The Dragon Warrior (Lochguard Highland Dragons 4)

However, Max didn’t take his hint of silence. “It’s quite fascinating, actually. If what I’ve discovered in ruins and by piecing together artifacts is correct, the dragon leader who faced the Roman invaders of Britain and managed to negotiate a fair treatment was a female. It’s hard to tell, but I think she became queen of all dragon-shifters living on the isle of Great Britain at the time.”

Grant recalled some vague history lesson as a teenager about Queen Alviva. “I hate to break it to you, but we know that already.”

“Ah, but did you know she handpicked the strongest, cleverest Roman generals and wealthiest villa owners to sire her children?”

“No, but—”

“Well, then let me tell you how I came to this conclusion. It all started with a visit to the Cotswolds….”

As Max droned on about late night digs that were probably illegal, Grant decided to just let the human talk. He seemed to do it without requiring participation, allowing Grant to keep an eye out for the artifact thieves Max had mentioned.

All he wanted to do was deliver the human safely and seek out Faye. Only then could he focus back on his mission to root out the Lochguard traitors. History would do little to help him accomplish that task.

Chapter Ten

The next morning, Faye stretched her arms over her head and stared out the third-story window of her room. If she tilted her head just enough, she could catch more than the brick facade of the building next door and see a patch of cloudy gray sky.

Since no one had pounded on her door during the night, Grant and Max must’ve made it back safely. Good thing considering Faye had slept like the dead. It had been many months since she’d flown that much in a single day. Her wing would probably still ache if she shifted.

Her beast yawned. It was good practice. You should find Grant and discover what happened. Maybe we’ll see some of the others at breakfast, too.

Rolling her eyes, Faye rose out of bed. I know you fancy Adrian a bit, but it’s not going to happen, dragon.

Why not? He would be sex with no strings attached. I like that idea.

And Grant?

What about him? You know he’s still not my favorite person.

Faye sighed. She had to be the only dragon-shifter in existence who had an inner dragon that wanted to shag someone else when their true mate was within shouting distance. Well, too bad. I’m going to talk with him before any of the others. And before you try to make a fuss, know that I’ll find a way to delay seeing your dragonman of the moment as long as possible if you keep interrupting my conversation with Grant.

With a growl, her dragon curled up and feigned sleep.

Faye quickly showered, dressed, and walked out the door. She was about to knock on Grant’s room when Aaron’s door opened. “He’s not in there.”

She frowned. “Then where is he?”

Aaron shrugged. “He dropped off the human and then went for a late-night flight. I wanted to ask him something this morning, but Grant never answered the door or his mobile phone. I was hoping you knew where he was.”

Faye took out her phone, but there was nothing from Grant. “I’ll look into it.”

Not giving Aaron a chance to say another word, Faye raced down the stairs. She scanned the breakfast room, but there was no sign of Max or Grant.

She made a beeline for Lachlan, who was talking to his assistant. Not waiting for a natural pause, she said, “I need to talk with you, Mr. MacKintosh.”

Lachlan raised his eyebrows. “By your tone, it must be important.” He nodded at the female assistant. “You can handle the morning meeting and walk-through, Mia.”

The human male guided Faye to the hallway and raised an eyebrow. “So? Tell me what’s on your mind, Ms. MacKenzie.”

Her dragon huffed. This one is too polite. Even though he’s handsome, I don’t want to sleep with him.

Ignoring her beast, Faye answered Lachlan’s question. “I need to talk with Max Holbrook. Where is he staying?”

“He’s being watched by my security team until a suitable dragon-shifter guard can be located.”

“When was this decided?”

“Last night. Your clan member, Grant, went to fetch his candidate.”