The Dragon's Pursuit (Lochguard Highland Dragons 7)

The female kept her gaze on the floor, and Layla waited patiently.

Aimee had only started talking in bits and pieces over the last few weeks. A huge improvement over her previous state, when she hadn't said a word, but it still wasn't enough for Layla or Arabella to really discover the root cause of all her terrors and nightmares. Bad dreams or PTSD were one thing. But if it were her dragon flashing horrifying thoughts and visions, that was another.

No. Layla wouldn't think of that outcome just yet because it could mean silencing Aimee's dragon for good to prevent her from turning rogue.

And Layla would do anything to prevent Aimee's dragon from going rogue. Those who couldn't control their inner beasts were usually hunted down and killed by the human government.

She felt her dragon stir in her mind but remained quiet. Her inner beast knew better than to make Layla's pupils change and send Aimee into yet another hysterical state—they'd all learned that lesson early on.

After a full minute, Layla asked gently, "Was it a nightmare?"

Aimee shook her head only a fraction, but it was enough. So Layla continued, "Bad memories?"

Aimee's fingers curled into fists, and she nodded as a tear rolled down her cheek.

Layla wanted nothing more than to go over and hug the lass, but she held back. Touching Aimee would only make things worse.

So instead, she continued speaking gently, needing to ask at least one more question even if it would cause the lass a wee bit of distress. "A

nd did your dragon talk to you or try to make you feel even worse?"

Aimee tensed in the corner of the room, and Layla held her breath. The next minute or so would tell her if Aimee was indeed improving or not. Because if she went silent, curled up into a ball, and shut everyone out again, then the lass wouldn't be much better than when she'd first arrived.

While it was Layla's job to do no harm, that little provision might be temporarily forgotten if she ever came face-to-face with the bastards who'd hurt Aimee King.

Finally, Aimee spoke, her voice no more than a murmur, "No, no dragon. She's still silent."

Layla inwardly let out a sigh of relief. She had at least another day of thinking positive thoughts concerning Aimee's future.

She replied, "Thank you, Aimee." From the corner of her eye, Layla noticed Logan in the doorway holding a mug. She continued, "You remember Logan, aye? He's brought a special tea for you, one that helps you sleep without nightmares." Aimee's eyes widened, but Layla hurriedly said, "The tea won't harm you. I promise. Watch."

Layla crossed the floor to the door, took the mug from Logan, and went back to the spot where she'd been standing. She quickly took a drink of the hot, bitter tea. "See? It'll only help you relax. Nothing more."

Aimee's gaze darted to Logan and away. The lass had trouble with most males and had learned to tolerate Logan if necessary. However, she would grow even more reserved if he entered.

Sort of a catch-22 since Layla sometimes needed a male dragon-shifter's strength to keep Aimee from hurting herself.

Focusing solely on the troubled lass, Layla offered the mug. "If you drink it yourself, then Logan can stay over there. He'll only come in if you resist."

One second passed, and then another. Finally, Aimee rushed over, took the mug, and went back to her corner.

She quietly drank the tea, and Layla motioned Logan and Holly away from the door, and they closed it after themselves. Once it was only her and Arabella with the lass, Layla spoke again. "You'll feel sleepy soon enough. Do you want me or Ara to help you to bed?"

Aimee didn't hesitate. "Ara."

"Aye, then I'll leave you two alone." She went to the door but paused before opening it. "Unless there's anything else you want to tell me, Aimee?"

Every time Layla asked the question, she hoped for an answer.

However, Aimee shook her head and finished off her tea. Taking her cue, Layla left the two females alone and went toward the kitchen.

Her dragon finally spoke up. She's not worse. That's something.

I know. I just wish she'd see the psychologist.

Dragon-shifter psychologists were even rarer than doctors. There were only two in the entire UK, and neither were from Lochguard.

And for whatever reason, Aimee had only warmed up to dragon-shifters who lived on Lochguard.