Grant sat down with Faye on one side and his mother on the other. The second they were all sitting, Lorna said, “Tonight is a special night as we welcome yet another family into our fold. Faye and Grant have fought their destiny for quite a while, but it’s good to see they finally had some sense and gave in to it.”
“We weren’t fighting it,” Faye murmured. “We were merely growing up.”
“Aye, you were. But sometimes, it just takes the right timing for it all to work out. Still, let’s welcome the McFarlands to many years of breaking bread at this table.”
“Mum, why are you being so formal?” Fraser asked. “It’s a bit odd, aye?”
Lorna frowned. “I’m trying to be nice. Don’t ruin it.”
Grant jumped in. “How about we eat instead of argue? Faye is hungry.”
“Faye is always hungry,” Fraser pointed out.
Faye picked up a pea and tossed it at Fraser. It bounced off his cheek and he raised his dark red eyebrows. “That is the best you have? You’re slipping in your old age, sister.”
With a growl, Faye picked up a roll, but Grant snatched it out of her hand before she could throw it. “You need to eat the food, not throw it.”
Faye batted her eyelashes. “What was that, dear?”
Her innocent tone, combined with her hand closed around something he couldn’t see, made him suspicious. However, before he could think of what to say without getting into trouble, a glob of mashed potatoes landed on top of his head just as Fraser yelled, “Bingo!”
Lorna clicked her tongue, but Chase plucked up a bite-sized potato and threw it at Fraser. It smacked loudly against his forehead and Fraser grunted. Chase grinned. “Did I forget to mention that I play cricket and can bowl quite well?”
“That’s it, this is war,” Fraser replied.
However, before Fraser could pick up the nearest plate of mashed turnips, Lorna said, “Stop or you won’t eat at all.”
All eyes moved to Finn, their clan leader. He shrugged one shoulder as he held a baby against the other. “This is Aunt Lorna’s house. It’s the one place where everyone listens to her, me included.”
Everyone sat in silence. Grant wasn’t sure if he was dreaming. He’d never seen the lot of them so quiet.
He glanced over at his mother, unsure of what he’d see. But Gillian sat with a smile on her face, trying not to laugh. Fraser slyly flicked an ice cube at Faye, and his mother did chuckle out loud. Lorna smiled warmly at her. “Aye, they have the manners of wild dogs, but they can make you laugh like no other. And as I always say, laughter is more precious than gold.”
“Since when do you say that?” Faye drawled.
“Since now. You lot have always been too busy picking up or tossing food to earn my words of wisdom.”
Ross snorted and Lorna glared at her mate. Ross kissed her cheek. “We love you just the way you are, Lorna.”
His mother’s smile faded and Lorna noticed. “Don’t worry, Gillian. Everyone deserves a second chance. We’ll find you yours.”
Gillian shook her head. “No, I’m fine—”
“Nonsense,” Lorna said. “There are several single older males in the clan or in the surrounding human towns. Ross here will help me find one that is worthy of you.”
Ross sighed. “Now, Lorna, how about we ask her what she wants, love?”
Faye jumped in. “How about we discuss that later? I’m starving. Since I’m carrying a bairn, you shouldn’t keep me waiting. Besides, Holly is probably hungry too.”
Holly put up her hands. “I’m staying out of it.”
Fraser said, “I’ll speak up. I heard her belly rumble. You don’t want her to expire right here in the middle of dinner, now, do you, Mum?”
Lorna shook her head. “I’m exhausted from cooking. Just go ahead and eat, but remember that the guests get first pick and then the new or expectant mothers.”
Faye snatched four rolls and dumped them on her plate. “Grant, help your mum. I need to load up my plate before Fraser takes all of the best bits of roast, pretending they’re for his mate when in actuality they’re for him.”
Grant expected another row to ensue, but Fraser was busy heaping food onto his mate’s plate.
Grant knew that Faye could fend for herself when it came to meals, so he turned toward his mother. “Go on, Mum. I have a feeling that if you don’t take something now, you might not eat.”
