The Dragon Warrior (Lochguard Highland Dragons 4)

Faye checked her mobile phone yet again. She still hadn’t heard anything from bloody Grant.

Her dragon spoke up. He will respond as soon as he can. Besides, Bram has people going to help guard Arabella.

I know, but I feel as if either Grant or I should also be there. Cat doesn’t need us plus Iris and the DDA security team to watch over her, provided she stays inside our accommodations.

Then just tell Iris you’re going and leave. Grant will understand.

He probably would, but Faye still didn’t want to make such an important decision without his knowledge. He is head Protector and if I start breaking the chain of command, others might follow suit and compromise Lochguard’s security.

Her dragon huffed. This is different. You used to be in charge. You know when to bend the rules.

She decided how to respond to that since technically, it was true. Being a former head Protector gave her a unique perspective on things.

However, Grant’s authority needed to be absolute, except for the clan leader’s say. Maybe next time he can designate me as in charge. Then we won’t have this problem.

Faye’s phone beeped with a message. It was from Grant: I’ll be there soon.

She’d been cryptic in her earlier message, but the fact he trusted her and didn’t question her urgency meant more to Faye than she would ever say. She was starting to think she and Grant might work out, after all.

What about the frenzy? her dragon asked.

So now you’re open to him again?

I didn’t say that. But he is proving himself. It’s a start.

Faye sighed. Let’s not argue about this right now. Kissing Grant is the last thing on my mind, at least until we know Arabella is safe and no one is about to attack Lochguard.

We only just received word from Mum that Ara had two boys and a girl. Even if the Knights have someone working at the surgery, it would take time to mobilize.

You seem to forget that we still have to fly back.

Someone knocked on the door and Faye answered it. Cat stood there and studied her. “Are you okay? They’re serving supper here tonight, and you’re usually the first one to round us all up and head downstairs.”

Faye motioned for Cat to come inside. Once the door shut, Faye answered, “Arabella just had her babies.”

Cat looked at her askance. “That should be wonderful news, so why aren’t you happier about it?”

She lowered her voice. “Because we might have a situation.”

“Does that mean we need to leave?”

Faye loved the fact Cat asked that question without any hint of disappointment or disgruntlement. “You should be able to remain here with the other participants. We need all of the good publicity your event should bring this evening.”

“What aren’t you telling me, Faye MacKenzie? If it’s classified, I understand. But if not, I’d love to know what’s going on. I may not be a soldier, but I’m sure there’s some way I can help.”

“Thanks, but your place is here. Your presence and interaction with the media will do the most good.” Faye paused and then added, “As for what’s going on, I promise to tell you as soon as I can. Just know that it has nothing to do with anyone here.”

“Okay, that’s a bit cryptic, but I trust you. Would you like me to bring something up for you to eat? It’s not as good as my mum’s, but it’s passable.”

Faye smiled. “Nothing is as good as your mum’s cooking, except for maybe mine. But anything will be great. If you could nab some for Grant, too, that would be perfect.”

Cat opened her mouth to reply, but a furious pounding on her door interrupted her. Faye said, “Come in.”

Grant rushed into the room but paused a second when he saw Cat. “Cat.”

Cat smiled. “I was just leaving.”

As soon as Cat was gone, Grant blurted out, “What’s going on? Your message only signaled that something was happening back home, but that it was immediate.”