Fergus grunted. “Not all of us toss caution to the wind on a whim.”
“I’m going to let that slide just this once since I promised Holly I wouldn’t start a wrestling match. I’m sure punching you would also land me in trouble.”
“Fraser,” Fergus growled.
“Fine, fine. I’ll behave. Just finish your bloody sentence so we can go back inside. It’s fucking cold out here.”
“My caveat is that I don’t want any interfering. I won’t ask you to hold the information from Holly, but don’t tell anyone else, not even Mum. If either of you try to meddle, I’ll tell Finn and Arabella about the giant hogweed you planted in their yard. Finn won’t take it well.”
Giant hogweed could cause a painful rash when rubbed on the skin and exposed to sunlight.
Fraser narrowed his eyes. “You said you’d keep that in confidence.”
He shrugged. “Then don’t meddle with Gina. It’s as simple as that.”
A gust of wind nearly blew off the material around Fraser’s waist. “Fine. Can we go back inside now?”
“You’re such a bloody lightweight. Dragon-shifters are supposed to be tough.”
“I am tough, but there’s nothing wrong with a little comfort. This isn’t the bloody dark ages.”
Fergus pointed over Fraser’s shoulder. “Oh, no. Some of the sheep jumped over the fence.”
Fraser whipped around. “Where?”
He laughed and Fraser realized he’d been tricked. Getting a hold of himself again, Fergus said, “Just because one of the rams hit you in the dick with their horns doesn’t mean all sheep are out to get you. Being afraid of the animals ruins your alpha image.”
Fraser gave him the two finger salute. “I’m going inside with or without you.”
His twin turned and dashed into the cottage. Taking a deep breath, Fergus followed.
As per usual, talking with Fraser had led to Fergus possibly causing trouble.
Of course, Gina could tell him to fuck off and then he wouldn’t have to burden Finn.
His dragon hissed. Not before you at least kiss her. One taste and you won’t be able to stop yourself.
You wouldn’t be able to, but I could. If she says no, I won’t force her.
She won’t say no.
I can’t deal with your cockiness right now.
Ignoring his dragon, Fergus entered the cottage. If he planned to see if Gina not only wanted him but was worth the trouble of asking for Finn’s help, then he wasn’t going to hold back. It was time to pursue the human and see how she handled it.
~~~
As Gina sipped her glass of water, she watched Holly jot down something in her notebook. While no one had told Gina whether Holly was a dragon-shifter or not, her gut said the woman was human. This might be a prime time to ask how Lochguard treated humans.
Before Gina could say anything, Holly glanced up with a smile. “I can feel you watching me. If you have any questions, hen, feel free to ask. As soon as the twins come back, I’m not sure if we’ll ever have a moment of privacy.”
Despite sensing an undertone to Holly’s words, Gina ignored it. After swallowing her water, she asked, “Are you human?”
“Aye, I am. I arrived on Lochguard as a human sacrifice a little over two months ago.”
Gina should try to be polite and work her way up to the bigger questions, but she’d never been good at restraining her mouth. She blurted out, “So are you pregnant, too?”
Holly gave a sad smile. “I was, but I lost the bairn.”