The Dragon Family (Lochguard Highland Dragons 5)

Chapter Six

Since Faye had rushed out of the nursery on an urgent Protector matter, Arabella had put aside her laptop and rocked in the glider chair, ready in case one of her babies needed her. She usually tried to sleep when her children did, but even with her eyes closed, her brain kept whirling.

Her search hadn't yet brought up anything about her father, for one. And two, she wondered what was keeping Finn away for so long.

Her dragon spoke up. He won't stay away longer than is absolutely necessary.

I know, but for once, I actually want people around me. Is it wrong to wish for Aunt Lorna to come home as soon as possible? I miss her.

Of course it's not wrong. She is like a mother to us. Merely having her near will help both us and Freya.

She heard the door and instantly opened her eyes. Finn already stood at the crib, staring down at their children.

Standing, she crossed over to her mate. However, when he didn't pull her close and kiss her head, she knew something was wrong. Finn always did that after rushing off for an urgent matter, to let her know he'd missed her. "What happened?"

"Tristan and Melanie

are here."

She frowned. "What? Why? Not that I don't want to see my brother and sister-in-law, but they weren't supposed to visit for weeks." With a sigh, Finn met her eyes. At his unreadable expression, her heart skipped a beat and every worst-case scenario ran through her head. "Please tell me that they're okay and the twins are, too."

"They're all fine."

At his monotone answer, irritation flared. Mindful of the babies, she kept her tone low, but firm. "Just tell me what's going on, Finn. You hesitating is only making the situation worse."

Gently taking hold of her bicep, he guided her to the far side of the room before whispering, "Tristan found your father."

Her heart skipped a beat. "That's impossible."

Finn shook his head. "No, he's here. Dr. Sid and Gregor should be with him as we speak."

She was torn between wanting to rush out of the room to find her father and staying put to avoid him.

Her dragon grunted. We shouldn't cower in this situation. You wanted closure. This would be it.

I need more information before I rush to him. We have no idea what he's been up to.

Meeting Finn's gaze, she asked, "Something must be off. Otherwise, you wouldn't be so quiet and restrained."

He sighed. "You know me too well, love."

Placing a hand on his chest, she leaned closer to murmur, "Just tell me, Finn."

He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her against his body. "He's here, but I suspect different than you remember. It's almost as if he's given up, and you never mentioned that about him before."

More than anyone, Arabella understood feeling defeated. If she hadn't met Finn, she might've given up, too. "Do you know where he's been?"

Finn rubbed slow circles on her back. "In hiding." Finn relayed what he knew of her father's hiding and subsequent drug dependency before adding, "Tell me what to do, Ara. If you want him gone, I'll order it. If you want to meet him, I'll arrange that too. But I hope you understand why I met him alone first, before you could."

She nodded. "I do. If you hadn't told me about him, then I'd be bloody upset and shouting when I found out. But you did tell me. And now I can face him without shock clouding my brain."

He kissed her forehead. "My brilliant mate never ceases to amaze me."

Normally, she'd make a quip, but Arabella was exhausted, and it looked as if she need to reserve what strength she did have. "When can I see him?"

Leaning back, he cupped her cheek. "Until I'm positive he's not a threat, I won't allow him near our children. That means leaving them for a short while under someone else's care because I'm going with you."

"I know." She traced Finn's jaw with a finger. Just as she tried to decide who would be the best choice to watch over her babies, the door opened to reveal Aunt Lorna's gray and blonde-haired, slightly plump form.