The Dragon Guardian (Lochguard Highland Dragons 2)

“Somewhere around eight months.”

Holly took Gina’s wrist at the same time as she glanced at the watch on her arm. A short time later, Holly released her grip. “I don’t like

the ‘somewhere around’ part of your answer. I need to get you up to Lochguard so I can have the doctor do a proper examination.” Gina hesitated in how to answer that when Holly continued, “You’ll be safe, hen. I don’t know how the dragon clans are in America—I’m assuming that’s where the father of your child lives based on your accent—but Lochguard will do anything to protect their clan or a guest on our lands. Finn will make the ultimate decision of your fate, but not without talking with you and weighing all of the options.”

Gina fingered the sheet of her bed. Deep down, she wanted nothing more than to be part of a community again. The months of near isolation, running, and hiding had taken their toll. After all, before meeting Travis Parker, Gina had been one semester away from earning her bachelor’s degree in marketing. Her life had been full of nights hanging with friends and study groups that were more social get-togethers than anything else. She’d also had two roommates who were her best friends. Giving it all up for her child had been the most difficult decision of her life.

With Lochguard, Gina might have a chance to fit in. And even if most of the dragon-shifters shunned her, she would have Fergus. He might also be able to help her contact Melanie Hall-MacLeod on Clan Stonefire’s lands in England. Melanie was still her best chance at having a happy future; that woman had done so much for the dragon-shifters. It gave Gina hope that Melanie would help her as well.

Holly took her hand and squeezed. “If nothing else, think of the bairn. My job is to ensure both of you are healthy but I can’t do that from this cottage, Gina.”

Placing her hand over her belly, Gina nodded. “I’ll do it for the baby. But if you try to take him away, I will do everything in my power to get him back.”

Smiling, Holly squeezed her hand again. “A lass with a backbone. You’ll definitely fit in on Lochguard.” Gina frowned, but Holly continued before she could say anything. “We’ll wait and see if the pains continue. But the best I can tell, you have Braxton Hicks contractions brought on by dehydration and probably a touch of stress as well. Once we get some water into your system, we’ll see about moving you. Does that sound okay?”

Gina liked that Holly had asked her rather than ordered her to do something. “That sounds fine.”

“Good.” Holly turned her head and raised her voice. “Fraser, I need your help.”

Two seconds later, there was a knock on the door. A voice that sounded a lot like Fergus’s, except for its tone, carried through the door. “Are both of you decent? Not that I mind if you aren’t, Holly. I’d much prefer if you worked naked.”

Gina snorted as Holly sighed. She kept her voice low to Gina. “I apologize in advance for Fraser. He lives to tease me.”

Fraser’s voice filled the room. “I heard you, honey. Now, may I come in?”

“Hurry up.”

Fraser strode into the room with a grin and stopped at Holly’s side. As Fraser wrapped an arm around the woman, a twinge of jealously shot through Gina’s body. At one time, she’d thought she’d had the same with Travis.

No. She wouldn’t think of that asshole. Instead, she looked to Fraser. His blue eyes were the same shade as Fergus’s, but the kindness mixed with steel was missing. Fraser’s gaze was more one of humor and curiosity.

Fraser spoke up. “Hello, Gina. I would ask you why you were sitting on my brother’s lap earlier, but I don’t want to face Holly’s wrath if I make you uncomfortable.” He brushed Holly’s cheek. “What do you need help with, honey?”

Gina should bite her tongue, but she blurted out, “I didn’t think Scots used the term ‘honey’ as an endearment. At least, I never heard it in any of the TV shows I watched.”

Fraser answered, “Aye, well, it’s different with Holly. If you stick around long enough, I’ll tell you the story of how I charmed this lass into being my mate.”

Holly attempted to frown, but ended up smiling. “We’ll talk about that later. For now, we need to figure a way to transport Gina to Lochguard.” Holly looked to Gina. “I saw a car parked out back. Does it work?”

Gina nodded. “Yes. Otherwise, I’d have to walk everywhere and the nearest store is hours away by foot.”

Holly lightly patted Fraser’s chest. “I don’t trust your driving, so I’ll do it.” Fraser put on a mock expression of disappointment and Gina snorted. Holly winked at Gina before answering her man, “In the meantime, you can fetch some water and make sure Fergus is okay. One of you can fly ahead and one can ride in the car with us. I’ll let the two of you decide amongst yourself. Just try not to start wrestling each other in the process.”

“Wrestling each other?” Gina echoed.

Holly beat Fraser to the reply. “Oh, just wait. You might just meet the whole family together and you’ll be begging to come back to this cottage for some peace and quiet.”

Fraser squeezed his woman’s waist. “Hey now. You’re one of us now, too. And you know you love it.” He leaned closer and whispered loudly, “Just as you love me. You’d wither and die without me, honey. You know it.”

Gina blinked. She had thought Fergus’s teasing was bad. But Fraser’s would drive her crazy if he kept it up. How Holly dealt with it on a regular basis, Gina had no idea. She must really love the dragonman.

Holly gave Fraser a quick kiss and released him. “Go. And don’t forget the glass of water.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Fraser left the room and Holly removed the stethoscope from around her neck. “Let’s have a wee listen to your son’s heartbeat.”

Gina burned with questions, but she managed to remain silent as Holly examined her. Maybe, just maybe, Lochguard would give her the answers she was looking for. Not only that, but deep down she hoped they might offer her a home as well. Gina was tired of running.