The corner of Alistair’s mouth ticked up. “I doubt it, Ms. MacDonald.”
“Call me Gina.”
Fergus grunted. “Thanks, Alistair, but we should be going.”
“Aye. And good luck, Fergus.”
Gina shot Fergus a quizzical look, but he ignored it to guide his female out of the room. When they set foot in the hallway, Gina opened her mouth but Fergus cut her off. “Not here, lass. Dragon-shifters possess keen hearing.”
Curiosity burned in her eyes, but she merely answered, “Okay.”
They both walked in silence out the door and toward a protected rock formation. He ducked behind it, drawing Gina along with him, and then turned to face her. Gina frowned up at him. “Are you going to tell me why you were growling and grunting back in the classroom? Alistair was kind en
ough to answer my questions. He even invited me back. He deserved better.”
“Aye, he’s a good male. And he does deserve better. But there’s a reason why I can’t help it. He’s unattached and my dragon doesn’t like it.”
“Why should that matter? I’m fairly certain the teenagers were mostly unattached, as you put it, and you didn’t growl at them.”
Taking both of her hands in his, Fergus took a deep inhalation. He couldn’t put it off any longer. “I want to tell you something, Gina. But promise me you won’t act strange or run away when I tell you.”
“Why?” she drawled out.
“I’m not going to hurt you, if that’s what you’re worried about, lass. In fact, quite the opposite. I spent the whole lecture staring at your lips, wanting to taste them again.”
Gina’s cheeks flushed, but her tone remained strong. “Don’t try to change the subject. And don’t make me promise anything without all of the facts.”
He released one of her hand to trace her cheek. “Then just listen to what I have to say. Can you do that?”
“I suppose so.” She searched his eyes. “Tell me whatever it is, Fergus. You’re starting to scare me.”
His dragon snarled. Fergus told his beast, Quiet or I’ll never get it out.
Fergus looked into Gina’s green eyes and answered the unspoken question there. “Normally, I’m one of the most restrained and polite dragon-shifters in the entire clan.” He traced Gina’s bottom lip. “But then I met you.”
She drew in a breath. “What does that have to do with anything?”
“It has to do with everything, lass. You’re my true mate.”
“What?”
Fergus moved closer and leaned his forehead against hers. “I know you were hurt by the other bastard claiming to be your true mate. But he was lying. My dragon wants you as mate, lass. And more importantly, I want you even more because of who you are, if that’s possible. You’re clever, strong-willed, and kind. Few would’ve offered to help Arabella the way you did, let alone worry about spending time with my family when you have your own bairn coming soon.” He searched her eyes. “You can take as much time as you need. I know you have a child coming and he should be the most important thing in your life. All I’m asking is for you to think about it, and if there is any more room in your heart, to just give me a chance.”
~~~
Gina’s heart beat double-time inside her chest.
If Fergus were telling the truth, she was his true mate. Part of her wanted to hug him close and never let go. However, her life wasn’t as simple as finding a man she could see herself caring about and staying with him. The DDA or BroadBay could show up demanding her child at any moment. Who knew what would happen if Fergus tried to prevent them from taking her son.
The sensible thing would be to put distance between them to protect Fergus. But just the thought of never seeing Fergus’s smiling face or feeling the sizzle at his touch squeezed her heart. After what she’d been through with Travis, she wanted more of Fergus, much more.
Fergus smiled and garnered her attention. He whispered, “I see the wheels turning. Just think about it. But while you do, remember this.”
He tilted his head and kissed her.
She leaned against him and melted into his kiss, loving how he tasted. She couldn’t imagine ever getting enough of her dragonman. If only she could find a way to ensure everyone’s safety, she’d jump into his arms and growl at any woman who looked his way.
All too soon Fergus pulled away and gave her one last, quick brush of his lips. “Did that help or hurt my case?”