The Dragon's Pursuit (Lochguard Highland Dragons 7)

She laid her cheek back on the firm, warm skin of Chase's chest. "You're right, I haven't talked with them yet. Partly out of necessity, but partly out of cowardice. But they were at least told of Yasmin's reappearance. And part of me thinks that if they'd truly cared, they would've rushed to the surgery to see her."

The fact they hadn't made Layla think the worst—her parents would see Yasmin's return as a type of betrayal. Layla only hoped they didn't report Yasmin's whereabouts to the Iranian clan.

Her dragon sat up taller. If they do, Finn will protect her. And probably punish our parents, too.

Layla didn't want punishment, but asking for her parents to act like they had when she and her sister had been younger, and life had held more laughter, was fairly impossible.

Chase's voice garnered her attention. "It's their loss, Layla. I know you might not be able to recognize or admit that now, but maybe someday you can."

"Like you have," she whispered.

"Aye, although I won't claim to be completely over the loss of my father. But I'm better than I was even two years ago." Chase gently forced her face upward until she met his eyes. "Regardless, you're handling this entire situation better than I would have. If my parents had tried to send away a sister of mine to some foreign clan without any sort of love or attachment between her and the future mate, I would be bloody pissed. And unlike my brother, I'm not the silent, brooding type—they'd know exactly what I thought of the whole mess."

She traced circles on Chase's chest. "Well, I've never forgiven them, but I also understand that my mother thought she was doing the right thing. Her own mother—my grandmother—was placed in an arranged mating. If my father hadn't realized my mum was his true mate and kissed her, she probably would've accepted an arranged mating, too. It's not always easy to let go of tradition, especially when each generation loses a bit more of it."

He stroked her cheek with one finger. "I'm sure there are plenty of traditions that don't involve all but bartering away someone's happiness, right?"

Thinking of how her mother had tried to make her and her sister study the Persian language as children made her snort. "Aye, like trying to learn a language only my grandmother ever used regularly." She sobered a fraction. "It's complicated. Even more so now, considering who my sister and I chose as mates."

"Why? Are two braw Scottish males not good enough?" He kissed her brow. "I can be quite charming. Maybe I need to use some of it on your mother."

She tried hard to frown but laughed. "To be honest, I'd pay to see that. She wouldn't know what to do with it." Layla bit her lower lip before adding, "That is if she ever wants to see us."

Chase gently squeezed her waist. "Whenever you're ready to talk to them, I'll be there."

Searching his gaze, she asked, "Really?"

"Aye, of course. I'll always be there when you need me, Layla. Always."

Tears prickled her eyes and she tried to blink them away. Layla didn't usually allow her emotions to show with others. No one wanted a weepy or angry doctor.

Her dragon spoke up. It's not just anyone—he's going to be our mate.

At the thought of waking up every day to Chase's grin and caresses, her tears faded. Reaching a hand up, she cupped his cheek. "I wish I could bloody kiss you right now."

"Me, too, love. Me, too."

They stared at one another for at least a minute, holding each other's gaze, both saying a lot without speaking a word.

In such a short time, Chase had come to mean so much to her. That thought should scare her. And yet, it made her heart skip a beat.

Her, Layla MacFie, with a mate to come home to, to love, and even have children with.

Something she'd never thought she'd have.

Not wanting to risk crying, she kissed his chest and said, "Come, let's shower. I'm sure me all wet and dripping is one of your fantasies, aye?"

His pupils flashed and he growled out, "In more ways than one."

Her cheeks burned at his double meaning. "You're incorrigible."

"Aye, and it's just what you need," he stated smugly.

With a laugh, she jumped out of bed and raced to the bathroom, wanting him to chase her.

And chase her he did, until he wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her back against his chest. Nuzzling her cheek, he whispered, "We'll have a proper chase later, once things calm down a bit."

The thought of shifting into a dragon and trying to evade Chase's capture made her smile. "I'd like that."