The Dragon Warrior (Lochguard Highland Dragons 4)

She punched his arm. “Don’t pretend you don’t have big ideas, too. Otherwise, you’re not a very good head Protector.”

His dragon chimed in. Her idea to infiltrate their ranks has merit, but I still think we should meet with our father, first.

I was thinking the same thing.

His beast paused a second before adding, Also, tell her she’s brilliant. She deserves it.

Faye’s voice interrupted his thoughts. “What does Mister Dragon have to say now?”

“He wants to get into your pants.”

His beast growled. Yes, but tell her the whole truth.

Faye’s pupils flashed and she laughed. “I wish there was a way for our two dragons to talk directly to each other. Mine would give yours a dressing down.”

The corner of his mouth ticked up. “Now, that I would love to hear.”

His dragon harrumphed and curled up in the corner of his mind. Apparently, he didn’t like the idea of Faye’s dragon scolding him.

Faye’s smile faded and he focused on her instead of his beast as she said, “But in all seriousness, we need to decide what to do and soon. The DDA’s solicitor needs an answer.”

“First, tell me, have you talked with Finn?”

She shook her head. “Not yet. I wanted to talk with you, first. While you gave me this task, you’re still in charge.”

He wanted to say they should always be cohead Protectors and lead the clan’s security forces together. However, that was many steps ahead of the current situation. Until Grant knew more about his future and had a chance to better woo Faye, he didn’t want to risk losing it all by mentioning his plans too soon. “Tell the solicitor that I’ll meet with my father. Once I’m done with him, we’ll think of the next steps and tell Finn what’s going on. While I’m away, you need to watch over Cat.”

“I know—”

“Not because I don’t trust you, but with my father in custody, there’s always a chance my uncle and the other traitors could hunt us down. They’d have no problem attacking and hurting whoever stood in their way. If they know we’re working together, you’ll be a target.”

Faye searched his eyes. “Do you really think they would target the innocents? Cat and the other dragon-shifters here haven’t done anything to merit their ire.”

Grant clenched his jaw. “After the attack in January and their temporary alliance with the American clan, I think there’s little they wouldn’t do. Their attack signaled that they consider all of us enemies.”

The temporary alliance between the traitors and the rogue members of Clan BroadBay had resulted in them bombing large chunks of Lochguard. While the casualties had been few, the deaths still sat heavy on many hearts in the clan.

Faye took his face in her hands and stroked his cheek with her thumbs. “I will die before I allow them to hurt anyone else from Lochguard.”

Faye’s soft skin against his helped to ease his nerves. The lass who had once ignited his temper like no other was fast becoming his best source of calmness.

Well, at least at certain moments. When the threats were taken care of and they had time, he would work his hardest to stoke her fire again.

Taking a chance, he placed his hands on Faye’s hips and gently pulled her against his body. For a few seconds they stood in silence, with only the sound of their breathing filling the room.

He should pat her hip and take his leave. But Grant leaned a fraction closer to her lips. She closed her eyes. His heart skipped a beat. He wanted her to be sure, so he murmured, “Do you want this?”

“Aye,” she answered breathily. “I think I can contain my beast long enough for one kiss.”

His dragon roared. Hurry up and kiss her.

Grant closed the distance and was a hairsbreadth from pressing his lips against Faye’s when Aaron Caruso’s voice boomed through the door. “I know you’re in there, McFarland. We need to talk.”

His beast growled. Ignore him. Kiss her.

Faye’s eyes opened. She whispered, “Anticipation makes things better, so I hear.”

“Un-bloody-likely in this case. All I do is wait.” With a curse, Grant reluctantly released his hold on Faye. “Sometimes, I want to murder that male.”