The Dragon Guardian

by Jessie Donovan

  Holly nodded. “You may get sore as well. But I’ll leave some special cream, just in case you need it.”

  Everyone watched Jamie for a few seconds. The nine-pound lad was hungry.

  While never taking her eyes off Jamie, Gina reached out her free hand and took Holly’s. “Before you leave, tell me why you keep smiling when you look at Jamie.”

  Fergus’s beast snorted. Gina has the bollocks you lack.

  Shut it, dragon.

  Holly cleared her throat. “With everything going on, it’s not really the time.”

  Gina looked up and smiled at Holly. “Of course it is. In times like these, happy news is direly needed.”

  Holly brushed some imaginary dust off her arm. “I also don’t want to jinx it.”

  Gina grinned. “I knew it. You’re pregnant.”

  Holly’s eyes darted to the door and back to Gina. “Keep your voice down. Fraser and I don’t want Lorna to know until the last possible moment.”

  Fergus eyed his sister-in-law. “That’s why you’re wearing a new, stronger scented lotion. To mask the scent.”

  “Aye. The last thing I need is everyone treating me like a delicate flower. My work is important and I can’t disappoint my patients.”

  Fergus shrugged. “If Fraser allows it, then I’m not going to go up against him.”

  Holly raised her brows. “Oh, aye? So I have no say in the matter?”

  Fergus was quick to answer. “Of course you do, although Fraser is going to become overly protective as you progress. You mated a dragonman. You knew that would happen.”

  Holly sighed. “I know. But just promise me you’ll keep it from Lorna for now.”

  Absently stroking Gina’s hair, he answered, “I will. You helped my mate through her delivery. I’m deeply in your debt for that.”

  Holly waved a hand in dismissal. “It’s my job. And the easiness of the birth makes me think there’s a reason behind it. Once everything settles, will you allow me to ask you some questions and draw some blood, Gina? If I can make it easier for humans birthing dragon-shifter children in the future, it will save a lot of heartache.”

  Gina nodded. “Of course. Although I highly doubt I have some super-secret ingredient in my blood. Sometimes humans give birth to dragon-shifter babies without any complications.”

  “Sometimes, but it’s rare.” Holly gently touched wee Jamie’s head. “Right, then I need to go. Arabella’s missing Finn and trying not to admit it.”

  In deep talks with the DDA, Finn couldn’t risk being out of range while he traveled to Lochguard. There was also worry that Finn could become a target if he traveled back too quickly. Grant and the other Protectors were still searching the area for any lingering enemies.

  Fergus motioned toward the door with his head. “Then help her.”

  Gina spoke up again. “Tell her to come visit. I could use the company when Fergus has to help Fraser, Grant and Faye.”

  “I told you I can stay here another day.”

  Gina raised her brows. “I’ll be fine. The clan needs your help more than I. You can only find out so much from the control room.”

  Holly gathered her supplies and placed them in her medical kit. “Let’s see if I can get Arabella here first. Her behavior...worries me.”

  Fergus chimed in. “Finn will be home soon. If anyone can get it out of her, it’s my cousin.”

  “Aye, I hope so,” Holly said. “I think she’s depressed about the triplets. Maybe if I can get Melanie Hall-MacLeod on the phone, she can help. From all accounts, Mel has a way with Arabella.”

  Fergus replied, “Well, Dr. Sid is here. You could always have her try to talk to Arabella.”

  “That might work.” Holly picked up her bag. “I have my mobile phone on. Call if there’s an emergency.”

  Left alone, Fergus kissed Gina’s cheek. He watched their son nurse a second before he placed his hand over hers. “I wish I could stay here forever.”

  Gina snuggled against him. “Me, too. But you have that conference call. And I have an idea I want you to run past Jane Hartley.”

  “The former reporter? Why?”

  “Because we might be able to turn this disaster into something positive.”

  “I thought you were supposed to be exhausted.”

  The corner of Gina’s mouth ticked up. “I’m tired, but often my brain goes into overdrive when I’m really tired. When I was trying to take a nap before Jamie woke up, I had an idea.”

  “Aye? I’m listening.”

