The Dragon Guardian Read online

  Gina waved and Faye jogged away. He was finally alone with his human again.

  His dragon hummed. Find out why we’re a contradiction. And more importantly, why our human blushed.

  Taking a deep breath, Fergus turned toward Gina. He stood only a few inches away, which was too bloody close. But he wasn’t going to allow the proximity to distract him. “Explain yourself, lass.” Gina raised an eyebrow and he added, “Gina. Explain yourself, Gina.”

  The human smiled and he felt as if he’d been punched in the gut. With her curly red hair blowing around her pale face, she was beautiful.

  Kiss her, his dragon urged.

  Fergus’s gaze dropped to Gina’s pink lips. Even now, he remembered how soft and warm they were next to his. And damn, her taste. He could drink her in all day.

  His beast added, Just wait until we lick between her thighs.

  The image of Gina naked and at the mercy of his tongue flashed into his head. What he wouldn’t give to caress every inch of her body. She deserved to be treasured and he had a feeling the American bastard hadn’t done so.

  No doubt, the Yank arsehole had hurt her. Maybe Fergus could win her over slowly and prove he was different.

  His dragon growled, but the human’s voice interrupted his thoughts. “As much fun as it is watching your pupils flash and emotions dance in your eyes, either talk with me or I’ll ask the next person I see to take me to my new home.”

  Fergus grunted. “I can’t help it. My bloody dragon lives to irritate me. I love order and rules and he despises them. Imagine having a constant battle inside your mind, and that’s what it’s like.”

  Gina paused a beat before asking, “Then if it’s so bad, how have you not gone crazy?”

  His dragon swished his tail in the back of his mind. Fergus ignored him. “I may complain, but my dragon is an essential part of me. No matter where I am or where I go, I will never be truly alone.”

  Gina’s face softened. “That sounds nice.”

  “It’s more than nice, lass. But just because I can’t imagine living without the bloody beast doesn’t mean it’s easy. America has had its fair share of rogue dragons as well. Those who can’t maintain control end up being a danger to more than just themselves.”

  Placing a hand on her belly, Gina looked into the distance. “I hope my baby will be okay.”

  The concern on her face shot straight to his heart. He placed his forefinger under her chin and gently tilted her head back toward him. When she met his eye, he should’ve dropped his hand. But her skin was soft and he couldn’t resist lightly stroking it. “If I have any say in the matter, the lad will grow up to be strong and in complete control of his other half.”

  “You say that now, but once he’s born and crying in the middle of the night, you’ll bolt the first chance you get.”

  “No, I won’t.” She opened her mouth, but he moved his finger against her lips. “I will take care of you as long as you allow me the privilege, Gina MacDonald. I vow it.”

  The wind swirled around them, but all of his attention was on Gina’s face. He willed for the female to grant him the honor of protecting both mother and bairn.

  Gina’s eyes grew wet and it squeezed his heart. Both man and beast wanted to do everything in their power to chase away the tears. Their human deserved to laugh and be happy.

