The Dragon Warrior (Lochguard Highland Dragons 4)

Faye raised her brows. “We wouldn’t have to worry about that if the DDA did its job.”

Lachlan didn’t bat an eyelash at her tone. “The DDA does what it can with its limited resources.”

“Caring doesn’t cost anything,” Faye stated.

Cat stood and moved between them. “We’re all on the same side. Let’s not forget that.”

Faye’s dragon huffed. Maybe if we put in a complaint, the DDA will send us someone less rigid.

I checked into MacKintosh, and he’s supposed to be the best. Not only at staging events, but also when it comes to damage control. In this instance, the stuffier the better.

She focused back on Cat and Lachlan. “Aye, we’re on the same side. But just a piece of advice, Lachlan. Almost everyone in this room is tense. You need to find some relaxing activities along the way or the slightest incident could start a fire. You’ll have to use all of your skills then, and it still might not be enough.”

“Duly noted,” Lachlan answered. “For the moment, I need to persuade everyone to change and get ready. We’ll be leaving in an hour.”

Faye had to give the human credit. He knew how to stay focused.

She gave a mock salute. “Yes, sir.”

Cat spoke up. “We’ll be ready on time. Even if I have to find someone to dress Faye, she will be downstairs in an hour.”

Faye opened her mouth to say she could take care of herself, but Lachlan had already moved to the next table. Turning her head to Cat, Faye stuck out her tongue.

Cat shrugged. “I got him to leave, aye? Now, we’d better hurry or we won’t have time to talk with Iris and still meet Lachlan downstairs on time.”

“And I’m not sure I want to see that male upset. I have a feeling his quiet nature hides something deep inside.”

Cat looked at the human. “Me, too. But nothing sinister.”

She studied her friend a second. “I never said sinister. But I’m curious exactly how you plan to use him in your painting. Please tell me it’s as a fairy, complete with rainbow wings and a dainty wand? And maybe some cat ears?”

Cat snorted. “Don’t be ridiculous. You’ll just have to wait like everyone else until I’m finished.”

“Some friend you are.”

Cat merely smiled at her.

Sighing, Faye stood. “Right, then if you’re not going to tell me, we should go.”

“You’re giving up fairly easily, Faye MacKenzie.”

“What can I say? I don’t dare upset your Lachlan by being tardy.”

Cat opened her mouth to say something and promptly shut it.

As they made their way toward Max’s room, Faye wondered if she should wake Grant in an hour or let him sleep. She knew he’d want to be part of the action, but on the other hand, he didn’t take care of himself properly. Faye would have to be the judge of what was best for him in this case.

Her dragon sighed. He shouldn’t be our concern.

Even putting aside your grudge, we need the best fighting force possible in case something does happen.

Her beast paused a second before saying, I suppose.

Taking advantage of her dragon’s agreeable nature for the moment, Faye picked up her pace. First things first, she needed to prepare Iris for the day ahead.

~~~

As Grant circled around his last area to search for the day, he scrutinized the surroundings. Usually he enjoyed gliding over the land and taking in the hills and lochs of the Highlands.