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PART FOUR
Chapter One
Every inch of Finn’s skin pulsed with an uncontrollable need to mate. He needed Arabella naked and under him or he might burst.
As Arabella rubbed against his side, he tightened his grip and turned his head to kiss her when Faye pushed between them and shoved Finn away.
His dragon snarled. Get rid of her. We need our mate.
With pleasure.
Blinded by the mate-claim frenzy, Finn jumped and tackled Faye to the ground. They rolled, Faye maneuvering on top at first, but then Finn used his weight to unbalance and move her underneath him. Pressing against her throat with his arm, he hissed, “If you stay, I can’t promise what will happen.”
Faye narrowed her eyes and shoved against his chest. “Get your bloody dragon under control, Finn. Did you hear me properly? The Dragon Knights are here and want Arabella.”
His dragon roared. She’s lying. She wants to distract us and allow her brothers to take our mate.
At the mention of Fergus and Fraser, a ray of reason shone through in his brain. They would never do that.
She wants to trick us. Don’t believe her.
But what if she’s right? Do you really want to chance our mate’s safety?
His beast rumbled. Find out quickly. If you are wrong, I will take control and not let you out until our female is pregnant.
Easing the pressure against Faye’s neck, Finn demanded, “What the hell do you mean we’re under attack from the Dragon Knights and they want Arabella? Explain and do it quickly. My dragon views you as a threat right now.”
Faye’s eyes flashed to dragon slits. “Tell your dragon to fuck off. I’m not about to take his crap.”
Finn managed through gritted teeth to say, “Just explain, Faye. You can curse him out later.”
Faye huffed. “For the clan’s sake, fine. The Dragon Knights are trying to infiltrate through the secret exit points. Since only the clan knows about them, we have a traitor.”
Finn growled. “Duncan.”
Faye nodded. “Aye, I suspect as much. As for wanting Arabella, they leaked that little demand to the media and I received an alert on my phone.” Faye looked to Arabella and back. “What do you want to do?”
Looking over at Arabella, she was standing with her fingers and jaw clenched. The look of concentration on her face told him she was trying to restrain her dragon.
His dragon growled and spoke up again. She is ours. We must take her to safety. Then we can fuck her and keep everyone away.
Fucking is the last thing we’re doing right now.
His dragon snarled. I’m done waiting. I want our mate.
And if we’re killed when naked with her under us, what then?
My instincts will protect us, his beast stated.
As much as I trust your instincts, we’re doing this my way.
Whatever you do, I will break free.
Try it, dragon. You’ll lose.
Before his beast could take over his mind completely, Finn constructed his most complex maze to date and shoved his dragon inside. His beast roared and threw his body against the walls, but thanks to twenty years of practice and advice from Fergus, the walls held.
At a later time, Finn would need to thank Fergus. His cousin’s suggestions might just help him save the clan.
Satisfied the maze should keep his dragon busy for at least an hour, it gave him time enough to deal with the most pressing threats. There was no fucking way he would let Duncan or the Dragon Knights win. He would claim Arabella when this was over, which meant surviving the attack with both his clan leadership and life intact.
He focused back on Faye. “Have they breached any of the entrances yet?”
Faye shook her head. “No. I have my best Protectors holding them off. But that’s not the only problem, Finn.”
Arabella’s scent wafted into his nose and his dragon roared from inside his maze. Gritting his teeth, Finn spat out, “Tell me quickly, Faye. I don’t have a lot of time.”
Because of the seriousness of the situation, Faye merely answered, “The older Protectors have disappeared.”
“Fuck,” Finn muttered. “And Bram’s reinforcements?”
“They should be here soon but they haven’t arrived yet,” Faye replied.
Arabella touched his shoulder and his dragon nearly succeeded in breaking free. Her voice strained when she said, “Finn, I can’t hold off my dragon much longer. Either leave or fuck me. I’m close to losing control.”