  More than that, she deserved to be loved.

  ~~~

  Gina was about five seconds from turning into a blubbery mess. She wanted to believe Fergus truly meant what he said. Not only that, but that he also wanted to help raise her son and even take care of her.

  Of course, Gina could take care of herself. She’d done it for months. But just the idea of having someone to lean on when things turned difficult made her heart warm.

  The only question was whether Fergus MacKenzie was sincere or not.

  Yet the longer she stared into his dark blue eyes the less she thought about her past or what trouble might lurk in the future. Her dragonman’s fierce, intense gaze sent a tingle down her spine and heat between her legs. Fergus MacKenzie was focused on her and only her.

  She could only imagine what would happen if she allowed him to care for her.

  A familiar voice carried in the wind—it was Fraser. “Oi, brother, hurry up. Holly’s impatient to see Gina inside and resting.”

  Fergus flipped off his brother, but never broke eye contact with Gina. He was the first to speak. “We’d better go or my mum will be next. The MacKenzies are, for the most part, an impatient lot.”

  Gina seized the change of topic and smiled. “Except for you, of course.”

  “But of course.” He wrapped his arm around her shoulders again. She nearly sighed in contentment, but held back. “We’re almost there, lass. Come on.”

  After Fergus picked up the cat carrier, they walked the last few minutes in silence.

  Any time they walked past another dragonman, Fergus hugged her a little tighter. On some level, she was offended as she didn’t belong to any man. Yet the action showed her that Fergus wasn’t as controlled as he liked everyone to believe. She wondered what would happen if she broke that control? Would an unrestrained Fergus be as careful and considerate around her? Or, would his dragon have the upper hand and pursue her?

  Maybe if she survived the evening, she could poke and prod at Fergus’s self-control a little and find out.

  Before she could think on why she wanted to do that, a large, two-story cottage came into view and the front door opened to reveal a middle-aged woman with blonde hair streaked with gray.

  Fergus murmured, “That’s my mum,” right before the older dragonwoman spoke up. “About time, Fergus. I wanted the lass to have a hot scone. By now, they’re only mildly warm.”

  Fergus answered, “Gina is extremely pregnant, Mum. Unless you wanted me to half-drag her home, we couldn’t have come any sooner.”

  Gina felt the urge to be a little evil. “I was walking slowly for your benefit, Fergus. You’re the one carrying the cat carrier.”

  Fergus sent her a glare and she grinned. Her dragonman murmured, “My memory is long and I’ll get you back somehow.”

  She opened her mouth to reply, but Fergus’s mom walked up to them and inserted herself between them. Fergus released his hold just as his mom said, “I don’t care about excuses. Take the beastie upstairs to your room, Fergus. Hopefully it won’t bother Faye there until Fraser and Holly can take the cat with them. There’s even a litter box and food waiting for the poor beastie.”

  Fergus gave her one last glance and Gina read the question in his eyes. She nodded at her dragonman. “I’ll be fine. Go. Coal probably wants a warm bed to nap on after the events of today.”

  He looked about ready to say something else, but then Fergus was gone. The woman next to her spoke up. “He’s a fine lad, he is. Although a wee bit protective. I suspect that’s because he’s the oldest.” Gina tried to think of what to say, but Fergus’s mom continued, “I’m Lorna, by the way, but everyone calls me Aunt Lorna. You should do the same. Finn told me a bit about you, but if you prefer to go by another name than Gina, just tell me now, child.”

  Gina studied Lorna’s face. While her amber eyes were different from Fergus’s, the shape of the nose and brow were familiar. And much like Fergus, Lorna had kindness in her gaze. “Gina’s fine.”

  “Right, then let’s get you inside, Gina. You look about ready to pop as it is. Even if you’re fortunate enough to not be carrying twins, we should get you off your feet as soon as possible. Your lower back must be protesting by now, aye?”

  “A little.”

  Lorna snorted. “There’s no reason to hold back and be polite, child. Act like that and my kin will eat you alive.”

  Gina wasn’t sure if that was a compliment about Lorna’s brood or a warning.

  The dragonwoman guided them inside, her touch warm and comforting. It reminded Gina of her mother before ‘the accident,’ as her mom called it. After telling her parents about her p
regnancy, they couldn’t send Gina away fast enough. She missed the more loving version of her parents.