  “Well, in addition to marketing, I studied a lot about public relations. Much like when you want to invoke an emotion or a need to buy something when advertising, the same can work for a principal or law. After Stonefire was attacked, the public moved to support them. As a result of that and Melanie’s efforts, Stonefire has been granted special privileges. Dragonmen can petition for a special license to mate a human. Yet they’re the only clan allowed to do so.”

  “They are, but I’m not sure I follow.”

  “If I could’ve mated you, I would’ve garnered the protection of the DDA. The attack most likely wouldn’t have happened.”

  Fergus frowned. “I don’t know about that. The traitors are determined to see Lochguard crumble.”

  “But the DDA would’ve acted quicker. Or, at least listened to any grievances Lochguard had.”

  Fergus grunted. “The DDA rarely helps unless they’re forced to do so.”

  Gina adjusted Jamie at her breast. “Even so, if we could prevent another woman from worrying about her future if she falls for a dragon-shifter, that would help.”

  “Aye, you’re right. But what do you expect Jane Hartley to do?”

  Gina met his gaze. “She could put together a special report with footage of the clean-up. Do you think Finn will allow that?”

  His dragon stood tall. Our mate is clever. She will keep you on your toes.

  You’re only realizing this now?

  Ignoring his beast, he answered Gina. “I’ll run it by Finn first, if he has the time. Remember, he’s working hard to ensure you can stay here. I want that finished first.”

  “But Fergus, since when do you put your own wishes above the clan?”

  He hugged his mate tighter. “When it comes to you, lass, I’ll do anything to keep you. Not just because you’re my true mate. I love you, Gina MacDonald, and I’m never letting you go.”

  Gina met his eyes. “Fergus.”

  “Is that a good, breathy ‘Fergus’ or a bad one?”

  The corner of her mouth ticked up. “A good one.”

  He leaned down to her lips and murmured, “Care to tell me why?”

  “Because I love you, too, Fergus MacKenzie.”

  She raised her head until her lips met his. He devoured her mouth and let her know how much he cared for her. He only hoped Finn’s charm worked on the DDA. Gina deserved a proper home and to be loved. He never wanted her to be on the run again.

  Or, to be stolen from him.

