Tristan grunted. "More likely it'll give her ideas."
Melanie waved a hand in dismissal. "I doubt she'll be able to defy instinct and bring out her dragon."
"She's half-human, so anything is possible. After all, you defied the odds. I'm sure our children will do the same."
"And is that a bad thing?"
Tristan sighed. "It just means trouble is coming."
As Melanie and Tristan continued to argue, Arabella smiled and glanced over at her father. He hummed a tune as he burped Declan and met her gaze. He gave a slight nod and Arabella returned the gesture.
All signs pointed to her dad deciding to fight. And if Finn could find a way for him to stay long-term, her family might grow yet again.
And to Arabella, who had once had almost no family and thought she'd die alone, it raised her spirits. She would never be able to see her mother again or meet Finn's parents, but she would never be without someone loving her.
Chapter Thirteen
Fergus MacKenzie stared at Gina's sleeping face and couldn't stop smiling.
His mate carried his child.
He had no idea how many days had passed during the frenzy, but more than enough had gone by to wear out his wee human. Ever since his dragon had told him she carried his scent, meaning she was pregnant, Fergus had wanted to pull her close and hold her.
But she deserved some sleep after how many times he and his dragon had taken her, so he let her rest.
His beast yawned. You don't have to worry about the frenzy any longer. If you pull her close, she'll probably just fall right back asleep.
I don't want to chance it.
Gina's sleepy voice filled the room. "I can feel you staring at me, Fergus." She opened her eyes. "Is something wrong?"
Running a finger down her cheek, he answered, "Nothing is wrong, lass. The frenzy is finished and you need the rest."
Gina sat up confidently, not bashful about her nakedness. Fergus should be the gentleman, but he couldn't help but glance down at her glorious breasts.
"Fergus." He met her gaze and she frowned. "What do you mean the frenzy is finished?"
Raising a hand, he lightly played with her nipple. "You carry my scent, which means you carry my child."
She batted his hand away and moved hers to cover her belly. "I'm pregnant?"
"Aye." He covered her hand with his. "I'm sorry it's
so soon after wee Jamie, lass. But I'm also happy I don't have to worry about doing this anymore."
He pulled her close and hugged her against him.
Many people took the simple act of holding a loved one for granted. However, Fergus had denied both of them the luxury for weeks, so he closed his eyes and savored his female's heat against him.
Kissing the top of Gina's head, he finally murmured, "I love you, Gina."
She snuggled into his chest. "Oh, Fergus. I love you, too. And I hope you know that I'm going to be glued to your side for a little while. I've missed my dragonman."
"You were only asleep for half an hour, love."
She lightly hit his chest. "You know what I mean. Maybe I should start using Jane Hartley's phrase of dragon cuddles." Leaning her head back, she met his eyes. "Promise me that you'll listen to me more from now on. I enjoy protection as much as the next person, but if you try to shut me out again, I'll leave. I need you to be open and honest with me, but also value my input, too."
His dragon grunted. Don't you dare lose her.