Gillian smiled and said to Lorna, “It looks delicious.”
Lorna waved a hand in dismissal. “It’s nothing. Next time, we can cook together. I hear you have a gravy recipe to die for.”
When Gillian’s cheeks flushed, Chase spoke up. “It’s true. We’ve told her many times before that she should offer Sylvia MacAllister some tips. Most of the food at her restaurant is great, but Mum has a few recipes that would drive the customers mad.”
“Hush, Chase,” Gillian whispered.
“Gillian can share with me in the meantime. Two of us cooking will make things easier when it comes to feeding you lot,” Lorna replied. “This house is pretty much a restaurant in its own right, except none of the customers are of the paying kind.”
Faye’s mouth was half-full as she said, “You wouldn’t let us starve. Besides, I tried to get you to teach me to cook, but you always refused.”
“That’s because you eat most of the ingredients before we start, Faye.”
“A cook is always supposed to sample,” Faye answered.
“Sample doesn’t mean eat everything in sight,” Lorna said as she tilted her head.
As Faye and her mother continued to argue, Grant couldn’t help but notice the amusement dancing in his own mum’s eyes. Between Faye at his side carrying his child and his mother finally enjoying herself for the first time in who knew how long, Grant was content. He may still need to claim Faye as his in front of the entire clan, but he didn’t need a ceremony to recognize that she was the best thing to happen not only to him, but to his family as well.
Faye MacKenzie had been exactly what he needed without knowing it.
Epilogue One
One Week Later
Faye tried one last time to tame her wild hair, but every time she smoothed it, the curls just popped up back into place. She hated any sort of product in her hair, so unless she shaved her head, she wasn’t going to do any better.
Her dragon sighed. It doesn’t matter. Grant likes our curls and his opinion is the only one that matters.
So my opinion counts for nothing?
In this case, no.
You’re just cranky because Mum made Grant and us sleep apart last night.
I don’t see why it was necessary. He is our mate. Nothing changes that.
While Faye was glad her dragon had changed her tune about Grant, the beast constantly wanted to take control and challenge Grant’s dragon. You do realize that in a few months, you’re going to have to hold back on your rough and tumble sessions.
All the reason to cede more time to me in the meantime.
As she tried to think of a response, Lorna knocked and waltzed into the room. “I’m not going to ask if you’re ready because I know you are. But I had to see my youngest one last time before she’s mated off.”
“Mum, it’s not like I’m going to Siberia after this. Grant’s and my job is to protect the clan. That means we’re staying on Lochguard, probably more than other couples over time.”
“I know. And while I love all of my children equally, you were the last gift I received from your father. And now I’m having to let you go.”
Faye’s eyes prickled. “He’s here in spirit, Mum. Besides, you always say Fergus takes after him. We’ll always have the slightly more serious influence around.”
Lorna took Faye’s face in her hands. “I’m sure Grant will help as well. Goodness knows that Ross encourages you lot more often than not.”
Faye smiled. “He suits you like Grant suits me. We’ve been lucky, Mum. So let’s celebrate instead of cry, aye?”
&nb
sp; Lorna kissed her cheek and then nodded. “You’re right. Besides, today is a double celebration, and if I start crying for your mating ceremony, then I’ll keep going for the tattoo and presentation ceremony for Finn and Ara’s bairns.”
“You don’t always have to be strong, you know.”
Lorna stood taller. “What and let Meg Boyd use it against me? No, thank you. I like being the favorite matriarch of the clan, so strong it is.”
Faye had tried convincing her mother hundreds of times that she and Meg were friends, not enemies, and that their competitions were ridiculous. However, it had all come to naught, so she merely replied, “I love you, Mum, but the ceremony is about to start and you need to leave.”
Lorna wrapped her arms around Faye and she hugged her back. “I love you, Faye Cleopatra.”
“I love you, too, Mum.”
Lorna pulled back. “Right, then I’m off to ensure your brothers don’t cause a ruckus. Come find us afterward, if the clan doesn’t mob you first.”