  Fergus deepened the kiss, claiming her all over again. No matter what it took, he was keeping Gina MacDonald and wee Jamie. And no one was going to stop him.

  ~~~

  Sid finished her latest round of visiting the long-term care patients. While one male had lost a leg and another an arm, no one had died apart from the two females during the bombing.

  She’d like to think it was because she refused to let them die. But she also didn’t want to let her clan leader, Bram, down. Sid wanted to strengthen relations between the doctors in the UK and abroad. Bram would never allow her to leave the clan again if she didn’t give 100 percent and try her damnedest to save every life.

  Well, that might not be completely true. Bram trusted her. Sid had earned it over their lifetime. There was another reason.

  Glancing over to the partitioned section in the back of the tent, deep down she admitted she didn’t want to let Dr. Gregor Innes down, either. It was stupid, really. Sid was in her late thirties and had long ago picked her
career over a mate. She didn’t know the first thing about Lochguard’s doctor. For all she knew, he could be a controlling, dominating prick.

  Tell yourself that, Sid. Everyone spoke highly of the overprotective doctor and his tragic past. Most of the unattached females also had dreamy looks in their eyes when they spoke of him. A few times, she wanted to walk away rather than deal with the jealousy that flared deep inside herself.

  After drinking some water, Sid placed her cup down and headed toward the section at the back. She’d put off checking on her last patient long enough. There’d been no change, according to the nurse’s report an hour ago. If she were quick, Sid could check his vitals, jot them down, and be off duty in five minutes for her scheduled lunch break. Then she would have some time to try and clear her mind of him. Again.

  She slipped through the opening and blinked. Gregor Innes was sitting up with his back to her, flipping through his chart.

  For a second, she admired his broad shoulders and trim waist. Then she shook her head, and switched into doctor mode. “Gregor Innes, what the bloody hell are you doing? Lie back down.”

  Gregor looked over at her, his brows frowning over his grey eyes. “You’re English. Who are you?”

  She walked over and plucked the chart from his fingers. “I’m your doctor. My name is Cassidy Jackson.”

  His pupils slitted. “The Stonefire doctor.”

  “Yes. Now that's out of the way, lay down and let me examine you.”

  His eyes flashed again. “Where’s Layla?”

  Sid wasn’t a novice when it came to stubborn dragon-shifter males. She pointed toward the bed. “Last warning. Lay. Down.”

  They stared at one another for a second and Sid debated the best way to get Innes into bed.

  An image of her lying on top of a naked, toned Gregor flashed into her mind. Before she could banish it, her heart thumped double-time. What the hell was wrong with her?

  The corner of Gregor’s mouth ticked up. “I can see how much you want to examine me, doctor. I’ll be a good patient.”

  Sid rolled her eyes. “They say doctors make the worst patients and I’m starting to think it’s true.”

  Gregor’s chuckle was a rich, warm sound that sent a wave of longing over her. For some odd reason, she wanted to hear it again.

  Then Logan’s voice came over the radio and broke the spell. “You have a new patient to see you, Dr. Sid.”

  Picking up the radio, she pressed the button. “Is it urgent?”

  Logan answered, “Not particularly, but I wouldn’t want to keep Finn’s mate waiting.”

  Arabella was here. “Give me a few minutes and I’ll be there.”

  Lowering her radio, Sid motioned with her hand. “Lay down. I have shit to do and flirting with you isn’t one of them.”

  Gregor lay back, covering his lower half with a sheet. While unusual considering dragon-shifter didn’t think twice about nudity, Sid let it pass. Moving to his side, she gently touched the bump on his head. It was half the size of the day before. “The bump is healing and should be gone by tomorrow. Since nothing showed up in your earlier scans, you can start helping Layla later today. Her other helper, Daniel Keith, left this morning.”

  Gregor’s voice was more neutral when he asked, “What about the clan? How are they?”

  Sid looked at him askance. “Most of them did fine.” She paused, and finally decided to just spit out the bad news. “Your brother’s mate and eldest daughter were the only fatalities. I’m truly sorry, Gregor.”

  All signs of his earlier humor vanished, replaced with a frown and flashing eyes. “Where are Harris and Fiona?”

  “I sent them home to rest. I’ll have a nurse call them in here soon.”

  Gregor put up a hand. “Don’t disturb them. I know from experience that he’ll need some time to pull himself together enough for visitors.”

  As a doctor, Sid shouldn’t push for personal details that could upset a patient. But she blurted out, “Because of your mate and son.”

  “Aye.”

  Gregor never broke eye contact. Sid didn’t know how long they stared at one another, yet she didn’t want to be the one to look away. There was hidden pain in his eyes, probably much like there was in hers. They each had different pasts, but had more in common than Gregor would ever know. Both of them understood deep loss.

  Logan’s voice came over the radio again. “Dr. Sid?”

  She finally forced her gaze away to answer him. “I’m on my way.” Looking back to Gregor, she added, “I need to go.”

