The Dragon Guardian (Lochguard Highland Dragons 2)

Gina looked between the two brothers and decided to step in. Otherwise, they would go on forever. “What’s the surprise, Fraser?”

Fraser turned and cupped his hand around his mouth. “Holly!”

The door on the right side of the divided house opened. Holly stood there with a smile. “Come, let’s get you two out of the cold.”

Gina looked toward the door on the left side. “But we live there.”

“Aye, you do,” Holly answered. “But Fraser and I live here.”

Fergus blurted out, “What?”

Fraser walked up to them and weaseled his way between Gina and Fergus. Placing a hand around each of their waists, he gently pushed them forward. “Deep down, I know you miss me, Fergus. We were one egg, once. We should never be far apart.”

Fergus sighed. “I don’t think I ever missed your ridiculousness.”

Fraser slapped Fergus’s shoulder. “And think about it—us together, protecting our mates and bairns is better than trying to do it alone. Thanks to years of dares and tricks, we’re pretty good in the sky, especially as a team.”

Gina leaned forward to look at Fergus’s face. Her mate was battling a smile. Fergus’s voice finally filled the area. “Aye, we are.”

“Good, then it’s settled.”

They arrived on the stoop and Holly motioned them inside. “Come, let’s try to warm you up before we head to Finn’s announcement.”

Fraser pushed his brother in front of him and led him to the kitchen. Holly gently bopped Jamie’s nose and whispered to Gina, “I hope it’s all right. As the only human females in the clan, I figured it couldn’t hurt to stick together. It might also get our overprotective mates off our backs.”

“That would be a bonus.” Handing Jamie over to Holly, Gina removed her coat. “But what about your dad? Is he going to live here, too?”

Holly snorted. “I doubt it. He’s quite taken by Lorna, even if he won’t admit it.”

Holly offered Jamie back, but Gina shook her head. “Hold him for a bit. My arms could use a rest.”

Looking down, Holly smiled and cooed at the baby. With her whole heart, Gina wished for Holly to have her own delivered safely.

That reminded her. “Did you find out anything from my blood sample?”

“Labs have been backed up, but I should have the results soon. Most of Lochguard’s injured have been discharged and that should free up a lot of resources.” Holly motioned toward the kitchen. “Come. We don’t have a lot of time and you could do with some hot tea.” She held up Jamie briefly. “And then I can change him.”

“Are you sure? I love my son, but his diapers are pretty gross. I can do it.”

“No, let me. You’re still healing. Cuddle with your mate and enjoy it. There won’t be a whole lot of alone time in the coming months.”

Guilt flared. Gina loved her son, but she wished she could have time with Fergus. As it was, they couldn’t have sex again for weeks. Even then, the frenzy might come on and Gina wasn’t sure if she wanted another child straight away. Not because she didn’t want another one, but she looked forward to not being pregnant for a while.

Especially if she and Fergus had to leave Lochguard to fend for themselves.

Holly lightly nudged her arm.

“I’m sure Finn will have good news.”

“Everyone keeps saying that, but we have no idea.”

Holly adjusted her grip on Jamie. “Well, we’ll all find out in about an hour. Until then, just enjoy the moment. If you look down or depressed, Fraser will only try to make you laugh. And believe me, he will pull out all the stops to make it happen. I wouldn’t put it past him to do some kind of half-arsed interpretive dance, which you’ll never be able to unsee.”

As they entered the kitchen, Fraser raised his brows. “I heard that, honey.”

Holly tilted her head. “Did I say anything that wasn’t true?”

“No,” Fraser grumbled.