Finn released his hold on Faye and stood up to face Arabella. With the faint light highlighting her beautiful face, his need to mate only grew stronger. Fuck. If he didn’t do something, Finn would end up failing everyone. There was so much he still needed to do to bring peace to Lochguard. If he ever wanted to accomplish any of it, he would have to get his shit together.
Drawing on every protective instinct he held for both Arabella and his clan, Finn blocked out his dragon and ordered, “Give me a second with Arabella, Faye, and then you’ll take her to the Protectors’ safe room in the command center while I take care of Duncan.”
Faye bobbed her head. She was a clever lass, knowing it wasn’t the time to challenge him. “A minute is all I can spare, Finlay, so make it quick.”
As soon as his cousin was ten feet away, Finn placed his finger under Arabella’s chin and stared straight into her slitted pupils. “You are one of the strongest dragon-shifters I know, Arabella MacLeod. I need you to remain in control of your dragon for a little while longer because I need your help. You aren’t about to let me down, are you, heather?”
Her pupils turned round as she narrowed her eyes and he knew his lass was slowly gaining control. “At a time like this you’re really going to call me heather?”
“Yes. I don’t have time to argue. Just listen and imagine the most complex maze of twists, turns, and numerous dead ends. Then stuff your dragon into the middle.”
“I’ve never done that and don’t have the time to learn.” She rubbed her hand across his chest. “All I can think about is ripping off your clothes and trying not to break your penis.”
He threaded every bit of dominance he possessed into his voice. “If you don’t help me, then you’ll never get my cock.” He raised her chin an inch higher. “I need you to call Bram and let him know what’s going on.”
“You want me to lock away my dragon in some kind of maze, control the unstoppable lust pounding through my body, and reach out to Bram? Finn, I can barely have this conversation with you without humping your body. How can I get any of that accomplished without embarrassing myself? I crave an orgasm more than breathing right now.”
“You can do it all, Arabella, and you will.”
~~~
Every inch of Arabella’s body was on fire. Each second she breathed in Finn’s scent, her desire pounded harder. All her dragon wanted to do was fuck their mate. How in the bloody hell was she supposed to control her and do what he asked?
Her dragon roared. You won’t. You deny me and you will regret it.
The threat cut through her lust. Don’t you dare threaten me.
I’m stronger and I will win.
With a growl, she hissed, We’ll see about that, dragon. I’m just as strong as you.
As her beast rammed against the temporary wall Arabella had constructed, she imagined a labyrinth of stone, shrubs, and even pits of fire. Using circuit board designs as inspiration, she soon had a massive maze-prison inside her head.
Lowering the invisible wall holding her dragon at the new entrance to the maze, her beast rushed forth. Arabella slammed a mental wall at the exit.
Keeping her voice strong, Arabella stated, I’m stronger, dragon. Now, hush.
Her beast roared, but Arabella ignored it. She looked back up at Finn and smiled. “I did it, Finn. I constructed a maze.”
“Good lass. I would kiss you, but I won’t chance it.”
She frowned. “I’m going to ignore mak
ing a comment for the good of the clan.” She glanced to Faye in the distance and back. “I don’t know how long I can keep my dragon inside the maze, though. I will call Bram, but you should stay away from me until the threat has passed. I’m not sure I can contain her again. She’ll be pissed when she gets out and may take control.”
“I believe in you, Ara. Tell your dragon to calm the fuck down.”
She raised her eyebrows. “I’m assuming that works with yours?”
“I like to think so.” As she rolled her eyes, Finn reached out to touch her, but pulled back. “But don’t worry, I’m going to stay clear until I take care of the Dragon Knights.”
Arabella’s heart squeezed. “Be careful of those bastards. If you get yourself killed before we have sex, then I’ll find a way to curse you even in death.”
Amusement danced in Finn’s eyes. “I’d like to see you try.” Finn noticed Faye walking toward them and his face turned serious. “I don’t have much time, so I have another request. When you talk to Bram, ask the Stonefire humans if they know of anything that could help with the Dragon Knights. They’re crazy bastards and as much as I want to kill them off, I can’t anger the DDA if I want any more human sacrifices in the future.”
