Page 56 of The Dragon Warrior (Lochguard Highland Dragons 4)

Faye filled Grant in on the situation with Arabella and the threats before adding, “No one has attacked Lochguard yet. Although Bram is sending a few of his Protectors to help us out. We need to decide which of us is going back to Lochguard to oversee security until the threat is no more.”

Grant didn’t hesitate. “Both of us. Iris can handle things here.”

“Are you sure?”

“Of course I’m bloody sure. Don’t start second-guessing yourself now, Faye Cleopatra.”

She narrowed her eyes. “I’m not second-guessing myself. I’m not in charge anymore. Unless it’s common practice for anyone to defy you and make their own rules, I thought it best to wait for your order.”

“You shouldn’t have to. Once things settle down, we’re going to talk about sharing the responsibility of being head Protector.”

~~~

Grant could’ve picked a better time to share his plans for Faye, but the words had spilled from his lips before he could stop it.

Faye’s eyes widened a fraction before she whispered, “Truly?”

“Yes, bloody woman. We can hash out the details later. For the moment, we need to make preparations and head back to Lochguard.”

Faye shook her head. “Leave it to you to make a grand announcement and then dismiss it. We’re going to have to discuss your timing.” She reached out and touched his arm. “But before we leave, did you learn anything from your father?”

The warmth of Faye’s hand on his arm helped ease his tension a fraction. “Michael shared some valuable information, but it’s not anything that can’t wait.”

His dragon spoke up. You shouldn’t be so abrupt with her.

Time is of the essence, even with Faye.

However, Grant didn’t want to completely dismiss Faye and have her take it the wrong way. He covered her hand on his arm with his. “Once things settle down on Lochguard, I promise to tell you everything, lass.”

She smiled. “You’re just worried about our home, which is as it should be.”

As Grant stared into Faye’s brown eyes, he wished he had time to hold her close and tell her how bloody wonderful she was. She understood him on a level few would.

Unfortunately, head Protector meant putting his personal desires to the side when needed.

His dragon added, Hopefully not for much longer.

Grant agreed. He nodded at Faye. “Aye, so let’s get going. I talked briefly with Iris before I came to your room. She’ll handle Lachlan, so we’re free to leave straight away.”

Faye moved to her bed and picked up a satchel. “I’m already packed. Let’s go protect the clan.”

She rushed past him, and the corner of Grant’s mouth ticked up as he followed. Faye was indeed a leader. The sooner he made her coleadership role official, the better.

; His dragon chimed in. You might want to confirm the details with her first. Faye isn’t the type to like things decided for her.

Aye, I know, dragon. Let’s sort out all the crap happening as quickly as possible so that we can corner Faye and talk about the future.

You’re the one being slow. The sooner we reach Inverness Castle, the sooner we can shift. I’m much faster than you.

He and Faye snuck out of the B&B carefully and had managed to step outside when a voice asked, “Where are you going?”

It was Max Holbrook.

Grant turned around. “Clan business. I’m sure you understand.”

Max’s eyes widened. “May I accompany you? I love flying and don’t have the opportunity very often.”