The Dragon Warrior (Lochguard Highland Dragons 4)

When Gillian’s cheeks flushed, Chase spoke up. “It’s true. We’ve told her many times before that she should offer Sylvia MacAllister some tips. Most of the food at her restaurant is great, but Mum has a few recipes that would drive the customers mad.”

“Hush, Chase,” Gillian whispered.

“Gillian can share with me in the meantime. Two of us cooking will make things easier when it comes to feeding you lot,” Lorna replied. “This house is pretty much a restaurant in its own right, except none of the customers are of the paying kind.”

Faye’s mouth was half-full as she said, “You wouldn’t let us starve. Besides, I tried to get you to teach me to cook, but you always refused.”

“That’s because you eat most of the ingredients before we start, Faye.”

“A cook is always supposed to sample,” Faye answered.

“Sample doesn’t mean eat everything in sight,” Lorna said as she tilted her head.

As Faye and her mother continued to argue, Grant couldn’t help but notice the amusement dancing in his own mum’s eyes. Between Faye at his side carrying his child and his mother finally enjoying herself for the first time in who knew how long, Grant was content. He may still need to claim Faye as his in front of the entire clan, but he didn’t need a ceremony to recognize that she was the best thing to happen not only to him, but to his family as well.

Faye MacKenzie had been exactly what he needed without knowing it.

Epilogue One

One Week Later

Faye tried one last time to tame her wild hair, but every time she smoothed it, the curls just popped up back into place. She hated any sort of product in her hair, so unless she shaved her head, she wasn’t going to do any better.

Her dragon sighed. It doesn’t matter. Grant likes our curls and his opinion is the only one that matters.

So my opinion counts for nothing?

In this case, no.

You’re just cranky because Mum made Grant and us sleep apart last night.

I don’t see why it was necessary. He is our mate. Nothing changes that.

While Faye was glad her dragon had changed her tune about Grant, the beast constantly wanted to take control and challenge Grant’s dragon. You do realize that in a few months, you’re going to have to hold back on your rough and tumble sessions.

All the reason to cede more time to me in the meantime.

As she tried to think of a response, Lorna knocked and waltzed into the room. “I’m not going to ask if you’re ready because I know you are. But I had to see my youngest one last time before she’s mated off.”

“Mum, it’s not like I’m going to Siberia after this. Grant’s and my job is to protect the clan. That means we’re staying on Lochguard, probably more than other couples over time.”

“I know. And while I love all of my children equally, you were the last gift I received from your father. And now I’m having to let you go.”

Faye’s eyes prickled. “He’s here in spirit, Mum. Besides, you always say Fergus takes after him. We’ll always have the slightly more serious influence around.”

Lorna took Faye’s face in her hands. “I’m sure Grant will help as well. Goodness knows that Ross encourages you lot more often than not.”

Faye smiled. “He suits you like Grant suits me. We’ve been lucky, Mum. So let’s celebrate instead of cry, aye?”

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sp; Lorna kissed her cheek and then nodded. “You’re right. Besides, today is a double celebration, and if I start crying for your mating ceremony, then I’ll keep going for the tattoo and presentation ceremony for Finn and Ara’s bairns.”

“You don’t always have to be strong, you know.”

Lorna stood taller. “What and let Meg Boyd use it against me? No, thank you. I like being the favorite matriarch of the clan, so strong it is.”

Faye had tried convincing her mother hundreds of times that she and Meg were friends, not enemies, and that their competitions were ridiculous. However, it had all come to naught, so she merely replied, “I love you, Mum, but the ceremony is about to start and you need to leave.”