The Dragon Warrior (Lochguard Highland Dragons 4)

Grant liked Arjun’s dedication. He’d have to talk with the male in person again soon.

“So the DDA plans to have more exhibitions?” Faye asked.

“It seems so,” Finn answered. “Although I told them we need a wee break to get a few things in order here.”

Grant grunted in approval. “I agree with that.”

There was a knock on the door and Finn said, “Come in.”

The tall, dark-haired, and bespectacled form of Dr. Trahern Lewis, the Welsh dragon doctor who currently lived on Stonefire, appeared in the doorway. He said without preamble, “I know what they were planning to do.” Finn waved him in. The male shut the door and continued, “They wanted to silence our inner dragons.”

Finn raised his brows. “Pardon?”

“The key in identifying the substance and its effects was the water link. Emily and I ran several tests to ensure our results were correct, but when the mystery ingredient is exposed to water it multiplies. It then can penetrate dragon hide and interact with the dragon-shifter hormones in our bodies.”

Despite the fact triumph flashed in Trahern’s eyes, Grant still wasn’t sure what the bloke was talking about. “How about you explain it to us as if we weren’t doctors.”

Trahern cleared his throat. “In short, it’s a type of poison. Once it’s released in water, the bacteria grows. Take a swim in the infected water and your inner dragon may never talk to you again.”

“You’re positive about this?” Finn prompted.

Trahern adjusted his glasses. “I can’t be 100 percent positive since I’m not about to ask any dragon-shifter to take a swim in a body of infected water. But all of our tests show a negative interaction with dragon-shifter hormones. To be blunt, most of them are eradicated after a short while.”

Faye whistled. “The Dragon Knights have upped their game. It’s more than war now—they’re willing to use biological weapons on a massive scale. That must violate some sort of world law or

agreement. I sure hope you tested the loch to make sure it’s clean.”

Trahern bobbed his head. “Yes, I did. It appears to be free of the bacteria. However, to ensure it stays that way, I suggest asking the DDA if we can fence off any water near a dragon clan as well as ask for their help to search the area a bit more thoroughly to find if there are any other devices lurking about.”

“The fence is only a short-term solution, Doctor.” Finn sighed. “But I’ll see what I can do. Until then, I’ll place a ban on using the loch for now and have the Protectors do another sweep of the surrounding areas.”

Grant spoke up. “What about our drinking water?”

Trahern shook his head. “Since it comes from the same source as the local human population, we should be safe. While I need more blood samples from the humans living here to test the effects, my professional opinion is that it can harm humans too if ingested, possibly even kill them, but not if it merely touches the skin. I still need to pinpoint the exact reason, but I believe it’s something to do with the chemical makeup of skin versus dragon hide.”

“Is there anything else we should know about right this second?” Finn asked.

“Those are the basics. I’ll know more after additional testing. I’m sure you can persuade Bram to let us stay a little longer.”

“Aye, although shouldn’t you be asking me first if you can stay?” Finn drawled.

“Why? You need our help. I know you want us to stay.”

Grant resisted smiling at the doctor’s matter-of-fact reply.

“Right, then how about you go back to work? Keep us apprised of anything else that comes up.” As soon as Trahern left, Finn looked back to Grant and Faye. “Go lock yourselves in a cottage and get shagging whilst you still can.”

Grant blinked. “Pardon?”

“You heard me. Right this second, there’s nothing you can do to help. Trahern will do the research. Bram and I will talk to the DDA and hopefully notify world governing bodies about the threat of chemical weapons. Iris and Cooper can enforce my new loch ban and anything else that comes up. You’ve earned a frenzy.” He winked. “Enjoy yourselves.”

“Finn talking about my sex life is weird, but I’m not going to turn down the offer.” Faye stood. “Are you coming, Grant?”

His inner beast roared. Finally. She can be ours. Claim her. Now.

Not until we’re away from prying eyes. No one else should see her naked body.

Agreed.