The Dragon Guardian (Lochguard Highland Dragons 2)

With that, Ross left.

Arabella sighed. “I never thought they’d stop. Thanks for coming to the rescue, Gina.”

Lorna harrumphed. “I’ll let that slide as you’ve been quite ill today. Besides, it’s not my fault. That blasted male lives to irritate me.”

Gina fought a smile. “I’m sure you’ll be irritating each other for many years to come.”

Lorna waved a hand. “Leave it, child. I’m not in the mood to suffer your teasing. Tell us everything that Finn said.”

Gina looked to Arabella. “He didn’t call you?”

Arabella answered, “I got a very brief call to make sure I was okay, but that was it.”

Gina grunted. “That’s not very devoted of him, given how sick you’ve been.”

Arabella shrugged. “He’s clan leader. If all he did was dote on me, then Lochguard would be vulnerable to attacks and possibly be eradicated.” She patted an open spot on the bed next to her. “Come sit, Gina. You’re pale and I don’t like it.”

The adrenaline from the attack was fading, not that Gina would admit it. After all, who knew how many Lochguard clan members had been injured or worse, and it was partly because of her presence here.

However, she needed to keep healthy for her son’s sake. She’d already tumbled over once today; she didn’t need to do it again. Gina moved to the bed and sat down. “Finn didn’t say much, I’m afraid. But you should’ve seen Faye.”

Gina explained Faye’s actions in battle and Lorna spoke up. “I want to believe Faye is hearty and whole, but I don’t like her out fighting just yet.”

Arabella looked to Lorna. “Faye is clever. She never would’ve risked the clan by going out if she wasn’t ready.”

Lorna sighed. “I know. But she’s my baby girl, and I just want her safe.”

Gina nodded. “I know, but she’ll be fine.” She paused, and then added, “Oh, and I forgot to tell you. Fergus and I are mated now.”

“What?” Both women demanded at the same time.

For a split second, doubt clouded her heart. Pushing it away, Gina sat up tall. “We are. And while you haven’t known me long, I will take care of him.”

Lorna snorted. “Fergus has been taking care of himself and everyone else since he could walk.”

&nbs

p; Gina frowned. “You know what I mean. I care for him and he for me.”

Studying her, Lorna murmured, “Aye, and I bet it’s more than mere caring.”

As Gina tried to think of how to respond, her cheeks flushed. She cared for Fergus, she really did. But it had only been a little over a week. There was no way she was in love with him. Sure, she was falling, but they had so much to learn about each other.

Scrambling her brain for how to respond, pain ripped across Gina’s abdomen. She cried out and closed her eyes.

Lorna’s comforting hands landed on her shoulders. “What’s wrong, hen? Tell me.”

Gritting her teeth against the pain, Gina couldn’t form a response. It was in that moment, her water broke.

Chapter Seventeen

Once Fergus settled Ross into his role of keeping track of the injured, he took out his phone and dialed Euan MacKay’s number. Dr. Innes had been found lying under some bricks, shielding a child. The doctor was alive, but unconscious. Cassidy Jackson from Stonefire was coming, but Lochguard needed help from Clan Seahaven, too.

Euan finally answered. “Fergus, I’m still talking with my doctor here.”

Fergus decided the time for roundabout pleasantries was over. “Look, Euan, our head doctor was hurt and our junior doctor is overwhelmed. If ever there was a time we need your help, it’s now.”

Euan paused a second and asked, “And what does Finn say of this?”