The Dragon Warrior (Lochguard Highland Dragons 4)

After waving good-bye, both Grant and Faye exited the room and headed toward the surgery. Grant spoke first. “I can’t believe they’re making Arabella work so soon after giving birth.”

“She, more than anyone, wants to ensure the safety of the clan. Ara didn’t just spend who knows how long birthing three bairns to have it all taken away from her. If she overtires herself, Finn will make her take a break. He wants the clan safe, but not at the expense of his mate’s life.” She paused a second before asking, “Are you one of those males who believes a female should give everything up once they have children?”

Grant had known the question would come eventually but had expected a little more time to think it through.

His dragon grunted. You already know the answer. Just tell her.

While Grant never slowed down his pace, he did look over at Faye. “No, but just as a new father needs to be more careful for the sake of his family, a new mother should do the same. That means no unnecessary risks to prove one’s self.”

She raised an eyebrow. “You think I’m out to prove myself?”

“Up until a few days ago, aye, I did. You’ve been in competition with yourself since the attack, Faye. I’m glad you’ve embraced your confidence again and aren’t second-guessing yourself.”

She opened her mouth and then closed it. As the silence dragged on, Grant wondered if he’d made a mistake in telling the truth.

Never, his dragon said.

Faye finally sighed before she replied, “I thought I’d done a pretty good job at hiding that fact, if I’m honest. I’m starting to think you’re a mind reader.”

“I may not know you as well as your family when it comes to how you toss a roll across a table, but no one knows you better when it comes to your Protector-related skills. Confident Faye is someone I’d entrust my life to. I’m glad she’s back.”

She paused a second before asking, “So when you said earlier you wanted to share the head Protector role with me, you were telling the truth?”

“Of course I was. I’ve never been good at lying or placating you, lass. I’m not about to start now.”

She paused again. Each time she did, his dragon paced and swished his tail a little more inside his mind.

Grant said to his beast, Calm down. You’re the one who wanted me to tell the truth.

Aye, but if I had my way, I’d get straight to the point.

I’m easing her into the idea of being our mate.

So now you want her.

I have for a while now. If you don’t know that, then you haven’t been paying attention.

His dragon huffed but didn’t say anything else.

Faye’s voice finally filled the air. “Then answer me this, Grant. If I allow the frenzy to happen, what then?”

He didn’t miss a beat. “I would protect you with my life. However, I would also understand that you need to be who you are. I won’t keep you in a locked cage like some males, Faye. But you also need to promise to be careful. No more pretending your wing is as good as new. You have limits and I need you to share them with me.”

“Only if you share yours with me.”

“So, did you just agree to kiss me once the clan is safe again?”

She smiled. “Maybe. Although I have one other condition.”

“Do I want to know?”

She lightly hit his arm. “I should say I want you to join Aaron Caruso in dancing naked at Arabella and Finn’s triplets’ celebration, but my request isn’t just about you. I was serious before about you, your mother, and brother dining with my family. Only after that will I kiss you. I think that’s good motivation.”

He growled. “Just don’t expect me to kiss you for the first time in front of your family.” He lowered his voice. “I’m not going to hold back. We’ll see if you can handle me.”

“Those are fighting words. Maybe you can’t handle me.”

“I accept your challenge.” He leaned over and whispered, “Oh, and lass? You know I’m competitive. I intend to win.”