The Dragon Warrior (Lochguard Highland Dragons 4)

He sighed. “No, I’m not. And no matter how many times you ask, I’m not going to change my mind. Being head Protector is much more than being in charge of the clan’s welfare. It also means I can keep you, Chase, and all of my friends safe.”

His mum remained silent a few seconds before asking, “And does that include Faye MacKenzie?”

“Aye,” he answered carefully. “Once you get to know the lass, I’m sure you’ll see what I see.”

“I have nothing against Faye. However, her mother invited us all to dinner and I’m trying to find a way to refuse. That family is exhausting and it’s hard to say no to Lorna MacKenzie.”

Even just a few weeks ago, Grant would’ve assured his mother that he would refuse on their behalf. But, he vowed to help his mum heal and did think the MacKenzies could help with it. “Aunt Lorna might be bold, but she has a good heart. She and your cousin Brigid are friends. Maybe you should give Lorna a chance.”

Gillian searched his eyes. “You’ve never tried to change my opinion before. What’s going on?”

His beast spoke up. Just be honest with her.

I was going to be. Have a little patience.

With a grunt, his dragon fell silent.

“I more than care about Faye, Mum. She’s my true mate. Our families need to get along.”

She frowned. “Are you sure? You haven’t disappeared long enough for any mate-claim frenzy to happen.”

“I haven’t kissed her yet. Both of us are waiting for the right time. We need to make sure the clan is safe first.” He reached out and took his mother’s free hand. “Just try going over to their house once. I know you miss Dad. Maybe getting to know the MacKenzies will help with your loneliness.”

His mother remained silent for over a minute, and Grant wondered if he’d pushed too far. Then she finally sighed. “There’s just so many of them. I will agree to one dinner for your future mate’s sake, but I can’t promise anything more.”

“One meal is a start.”

A knock on the door was followed by Faye’s muffled voice, “It’s me.”

Grant looked to his mother and whispered, “You can start with just one MacKenzie to build up your strength. She’s the most important one to me.” He raised his voice. “Come in.”

Faye came in with a huge smile on her face. Shutting the door, she moved to the opposite side of the bed of his mum. “How’s everyone doing?”

If Grant wanted his mother to get to know Faye, he wasn’t going to allow the polite, fake face to be the one she knew. “I was fine five minutes ago. I assure you I’m not dead.”

Faye put a hand on her hip. “I was trying to be nice, but maybe I should stop. Just remember I’m the one who’s going to be looking after you. I can make your life enjoyable or make it hell.”

“Good. As long as it’s the real you, that’s all that matters.”

Faye opened her mouth and promptly closed it. She moved her gaze to Grant’s mother, who was looking from Grant to Faye and back again. Faye cleared her throat. “Sorry, Gillian. Your son is stubborn and strong-willed. I find honesty and calling him out on his crap is the best way to go.”

Gillian gave a small smile. “I know, lass. I didn’t really have anyone to help me whilst he was growing up.”

Faye stood taller. “Well, you do now. Between the two of us, we can strap him down and make him rest, if need be.”

“You do realize I’m right here, aye?” Grant murmured.

Faye ignored him and spoke to Gillian. “If you have any tips on how to make him a better patient, I’m all ears.”

Gillian hesitated before replying, “There are a few things. He loves hot chocolate with peppermint. If you give him a few mugs, he is more likely to do what you ask.”

“Mum,” Grant interjected.

His mother met his gaze again. “It’s true. If this lass is to be yours, she should know. Otherwise, Faye will be banging her head against a wall when she tries to get you to do anything. I won’t get any grandchildren that way.”

He glanced to Faye, but he didn’t see any uneasiness at the mention of children. He knew neither of them had thought of being parents until recently, but it was a certainty once he kissed her and initiated the mate-claim frenzy. Her expression sent a wave of relief through his body.

His dragon asked, And why is that?