The Dragon Warrior (Lochguard Highland Dragons 4)

“Wasn’t it? You made the selfish decision without asking us. You’re not so different from me, son.”

“I never would’ve attacked my own people, and I was thinking about the clan’s future. That’s a bloody big difference.” Grant had an idea. “Your actions eventually helped to kill Nora and Isla Chisolm during the attack in February. Isla was just a wee lass who had done nothing. You’re going to tell me she deserved to die?”

For a second, regret flashed in Michael’s eyes, but it quickly vanished. “That is on Finn’s leadership. A better clan leader would’ve evacuated everyone to safety on time.”

It seemed his father had an excuse for everything.

Aware that Grant’s time was running out, he played one last card. “If you’re so dead set on dragon-shifters being superior, then why did Roderick work with the Dragon Knights?”

Before Roderick’s band of traitors had left Lochguard, they had worked with Duncan Campbell to pass on the codes to Lochguard’s security gates so that the Dragon Knights could infiltrate Lochguard. Finn and the loyal members of the clan had ultimately defeated the Knights with the help of the DDA, but it was the event that had triggered the banishment of the dragon-shifters turned traitor.

“Using humans as a tool doesn’t violate our way of thinking or ultimate goal,” Michael answered. “Once we have convinced enough dragon-shifters to join our cause, we can also rule over the Knights.”

“So that’s your ultimate plan, aye? I’ll find a way to pass that information on to the bastards. They won’t be helping you again in the future.” Michael fidgeted in his seat but remained quiet. Grant added, “This is your final opportunity to tell me everything you know. Otherwise, you will be dealing with the DDA on your own.”

“I’m not about to go back to a shit life and do what others tell me. The DDA may imprison me for a short while, but that just gives me time to make friends with the other dragon prisoners. They should be easy to sway to our side.”

Grant was careful to keep his face expressionless at the statement. His father probably didn’t realize how valuable that information would be.

The door behind him opened and the guard walked up to the cell to unlock it. Grant looked at his father one more time before he turned and left.

From here on out, Grant didn’t have a father. But he did have information that could prove useful to the clan and the DDA in general. He needed to get back to the B&B and talk with Faye. They might just have to use her plan after all.

~~~

Arabella MacLeod slumped to the bed as another contraction ceased. “I thought the bloody things were supposed to help me push out the babies.”

Dr. Layla MacFie, Lochguard’s recently appointed head doctor, smiled up at her. “They do, but if you push now, all it’ll accomplish is to make you tired. The bairns have to be in the right position to cooperate. Yours are being stubborn devils.”

“Of course they are. Finn is their father,” Arabella muttered.

Finn wiped her forehead with a wet cloth. “They’ll be here soon enough, love. Just think of it this way—the longer they stay inside, the fewer nappies we have to change.”

Arabella glared at her mate. “I will gladly change nappies if it means this can be over. And I meant it, Finn. No more children after this. I can’t handle being pregnant again.”

Even a year ago, Arabella would’ve had a hard time admitting a weakness. But after falling in love with Finn and the male proving time and again she could trust him, she always spoke her mind.

Her dragon spoke up. Tell him he needs to work harder at distracting us from the pain.

Do you really want to encourage him?

Normally no. But another contraction is about to hit and it should remind you of why his humor can help.

Arabella didn’t have a chance to reply before a contraction rippled through her uterus. Gripping Finn’s hand in hers, she clenched her teeth. She needed to be strong and not scream. She was the clan leader’s mate.

Finn whispered into her ear, “It’s okay to yell, love. Half the clan already knows what it sounds like when you scream my name when you come.”

She growled at Finn and rode out the contraction. When it finished, she whispered, “That is what got us into this situation in the first place. Don’t remind me.”

Before Finn could reply, Aunt Lorna MacKenzie rushed into the room and went to Arabella’s other side. The woman had been like a mother to Arabella and she smiled at Lorna’s familiar face. “Good, you’re here. Maybe you can tell Finn to tone it down.”

Lorna raised her brows and looked to Finn. “What have you been saying?”

“Nothing, Aunt Lorna. I was just trying to lighten the mood.”

Lorna tsked and looked back at Arabella’s face. “He means well, child. Finn is trying to hide it, but he’s worried. The humor helps distract him as well.”

Looking to Finn, Arabella said, “It’ll be okay, Finn. Despite your antics, I’m not going anywhere. I love you.”