Arabella’s dragon roared and threw her body against the roof of the maze. She wasn’t going to be happy when she got out.
Still, Finn and her new clan needed her, so Arabella steeled herself against her beast’s tantrum and nodded. “I’ll see what Evie knows or if she has any contacts that can help us.”
“That’s my lass.”
Finn’s belief in her warmed her heart. Her dragon roared again, wanting more than words to warm their body, but testing the walls of the maze, everything was still holding. However, since this was the first time Arabella had tried a mental maze, the process was slowly sapping her energy. She would need to practice more in the future.
Faye walked up to them and held up her mobile phone. “Sorry, Finn. But our defenses are weakening. I need orders and we need to go.”
He nodded. “Right, then take Arabella to the safe room inside the Protector’s headquarters and have her well-guarded. Bram’s reinforcements should be arriving soon to help you.” Finn patted the sporran-like pouch over his crouch. “I’ll have my mobile, but since I need to take care of Duncan, I’m not sure if I can respond right away.”
His cousin replied, “Understood.” She motioned for Arabella to follow and then Faye threw over her shoulder, “Be careful, cousin.”
“You, too.” Finn looked to Arabella. “Show everyone what I already knew you’re made of. This is your day to shine, Arabella MacLeod. It’s time to save our clan.”
Emotion choked her throat. Finn’s belief in her was absolute. No one else had believed in her that way since Arabella’s mother had died.
Yet she forced her voice to remain even as she replied, “And you don’t do anything stupid. I know that’s going to be difficult, but try.”
Finn winked. “Only because my lovely lass asked me.”
Faye placed a hand on Arabella’s shoulder. “It’s time, Ara. We need to go.”
Arabella met Finn’s gaze one last time before she turned and walked away. Her dragon clawed to get out of her prison, wanting to hold their mate and never let go. A small part of Arabella felt the same way, yet she needed to trust in Finn. If she couldn’t put her faith in him, then the clan couldn’t either. He was Lochguard’s leader and it was time to let him shine.
Her dragonman would find a way to make it all work and return to complete the frenzy.
Straightening her shoulders, she focused her energies on containing her dragon. Reaching out to Bram should be doable, but she had no idea how long she could remain in control, let alone knew if she could help Lochguard. She wasn’t a warrior; Arabella was only good with computers.
Then an idea hit her. She looked over to Faye. “I’m assuming the safe room has a secure connection and a somewhat powerful computer?”
“Aye,” Faye answered. “Why?”
“If you give me access, then after contacting Bram, I have an idea.”
~~~
By the time Finn approached the great hall, he was bloody tired of his dragon banging around his head. With a growl, he ordered, Stop it. I need to take care of Duncan. Do you really want him to take over and possibly kill our mate?
While his dragon didn’t fall completely silent, his roars and snarls were barely audible.
Good. It wasn’t as if Finn didn’t want to whisk Arabella away to a secret location and let the frenzy claim them. But to do that would endanger his family, his friends, and his clan. He may not like them all equally, but he would keep them together. At least, until he could sort the traitors from the loyal ones.
Finn clenched his fingers at the very idea of someone telling the Dragon Knights how to break into the clan. He’d been too soft up until the present. No more. Finn would find the evidence he needed and punish the traitors.
He was about ten feet away from the entrance when he finally noticed Fergus and Fraser standing off to the side. Good. They’d received his earlier instructions sent via text message.
Walking diagonally away from the hall, the twins moved until they met him under a Scots pine tree. Finn kept his voice low as he asked, “Did you do what I asked?”
Fraser nodded. “Aye. Meg Boyd’s younger cousin is flirting with Duncan. He hasn’t left the hall, although not for want of trying. Helen is a right tease.”
Finn looked to Fergus. “And you?”
Fergus crossed his arms over his chest. “Since most of the Protectors are on the perimeter, Shay ended up calling on the Boyd brothers and the MacAllister siblings. All of them know how to fight and most of them dirty. They’re all just waiting for the signal, if needed.”