Faye smiled. “Even if I have to fight off wild dogs, I’ll use Grant as a shield and find you.”
Lorna lightly smacked her arm. “Stop being silly. I’m leaving now.”
Faye waved at her mother and she was soon alone again.
Even though Faye had never met her father, she wished he could be here.
Her dragon spoke up. And what about Ross? He makes Mum happy.
You’re right. And considering I never met Dad, it’s odd to miss him.
Not necessarily. We wouldn’t be here without him.
A sound echoed in the great hall. That was Faye’s cue to head out.
Taking a deep breath, she stood tall and exited the small room adjacent to the main hall. The clan’s rebuilding efforts weren’t quite complete—the great hall had been bombed a little over six months ago—but there was a roof and fires roaring in the fireplaces along the edges. Add in the entire clan’s attendance, including a few guests from Stonefire, and it was perfect.
She walked purposefully toward the raised dais at the front, where Grant stood in his kilt-like outfit. He was always handsome to her, but the deep red color only made him more attractive. Of course, it could be that his muscles and tattoo were showing and she had a weakness for them.
Grant’s gaze burned in hers as she made her way up the stairs and across the stage to stand next to him. Dragon-shifter mating ceremonies were between two people, and in that moment Faye didn’t register the hundreds of people in the room. The love in Grant’s gaze made her smile. “Hey there, stranger.”
He quickly winked and took her hand. Grant didn’t waste any time. He spoke with a strong, confident voice that echoed inside the hall. “Faye MacKenzie, we’ve known each other our whole lives. Growing up, we constantly annoyed each other. In the army, we had some more differences and trouble. And yet, last year, something changed. You weren’t merely the overly confident and lively female coworker. Aye, you still had those qualities, but a mere touch seared my skin. I think it took us growing up a bit to really recognize what was in front of us. I’m glad we took the chance because I can’t imagine anyone else standing by my side through all of life’s trials as well as helping me to keep the clan safe. I love you, Faye, and I wish to claim you as my mate. Do you accept the claim?”
Her heart thudded in her chest, but she managed to nod. Grant smiled slowly as he picked up the silver cuff on a stand next to them. It has his name engraved in Mersae, the old dragon language.
As the cool metal slid against the upper bicep of her tattoo-free arm, her dragon hummed in approval.
Faye touched the silver and spoke up. “You’re right, we’ve had our fair share of differences, as most of the clan can attest.” A few people chuckled. “But together we make each other better in ways we never could’ve imagined. You’re my perfect fit. Few males would accept a female at their side to protect the clan, let alone know when to take control or cede it. I love you, Grant McFarland, and I want to make you my mate in front of everyone. Do you accept my claim?”
“Aye,” he answered solemnly.
She knew he’d done it on purpose, to rile her up, but she didn’t fall for it. Faye picked up the larger silver cuff that had her name written in the old dragon language. As soon as she slipped it on Grant’s tattoo-free bicep, he hauled her up against his body and whispered, “You’re mine forever, Faye. Let’s show the clan.”
She was going to say he was equally hers, but Grant lowered his head and kissed her. As she opened to allow his tongue, she paid the whistles and catcalls no heed. Faye merely reveled in the taste and feel of her mate. She had more than love, she had an equal. And in Faye’s book, that was the most important thing of all.
Epilogue Two
Arabella MacLeod tucked the blanket around each of her babies in the pram. All three of them slept like the dead. They definitely took after Finn in that department.
Her dragon spoke up. We sleep better these days, too. Being pregnant is uncomfortable.
Says the beast who made it happen.
Her beast sniffed. It was instinct. Besides, I think it’s efficient to have three at once. We don’t have to do it again.
Finn came up to her and rubbed Arabella’s back. “You ready, love?”
She straightened up. “Yes. But tell me, did you find anyone from Seahaven in the hall?”
Clan Seahaven was a tiny clan that had left Lochguard before Finn and Arabella’s time, back when human mates were viewed as lesser. Relations were still rocky. “No,” Finn sighed. “But baby steps, aye? As much as everyone thinks I can work my magic with anyone, the Seahaven leader is a stubborn bastard.”