  Damn it. She needed to stop thinking of the sad aspects of her life or she’d enter Lorna’s house bawling like a toddler.

  As anxious as she was to meet her son, Gina couldn’t wait to be free of the extra hormones and become emotionally stable again.

  Holly dashed out of a side room. “Are you still doing okay, Gina? I wanted to walk you home, but Finn ordered me away. I nearly challenged him over it, too.”

  “I appreciate your concern, but I took care of myself for months before you came. If I really need help, then I’ll ask,” Gina answered.

  Lorna carried on as if Gina hadn’t answered. “Holly, is Ara here yet?”

  Holly motioned toward a different room. “She’s in the dining room with Ross, Fraser, and Faye. Something came up for Finn, and Ara wanted some company.”

  Lorna nodded. “Good. It’s about time she started admitting it.”

  Frowning, Gina looked between the two women. “I’m lost.”

  Lorna patted her shoulder. “I’ll explain it later, child. Let’s get you sitting and fed first.” Gina opened her mouth, but Lorna beat her to it. “No, you don’t get a say in this.”

  Considering she’d just met Lorna MacKenzie, Gina should hold back. Whether because she was hungry or just tired of people ordering her around, she didn’t know, but Gina dug in her heels. “With all due respect, Aunt Lorna, I’m not a child. I’ve talked with people more today than I have in the last two months combined. I’m tired, hungry, and a little cold. I’m not about to enter a room and be confused about even more people. Either tell me what I need to know before entering, or I’ll wait in the hall for Fergus and we can stay somewhere else.”

  Lorna and Holly shared a glance. Gina may have just lost the good word she needed to stay on Lochguard.

  Then someone clapped slowly behind her. Looking over her shoulder, it was Fergus. And he was grinning. “And that, Gina MacDonald, is how you should handle every Scottish dragon-shifter you meet. You’ll have more than me on your side before long if you do.”

  Gina frowned. “What the hell are you talking about?”

  Fergus closed the distance between them and lightly ran his finger down her cheek. “Most of my clan acts like my family does. If you want to fit in here, you need to stand your ground.”

  “Right, and next you’re going to tell me that you kept pushing my buttons on purpose to train me?”

  Fergus winked. “But of course.”

  As they stared at one another, Gina couldn’t help but smile. “So does that mean I can use you as my punching bag for self-defense practice, too? I’m sure you want me to be prepared against an attack as well.”

  Fergus’s voice was husky as he answered, “We’ll see, lass. You’ve tricked me once, but now you’ve lost the element of surprise. You’ll have to show the rest of your abilities. A little one-on-one should do it. I look forward to pinning you in place.”

  At face value, Fergus’s words were harmless. But the deepness of his voice implied more than sparring and she shivered.

  Thankfully, she was saved by Aunt Lorna. “If you’re quite done, lad, I’d like to explain about the other people in the room. Unless you’d like to do it?”

  Fergus looked to his mother. “Aye, I’ll tell Gina about Ara and Ross. Can you give us a second, Mum? Holly?”

  The two dragonwomen shared another look before they were gone.

  Gina was alone again with Fergus.

  Fergus raised one arm up. “Come here, lass. I heard you were a wee bit cold. I have more than enough heat for the both of us.”

  Remembering his warmth from earlier, Gina went without another thought. As soon as Fergus wrapped his arms around her, Gina sighed. Whether she liked it or not, Fergus was fast becoming her safe haven in the middle of the Scottish Highlands.

  Chapter Eight

  The instant Gina rushed into Fergus’s arms, possessiveness coursed through his body and his dragon spoke up. We should take her upstairs and kiss her again.

  Not now, dragon. She needs something to eat.

  We can bring her something upstairs.

  Fergus was tempted to keep Gina all to himself, but that wouldn’t be fair to the lass. No. Arabella’s waiting and I’m sure Gina has a lot of questions about being pregnant with a dragon-shifter baby. Arabella can help.

  His beast huffed. Only because I like Ara will I hold back for now. But make sure Gina is sleeping with us tonight.

  I’m not going to jump her the first night on our land.

  Now who’s the randy one? I just want to hold her.

  Gina’s voice interrupted his reply. “So tell me about this Ara person. Is she important?”

  He couldn’t resist rubbing up and down Gina’s arm. Thankfully the lass didn’t tell him to stop. “Aye, she’s Finn’s mate. I don’t know if they showed the interview with Jane Hartley and Arabella MacLeod on American TV or not. If they did, she was the scarred dragonwoman who talked about her torture at the hands of dragon hunters.”

