The Dragon Warrior (Lochguard Highland Dragons 4)

Not wanting to dignify her brother’s words with a response, Faye tugged Grant’s hand and they disappeared into the house. After taking two steps inside, Lorna’s voice echoed down the hallway. “You’ll tell me about Fraser’s deeds later. Hurry up and come into the kitchen.”

Grant whispered, “How did she hear that?”

Lorna replied, “I hear everything in or near this house.”

Faye shrugged. “It’s true. Come on before she threatens you with her wooden spoon. And believe me, Mum’s threats are always real.”

They entered the kitchen to find it jam-packed with her family as well as Grant’s.

Finn and Arabella each had a baby, as did Lorna. Holly stood to the side with Kaylee MacDonald, their sister-in-law. Her brother Fergus stood with his mate, Gina, and their bairn. Ross had an arm around her mum’s waist. Grant’s mother, Gillian, and his brother, Chase, stood toward the back, slightly apart from everyone else. Since Gillian’s eyes didn’t widen at Grant’s face, he must’ve warned her beforehand.

Faye grinned. “It looks like you’re going to need a bigger house soon, Mum.”

“Oh, hush. There’s always plenty of room. In my day, siblings shared rooms, sometimes three or four to each. Kids today are spoiled. Now, come give your mum a hug.”

It took a quick tug to release her hand from Grant’s. Faye moved into her mother’s arms and her mum whispered, “My wee girl isn’t so wee anymore.”

Tears prickled Faye’s eyes. “Stop it, Mum.”

Lorna cleared her throat and released Faye. “I’m going to have more grandchildren than I know what to do with soon enough, but thankfully I still have young Kaylee to mother.”

“Aunt Lorna, I’m not that young. I’m an adult,” Kaylee answered in her American accent.

She waved a hand. “Young enough. We should have a few years yet before we find you a mate.”

Faye rolled her eyes. “Just stop, Mum. Maybe she has dreams that don’t include a male. Think about that.” Gillian McFarland shuffled her feet and it garnered Faye’s attention. “At any rate, I think our guests are feeling left out. Did you even introduce everyone?”

Fergus grunted. “Of course we did.”

Gina patted Fergus’s arm. “Sorry, he’s grumpy and it’s my fault.”

Fraser spoke up. “You’re going to have to let your dragon free at some point, brother. Otherwise, you might go crazy. As much as I’d like to see that, I need you at my back to help protect our family.”

“Just to protect the family?” Fergus drawled. “So much for brotherly love.”

Fraser flung out his arms. “Does someone need a hug?”

Fergus flipped off his twin. “Sod off, Fraser.”

Before Lorna could scold the pair of them, Faye explained to Gillian and Chase, “Fergus and Gina are true mates, but they haven’t gone through the frenzy yet.”

“Gina needed a break from being pregnant,” Fergus stated.

Finn chimed in. “Speaking of rest, how about we all sit down? Arabella and I haven’t exactly had a lot of sleep.”

Lorna clicked her tongue. “Don’t speak to me of being tired. I raised all of you on my own.”

“But you didn’t have three children at once,” Finn replied.

Ross rubbed Lorna’s back. “And remember, Finn has also had to lead the clan with Arabella’s help, love.”

Lorna looked at him and sighed. “Aye, you’re right. Although don’t get used to it.”

Ross grinned. “I wouldn’t dream of it.”

As all of Faye’s family herded into the dining room, Faye made a beeline for Gillian and Chase. Chase was the first to speak up. “I’ve heard rumors of what the MacKenzies were like, and they weren’t quite accurate. You’re more lively and loving than they say.”

Grant crossed his arms over his chest. “Can you try not to insult my mate’s family, aye?”