The Dragon Guardian (Lochguard Highland Dragons 2)

Holly stated, “I can’t ever guarantee 100 percent, but Gina has survived this as if she were a dragon-shifter. I think she’ll be fine, and that’s my professional opinion.”

For a split second, he wondered about the wheels turning inside Holly’s head—he’d bet his life his sister-in-law was going to find out why Gina had had such an easy birth for a human. But he quickly pushed it aside and focused on his mate. “I’ll be back in less than a minute.”

She smiled. “Okay. Ready, set, go!”

Cursing her with love, he raced out of the room. Thankfully, Arabella was sitting in the main control room, albeit toward the back. Satisfied the dragonwoman was okay, he looked at Fraser and yelled, “My son is here! Come see Jamie MacDonald-MacKenzie.”

Fraser snorted. “That’s a lot of ‘Macs.’ Maybe I should call him Mac-squared.”

He gave his twin the double finger salute. “Mum wants to know what’s going on. You’ve been summoned.”

Without another word, Fergus rushed back into the room. Both man and beast mentally sighed in relief to see that Jamie was back with Gina, and both were healthy.

Rushing to Gina’s side, he murmured, “I did it in less than sixty seconds, lass. What did I win?”

She met his eye. “A family.”

He kissed her and then his son. “I couldn’t ask for a better present.”

Fraser’s voice filled the room. “I don’t know, brother. I’d ask for her to do some kinky things in the bedroom, once she’s healed.”

Lorna growled, “I’m standing right here, Fraser Moore MacKenzie.”

“Tsk, Mum. No yelling around Mac-squared.”

Fergus glared at his brother. “You’re not calling him that.”

His brother moved toward the head of the bed after blowing a kiss to Holly, who was preparing for what Fergus assumed was the afterbirth. Fraser said, “What do you think, Gina? Every child should have a nickname.”

Lorna answered, “You can talk about bloody nicknames later. Is Arabella okay?”

Fraser shrugged and looked to his mother. “I think so. She’s sitting quietly in the back.”

Lorna rolled her eyes. “Do you know Ara at all? Quiet isn’t good.” Lorna leaned in and touched Jamie’s cheek. “I need to check on Arabella.”

Gina nodded. “I understand. I would talk with her if I could.”

“Rest, Gina. And Grandma will be right back, wee Jamie.”

Lorna exited the room and Fergus moved to pick up Jamie. Gina shook her head. “Let Fraser have a turn. Holly says we don’t have much time until she needs everyone out but you.”

Fergus’s dragon growled. We should have another turn. Jamie is our son.

Since when do you dismiss Fraser? He’s our brother.

His beast huffed. I just want to hold the baby again.

Soon. We have a lifetime with him. Fraser can have a minute or two.

With a grunt, his dragon fell silent.

Gina squeezed his hand and he looked down at his mate. But she nodded toward his brother before either one spoke. Gently lifting Jamie, Fergus turned toward his brother.

~~~

Gina watched as Fergus tenderly handed over Jamie to Fraser. Witnessing the tall, cocky dragonman coo at her son made the corners of Gina’s mouth tick up. She never could’ve imagined anyone from BroadBay acting the same way.

Wanting to focus on the happiness of the present and not dwell on the past, Gina pushed aside all thoughts of BroadBay. There might still be trouble ahead, but in that moment, she celebrated the birth of her first child.