“Not that you can blame him. The former leader did banish him and the others.”
“Aye, I know. But we can talk more about that later.” He leaned down over the pram. “How are our three musketeers?”
She sighed. “I wish you’d stop calling them that.”
Finn grinned. “I gave you a list of names and that’s the one you disliked the least.”
“The demon trio doesn’t exactly instill confidence when it comes to finding babysitters,” Arabella drawled.
“Finn’s three amazing offspring is still an option.”
“Finn.”
“Aye, I know. You’re knackered and my teasing isn’t helping.”
She leaned against his side. “I’m just glad Tristan and Melanie arrived today. They can help us adjust.”
The clan had been deemed safe for the time being a few days ago. Finn was still cautious about the lake, but the DDA had finally taken the chemical weapon threat seriously. Between the DDA and the group of Lochguard and Stonefire scientists working on a neutralization cure, Arabella was confident they’d be able to rid the dragons of at least one threat in the near future.
Finn spoke up again. “I still say your brother should’ve stayed in his own cottage.”
She raised her brows. “There’s no way Tristan would allow Melanie to stay in a different house for their visit. You know that.”
Finn grunted. “Maybe.”
She rolled her eyes. “Just forget about my brother. Today should be about Gray, Dec, and Freya.”
Arabella stared down at her three babies and smiled. She didn’t know how someone could come to love three people so quickly, but she couldn’t imagine her life without her three little ones. She might be constantly tired and already had her fill of changing nappies, but she wasn’t going to take her children for granted. Her own parents had left Arabella and her brother too early. No matter what it took, Arabella was going to do everything in her power to ensure her babies had their parents for many years to come.
Finn kissed the top of her head. “Don’t forget about Faye and Grant. It’s their day, too.”
“Their ceremony is over. Ours should be about to start.”
Bram Moore-Llewellyn, Stonefire’s dark-haired clan leader, entered the room designated as the waiting area. Bram was like Arabella’s brother, and she smiled at him. “I
’m glad you could come, Bram.”
“Aye, well, Evie wasn’t too happy about staying behind, but it’s too dangerous to travel with the kids. Still, I had to come myself to ensure Finn wasn’t corrupting the wee ones already.”
Finn opened his mouth, but Arabella beat him to it. “He tries, but between me and Aunt Lorna, we should be able to keep it under control.”
A devilish look glinted in Finn’s eyes. “Speaking of which, Aunt Lorna is anxious to see you again, Bram.”
Bram shrugged. “I’m not going to be able to stay for long after the ceremony, so whatever plans you have in the works, you’ll just have to be disappointed.”
“Which is fine. All that matters is that you’re here now,” Arabella stated. She paused a second and added, “I hear the music used to quiet the clan for announcements playing so we should get going.”
Bram closed the distance and engulfed Arabella in a hug. “I’m happy for you, Ara.”
“Thanks, Bram. You played a part in it.”
Finn cleared his throat. “As did I.”
Bram released her and shook his head. “If you can handle Finn, your children should be a breeze.”
Before Finn could say anything, Bram exited the room. Arabella looked up at her mate. “I love you, but stop with the jealousy. Bram is my older brother in all but blood. You are my mate, Finn. I need you by my side for the ceremony or I might start bawling.”
He kissed her gently on the lips. “Bawling is allowed. Most mums do it when presented with the future tattoos for their bairns.”
“But they aren’t mated to the clan leader.” The music died down. “Right, then let’s see what Dylan and Kevin came up with.” She kissed him again. “Thanks for allowing Stonefire’s silversmith to help ours.”
“Well, Kevin Ogilvie has been backlogged as of late with the recent surge in bairns. It was a practical decision.” She gently hit his side and he continued, “Okay, it’s more than that. Stonefire is our closest ally. It only seemed fitting that our children receive pieces of history from both.”
The Dragon Warrior (Lochguard Highland Dragons Book 4) Page 24