  “I remember watching the video online. I thought she was with Clan Stonefire?”

  “She was, but then Finn’s dragon wanted her. The rest is history.”

  Gina looked up and met his gaze. “So if someone’s dragon wants another, they pretty much don’t have a hope of escaping?”

  He stilled his hand. “I wouldn’t put it that way. A female can reject a male if they wish. It’s just harder for a male to move on if the female is his true mate.”

  “And what about female dragon-shifters? They are oblivious to all of it?”

  An accent different from Fergus and the other MacKenzies filled the air. “Of course not. But I like to think we’re a bit more restrained.”

  Arabella MacLeod stood a few feet away. Fergus snorted. “Aye, so I imagine you and Finn are talking about computer code and security threats when you disappear into your cottage and tell us to stay away?”

  Arabella raised an eyebrow. “It’s more like we need a break from you lot.”

  Fergus chuckled just as Gina cleared her throat. A quick glance showed his female clenching her jaw. She didn’t like being ignored. “Sorry, Gina.” He motioned toward Arabella. “May I introduce Arabella MacLeod, formerly of Clan Stonefire and now Finn’s mate. She’s pregnant like you, lass, so you have lots in common.”

  Arabella rolled her eyes. “Yes, because being pregnant is the only thing I want to talk about.”

  Fergus shrugged a shoulder. “The bairns pretty much force you to talk about it all of the time. Has the acute morning sickness passed?”

  Arabella answered, “Mostly.” Arabella motioned toward Gina. “But as fascinating as morning sickness is, I think you’re forgetting something, Fergus. For a Guardian, you’re not doing a very good job with your charge. You should introduce her straight away.”

  Fergus opened his mouth, but Gina spoke up. “I can introduce myself. Hello, Arabella. I’m Gina MacDonald. Nice to meet you.”

  Fergus muttered, “I was getting to that.”

  Arabella and Gina both ignored him. Arabella smiled. “Finn told me a little about your circumstances. If staying the night with the MacKenzies doesn’t frighten you off, then maybe you can tell me a little more. My sister-in-law, Melanie Hall-MacLeod, has a penchant for helping people and she might be able to work her magic again to help you, too. Provided you’re not a threat to either of our clans.”

  Gina’s eyes turned bright. “I would never hurt either of you. But do you really think Melanie can help me?”

  Arabella shrugged. “If anyone can, it’s Mel. You might even give me the excuse I need to convince Finn to let me visit Stonefire. We can stay with Mel and my brother.”

  Fergus hugged Gina closer. “Gina’s not going to Stonefire to stay with Melanie and Tristan.”

  Arabella waved a hand. “Tristan is mated, Fergus. He won’t pose a threat to the human.”

  Fergus growled. “That�
�s not the point.”

  Arabella looked to him and her pupils flashed. “Ah, I see. I hope it works out for you, Fergus. I really do.”

  Gina looked between them. “Hope what works out?”

  His dragon spoke up. Just tell her already. She deserves to know she is our true mate.

  Later. If Gina doesn’t eat something soon, she might faint.

  Then why are we standing in the hallway? Let’s go.

  Fergus met Gina’s gaze. “I’ll tell you when we’re alone again, lass. I promise.”

  Gina searched his eyes and sighed. “I can see you’re not going to budge, even if I push. But I’ll hold you to your promise, Fergus. I want to know what’s going on.”

  Arabella chimed in. “He will. If he doesn’t, I’ll see to it myself. At any rate, Aunt Lorna is probably about to have a stroke, so I say we best get inside. Gina’s had a long day and could use a rest.”

  Before Fergus could say anything, Arabella went back into the dining room. Looking down at his human, he murmured, “Brace yourself, lass.”

  Gina raised an eyebrow. “Let’s hope your family together lives up to all of the hype. Otherwise, I’m not going to believe anything you say.”

  “Oh, aye? Well, just for that, I may stir the pot a little.”

  “Bring it on, Fergus MacKenzie.”

  He grinned. “Right, then prepare yourself for war.”

  ~~~

  Despite her brave words, Gina’s stomach churned in knots. From everything she’d witnessed thus far, Fergus was close with his family. If they hated her, would he still offer to be her Guardian? She didn’t like the idea of a stranger watching her every move.

  Fergus brushed her cheek. “Be yourself and stand strong.”

  I can do this. As soon as she nodded, they entered the dining room.

  Inside was a large rectangular table with six people sitting around it. Only one face was unfamiliar, although the older man in his fifties or sixties had the same eyes and nose as Holly. Maybe it was her dad.