  “Aye, I reckon you do. Thanks for helping, Cassidy.”

  No one had called her Cassidy since she’d lost her dragon. Only through sheer force of will did she prevent her eyes from tearing up at the memories of when she’d been Cassidy instead of Sid.

  Still, she couldn’t bring herself to correct him. She almost wanted him to say her full name again, which was ridiculous.

  Then she remembered Arabella and her duties. “You’re welcome. I’m sure I’ll see you again before I leave.”

  Sid turned. As she exited the room, she heard Gregor murmur, “Aye, we will, lass. That we will.”

  Pushing aside her curiosity at his statement, Sid rushed toward the front of the tent. One look at Arabella, and Sid forgot all about Gregor. Wrapping an arm around the female’s shoulder, Sid ushered her into an empty partition. The second they were alone, Sid demanded, “Tell me what’s wrong, Arabella MacLeod.”

  Arabella remained silent for a few seconds before she turned to Sid and hugged her. Taken by surprise, Sid patted Arabella’s back. “Ara? Tell me. Nothing can be as bad as the dragon hunters.” When Arabella remained silent, Sid lowered her voice. “You can tell me anything. I won’t tell Bram unless there’s a threat to Stonefire.”

  “There’s no threat,” Arabella murmured.

  “Then stop stalling and tell me. I have a feeling you don’t want to appear weak in front of Lochguard. I understand that. But I’ve seen you at your lowest, Ara, and I’ve seen you at your strongest. There’s little you can say that will surprise me.”

  Taking a deep inhalation, Arabella finally answered, “I don’t think I can handle three babies. When Finn’s here, I can borrow his strength. But when he’s gone, I just can’t. And I know he’s clan leader and I don’t want him to put Lochguard at risk. But I need him or I’m going to fail.”

  Sid took Arabella’s shoulders and forced the woman back to meet her eye. “You’re not going to fail, Ara. You have family in two clans now who can help. No one would begrudge a mother of triplets asking for help.”

  “But that means I can’t handle my own children. I don’t want to become ‘poor Arabella’ again.”

  Sid had known Arabella her whole life and had been one of the few who’d talked to the female after her torture. Arabella had come so far and she wasn’t about to allow her to regress. “That’s it, we’re calling Finn.”

  “No—”

  “I know he’s busy, but if he knew I’d seen you like this and I didn’t tell him, he’d never allow me back.” Sid put out her hand. “Give me your mobile. I want to talk to him first.”

  Arabella hesitated a second before complying. Sid dialed Finn’s number. He answered on the first ring. “Arabella? What’s wrong, love?”

  “Finn, this is Sid.”

  Finn jumped in before she could say more. “Is Ara okay? Did something happen to the bairns?”

  “The babies are fine. But you need to talk to Arabella and it can’t wait.”

  “Then put her on,” Finn ordered.

  Sid held out the phone and whispered to Arabella, “Talk to him. Finn may be busy, but he’ll always have time for you.”

  Arabella gingerly took the phone. Taking a deep breath, Arabella’s voice cracked when she said, “Finn.”

  Wanting to give Arabella privacy, Sid stepped outside the tent and stood guard. Her lunch could wait. Arabella needed her.

  Yet as her eyes scanned the room, her gaze fell on t
he back section. Gregor stepped out of the partition, fully dressed in scrubs and a white coat. She should yell at him to rest, but Sid understood his need to help the clan. All good doctors made the clan their first priority.

  His eyes met hers and a spark traveled down her spine. For the first time in a long time, she wondered what it would be like to lean on someone else when things turned difficult.

  But Gregor looked away and rushed toward the opposite end of the tent, away from her, reminding her of her silly fantasies. Sid was half a woman without her dragon. While she was stable for the present, she might not be so in the future. She needed to focus on helping others while she still could. There was nothing to be done about helping herself.

  Her dragon half would never return.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Two days later, Gina stepped into the fresh air for the first time in days and cuddled her baby against her chest.

  Parts of the warehouse lay in rubble, whereas one section had miraculously survived. It only made Gina wonder what the rest of Lochguard looked like.

  Fergus squeezed her shoulders. “Come, lass. Let’s take wee Jamie home.”

  Gina tore her gaze away from the wreckage and whispered to her son, “Let’s not make your daddy worry too much. Come on.”

  Fergus grunted. “It’s bloody freezing out here. The lad doesn’t need to catch a cold.”

  They started walking. “He’ll be fine. I swear you wrapped him in five blankets. Besides, I could do with a little Vitamin D from the sun.”

  It was a rare clear, sunny day. “The lad is half dragon-shifter. He doesn’t need it. And you can take some vitamins.”

  Gina rolled her eyes. “Your mom was right—you’re going to drive me crazy.”

  “Aye, and proud of it.”

  They walked in silence for a minute and Gina reveled in the normalcy of the act. However, as much as Fergus tried to act strong, the tenseness of his muscles spoke volumes. She looked over at him. “I’m sure Finn has good news.”

  “If he did, then why wouldn’t he tell us over the phone?”

  Gina shrugged. “He has his reasons. Maybe there’s something sensitive he didn’t want to leak out.”