it.”

All eyes turned to Grant. The head Protector answered dryly, “I have some things to attend to.”

As Grant scurried away, Ross stepped in. “I’m Ross Anderson, Holly’s dad. Maybe you should ask Lorna here. She rarely shifts for anyone, not even me. And I ask nicely.”

Lorna sighed. “Not this again.”

Ross grinned. “Aye, this again. I’m determined to see your dragon self at some point.”

“You can keep trying, but you won’t get anywhere, Ross Anderson,” Lorna replied.

Ross asked, “Not even if I ask nicely and offer to do the dishes?”

Lorna shook her head. “No.”

Ross took a step closer. “How about if I offer to cook, too?”

Lorna rolled her eyes. “And have you set the cooker on fire again? I think not.”

“I’ll find out what will trigger an agreement, Lorna, dear. Just wait,” Ross stated.

Fraser shook his head. “Leave my mum alone. She has her reasons. You shouldn’t push.”

Ross stood taller. “This is between me and your mum, lad. Mind your business.”

Fraser growled, but Holly jumped in front of her mate. Looking between Fraser and Ross and back again, Holly’s tone was stern. “I swear I have to keep stepping between you two.” She looked to Ross. “Stop provoking a dragonman, Dad. Despite your bravado, you’re not as strong as him.” Holly looked to Fraser. “And you need to let your mum fight her own battles.”

Ross and Fraser started arguing yet again about respect, boundaries, and keeping out of other people’s business. Gina half-expected Fergus to jump in and defuse the situation, but instead, he leaned down to her ear. His whisper was so low she could barely hear it. “This is your family now, lass. Are you ready to run?”

Gina glanced at Kaylee, shared a smile, and then turned in Fergus’s arms. She looped her hands behind his neck. “Never.”

He pulled her tighter against him. “Good, because I’m never going to let you go. I love you, Gina MacDonald. Wild dogs couldn’t tear me away from your side.”

She tilted her head. “After this, let’s find some wild dogs. I really want to test your hyperbole.”

Fergus growled. “I have a better idea.”

She played coy. “Oh?”

“I think I’m going to steal a kiss from my mate whilst I still have the chance.” He nipped her bottom lip. “I love you, Gina, my lass. I waited a long time to find you, but you were more than worth the wait.”

She touched his cheek with her fingers. “I love you, too, Fergus. I may not have thought so even two months ago, but I’m glad events played out as they did. Otherwise, I never would’ve found you.”

With a growl, Fergus lowered his head and kissed her.