The Dragon's Pursuit (Lochguard Highland Dragons 7)

No. Faye MacKenzie was young, stubborn, and strong. If anyone could pull through a difficult birth, it would be her.

Faye MacKenzie screamed as another contraction hit. It was as if her bairn had shifted into a wee dragon and was trying to claw her way out with her sharp talons.

Iris Mahajan, another female Protector, stood next to her, not even wincing as Faye crushed her hand. Even though Grant's presence would help more, she appreciated Iris's support when the others had all moved as far away from her as possible.

Once the contraction stopped, she eyed the male Protectors standing on the opposite side of the main room. "Cowards, the bloody lot of you."

And she may have just snarled afterward.

Her dragon crooned softly a second before saying, Save your energy. The bairn needs us.

They're so bloody weak. It's just a bit of blood.

In reality, there was more than she liked. And she grew more lightheaded with each passing moment.

Where the hell was Grant? She needed her mate here, with her. If anyone could soothe her fears, it was him.

Because, aye, Faye was afraid. Her child was early, she was bleeding, and each contraction seemed to sap what strength she did have.

She didn't want to die. Her own father had died on the day of her birth, and Faye didn't want to leave her child motherless.

Tears prickled her eyes, and her dragon stood tall in her mind. Stop it. We're not going to die. Layla will be here soon.

Iris spoke softly. "Aye, they're cowards. But just think, watching you survive this is going to make them think twice about teasing you in the future about how you're weaker than them. If anything, you'll be able to tease them until the day they die for flinching at a wee bit of blood and some shouting."

Female Protectors were few and far between. Leave it to Iris to make her smile during the most frightening time of her life. "You can help me do it, too."

As they smiled at one another, Faye did her best not to count down until the next contraction she knew was coming. Although given how pain still throbbed in her lower half, counting might help better.

However, before she could decide one way or the other, Grant and Layla burst through the door. Her mate came right to her on the sofa. Iris stepped away and Grant cupped her cheek. "It'll be all right, love. Layla's here."

Seeing her mate's deep brown eyes, Faye let the tears fall. "I'm dying, Grant."

"Nonsense. Who'll help me keep the Protectors in line if you're gone? Besides, if I could do this, you can, too."

"You couldn't do this."

He shrugged. "It can't be that bad."

She knew he was trying to make her feel better by arguing. It was a game to them, one not everyone understood.

But Grant did, and that made her cry even more.

Layla spoke in a gentle yet firm voice. "Move. I need room to work, Grant. You can hold her hand if you stand by her head." As he moved to stand above her, Layla barked to the others in the room. "Clear out. Your fear is only making things worse."

Grant growled, "And Iris is in charge until further notice. She was the only one brave enough to stand with Faye, and I say that means she's earned it."

Iris nodded and cleared everyone out until it was just Faye, Grant, and Layla.

Faye focused on Grant's face above hers. "I love you, Grant. I just want you to know that."

No doubt her mate was afraid, but his eyes remained strong and stubborn. "You're not dying, woman. There's no way I'm going to survive your family without you by my side."

She smiled, but then a contraction rushed over her and she cried out as she arched her back, crushing Grant's hand with everything she had. Layla lightly pushed and touched around her stomach, which only made the pain worse. Every time she cried out, Grant tried to hide his winces.

When the contraction stopped and the pain lessened a fraction, Faye slumped on the sofa. Layla's voice filled the room. "Your bairn is breech, Faye. Normally, I'd give some time to see if we could turn the wee one around. But with the bleeding, I can't risk it. The best option is to try a C-section."

Even through the tired haze of her brain, Faye knew that wasn't good. "Then I was right, I'm going to die."