“Good,” Finn answered. “Then let’s put my plan into action.”
Finn took the lead and his twin cousins followed.
Entering the great hall, Finn headed straight for the dais as Fraser and Fergus went the long way around to where Duncan was flirting with the pretty redhead.
Once on stage, Finn checked to see Shay at the main exit with Alistair Boyd, the two other Boyd brothers near the rear exit, and the five MacAllister siblings not too far from where Duncan was sitting. When Fraser and Fergus were in position, Finn raised his hand into the hall and the chatter and music died down. All eyes were on him.
Drawing on every ounce of strength he possessed, Finn addressed the crowd. “You aren’t the only one surprised to see me. I had planned to spend the next week with my mate, but all of that has changed. Lochguard is under attack.”
Murmurs rose up, but Finn only raised his voice. “If you’re thinking of panicking, then stop. We’re Clan Lochguard and we’re better than that. We survived the attacks during the Sutherland clearances and we can survive this, provided I have your help.” Some of the noise died down and more than one set of shoulders straightened. “I need all of you to go home, lock your doors, and guard your families. If you see anything suspicious, make sure to contact the help line and provide as many details as possible.
“As for the intruders, the Protectors are handling them. Stonefire reinforcements will also be here shortly. Barring a nuclear bomb, Faye MacKenzie will have all of this sorted in no time.”
Someone shouted from the crowd, “Who are the invaders?”
Finn was always truthful with his clan if he could help it. He saw no reason to lie. “The Dragon Knights.”
A few shouts went up and Finn quickly scanned the crowd. Duncan was slowly inching his way toward the rear exit. Since he had yet to find any proof that Duncan was behind the betrayal, he needed to get the bastard out of the room without pointing fingers. Only then could Finn question the older dragon-shifter.
Putting two fingers to his mouth, Finn whistled. Once the noise was at a manageable level, he continued, “Faye and I are taking care of it. Now, I need you to go home and do your part because I can’t keep the clan safe
without your help.” Finn swept the crowd with his eyes. “However, one last thing—anyone who flees the clan’s lands before an evacuation alarm is sounded won’t be welcomed back. If you won’t stand with us under the tough times, we don’t want you here during the easy times. To a dragon-shifter, clan and family means everything.” More than a few people bobbed their heads. Finn motioned toward the doors, which was also the signal for his people to act. “Now, go home and protect your families. I’ll let you know via text or an announcement over the speaker system when it’s safe.”
Finn clapped and everyone moved toward the exits. At the same time, the MacAllisters, Fraser, and Fergus closed in on Duncan, who was also heading toward the rear exit. The plan was to let him out, but corner him outside so as not to attract notice.
Unfortunately, as much as he itched to leave straight away, Finn had to answer questions and ensure everyone left the great hall. Only then could he check in on Duncan.
He had faith that his loyal clan members would do as asked and stay inside. He only hoped the Dragon Knights didn’t start attacking from the sky, because then Finn wasn’t sure what to do. Dragon-shifters had always been rulers of the sky. Once all of this was over and he’d claimed Arabella, Finn would think on how to solve that little detail. He wanted to be prepared for the future.
Yet as a family approached him, Finn gave a reassuring smile and focused on the present.
Chapter Two
Arabella pulled her hair over one shoulder and twisted it before tossing it back. She was alone in Lochguard’s command center, waiting for Bram to establish a video chat connection. It’d taken her fifteen minutes to set up a secure enough line to attempt one.
As she rubbed her hands against her thighs, her dragon banged against the maze walls for the hundredth time. Each time her dragon did it, Arabella’s heart rate ticked up a little bit more. Her walls were still holding, but once they finally fell, she would be in a world of trouble. A dragon-shifter in a mate-claim frenzy but without a mate to claim could be dangerous.
Healed by the Dragon: Boxed Set (Parts #1-4) Page 17
