The Dragon's Heart (Lochguard Highland Dragons 3)

For a split second, Ross swore he saw sadness flicker in Faye’s eyes, but it was gone in a heartbeat. He bet she missed being a full-time Protector; her wing injury last year still prevented her from reclaiming her former duties.

Wanting to distract Faye, Ross stood up and motioned toward the kitchen. “Let’s start in there.” He lowered his voice, not caring that Lorna could hear him anyway. “There might still be a few biscuits left.”

Lorna smiled. “They’re hiding in the cupboard above the sink.”

Ross wanted to ask why she was giving in so easily, but he had a feeling Lorna had seen the same sadness in Faye’s eyes.

He took two steps beyond Faye and said, “Then hurry up, Faye, my dear, or I’ll eat all of the biscuits before you can blink.”

“I think not.”

With a growl, Faye charged into the kitchen. Ross chuckled, blew Lorna a kiss, and followed Faye into the other room.

~~~

An hour later, Lorna stood frowning at the edge of Lochguard’s rear landing and takeoff area. “Why are you coming with us, Iris? We’ll be safe enough. You should stay here.”

Iris Mahajan was one of Lochguard’s Protectors and their best tracker.

The golden-skinned female with long, black hair shrugged. “No matter how much you argue with me, Lorna MacKenzie, I’m not going to contradict Grant and Finn’s orders. Are you ready to go?”

Lorna huffed, but Ross spoke up before she could. “Aye, we are. But could you give us a minute?”

With a nod, Iris walked to the far side and started shucking her clothes.

Ross averted his gaze to focus on Lorna. “The attack on Lochguard didn’t happen that long ago, love. It’s a miracle Finn is even letting us off the land. If he thinks we need an extra Protector besides the one on Skye, then I say we accept the help.”

Lorna sighed. “I know. It’s just hard to accept the loss of our freedom. Unlike in England, we’ve had the freedom to fly most anywhere in Scotland for centuries. I don’t revel in the fact I have to look over my shoulder, especially given how long it’s been since I flew such a great distance.”

Ross cupped her cheek and searched her eyes. “I can ask Iris to carry me if it’ll help.”

Her dragon spoke up. Ross won’t be a burden. We’re stronger than you think.

And you’re cocky. It will take half an hour to get there. The longest flight we’ve had in years was fifteen minutes.

And who’s fault was that?

Ross’s voice interrupted her conversation. “You have nothing to prove to me, Lorna MacKenzie. What was it you always told me throughout my cancer treatments and subsequent recovery?”

“A true hero knows when to ask for help,” she murmured.

“Aye, so be a true hero. Should I ride with Iris?”

Lorna’s pride wanted to reject the idea. “You’re too clever for your own good, human.”

Ross grinned. “I’m surprised you haven’t admitted that before now.”

Lightly slapping his arm, Lorna answered, “Your ego is going to be the death of you.” Ross chuckled. Lorna smiled before glancing over at Iris standing naked on the far side of the clearing. Lorna turned Ross’s back to the young dragonwoman as she said, “Stay like this while I talk to Iris.”

“Is she naked then?”

“Yes, but I warn you—turn around and you’ll be sleeping alone tonight.”

Ross shook his head. “My jealous dragonwoman.”

“Hmph,” Lorna answered before striding toward Iris.

Her beast spoke up again. I like Ross. I can’t wait to play with him some more in my dragon form.