The Dragon Guardian (Lochguard Highland Dragons 2)

Inside was a large rectangular table with six people sitting around it. Only one face was unfamiliar, although the older man in his fifties or sixties had the same eyes and nose as Holly. Maybe it was her dad.

Fraser raised a hand in greeting before swiping a scone off a plate and taking a huge bite. Lorna clicked her tongue. “I didn’t say you could have them yet.”

Not caring his mouth was half-full, Fraser answered, “You said we could eat them when Gina arrived and she’s here.”

Lorna rolled her eyes. “You lot act as if I never feed you.”

Faye spoke up next. “You do, but it’s as if we’re on rations.”

The unfamiliar man chuckled. “I’m not sure I want to see you all when you’re actually on rations. I can just imagine Faye and Fraser in dragon form, rolling around outside, fighting for the last scone.”

Faye stuck out her tongue. “I’d win.”

Fraser shoved his sister, who sat at his side. “I’ve been going easy on you the last few months. Say the word, and I’ll unleash my bloody amazing flying skills and have you begging for mercy.”

Lorna shared a glance with the older man and sighed. “This is why we can’t have company.”

The man patted Lorna’s hand. “The alternative is boredom, and I can’t imagine you liking it.”

Fergus cleared his throat and all eyes moved to him. “Forget about the bloody scones for a moment. You’re neglecting our guest. Do you want us to be compared to clans such as BroadBay or even SkyHunter? A brief display of manners wouldn’t kill you.”

Faye scowled. “It would take some extra work to be like either of those arseholes.”

Lorna motioned toward the chairs. “Have a seat, Gina. Oh, and before I forget, this here is Ross Anderson. He’s Holly’s father and a temporary guest in my house.”

Fraser muttered, “I doubt he’s temporary.”

Holly smacked her mate’s arm. “Fraser.”

Ignoring the ruckus, Fergus pulled out a chair. “For you, my lady.”

She smiled. “I see you act polite in front of the others. When will that façade wear off?”

Fergus took a seat next to Gina and leaned close to her ear. “Ask me that again when we’re alone.”

Gina dared a glance at Fergus. His eyes were full of heat and a touch of amusement. “Maybe I’ll ask to stay with Faye for the night. Then I won’t have to worry about your growly, dominant side coming out again.”

Fergus growled. “You’re staying with me, Gina.”

“Because I’m your charge or something else?”

“Both.”

Under the table, Fergus placed a possessive hand on her thigh. His touch sent a jolt through her body. If Gina were smart, she’d push his hand away and ignore her attraction to the auburn-haired Scot. Instead, she gave in to the urge to feel his warm, rough skin again and laid her hand over his. Fergus’s eyes widened a fraction before he gently squeezed her leg.

For a split second, she realized how right the situation felt. Fergus at her side, a crazy family arguing in the background, and the smell of freshly baked scones filling her nose. Deep down, she longed to belong again, with the MacKenzies, on Lochguard, where she could raise her son. Even from the brief glances she’d witnessed so far, Gina’s gut told her Lochguard was the opposite of BroadBay.

Unfortunately, her lovely moment with Fergus was interrupted by a chunk of butter bouncing off Fergus’s cheek. With a growl, her dragonman zoned in on his brother. “What the bloody hell was that for?”

Fraser answered, “Either get a room or answer Mum’s question”

Gina’s cheeks flushed at being caught. She’d been so absorbed by Fergus’s gaze, that she hadn’t heard anything.

Thankfully, Fergus took charge. “What did you ask me, Mum?”

Lorna tilted her head. “I heard you’re moving out. Is it true?”

“Aye. Gina and I are going to share the old Sinclair semi-detached houses.”