Faye replied before he could. “Maybe some other time, Max. I’m sure if you listen to Iris and follow her orders, she’ll offer you a ride.”
Grant could just imagine the look on Iris’s face if she heard what Faye was saying.
Max said, “I’m not so sure about that. She thinks we need to stay here and never leave.”
Grant kept his voice free of impatience. “You can discuss it with her. But no, you can’t come with us. For your safety, go back inside.”
Faye added, “It’s nearly time for you to leave for the exhibition opening. You don’t really want to deprive all of those people of your wonderful finds, do you?”
“You’re right. It’s my duty to share.” Max turned back toward the house. “But I’ll remember your words about Iris. I’m going to fly again by any means necessary.”
The human went back inside. He was glad that Max wasn’t his problem.
Grant took Faye’s hand and gently pulled her down the pavement. “Let’s hurry before he changes his mind and tries to follow us.”
As they jogged toward Inverness Castle, he squeezed Faye’s hand in his and she did the same. He knew she’d have his back. Always.
His dragon sighed. We still need to ask and make it official.
Even if for some strange reason she wants to delay the frenzy, she will always still have our back. If you question Faye’s loyalty, then I wonder if you’ve paid attention.
Of course I trust her. But I want the right to protect her as our mate. I’m impatient.
Then help me secure the clan as fast as possible.
Faye’s voice prevented his beast from replying. “I wouldn’t underestimate Max. If he’s managed to stay out of prison this long despite his illegal digging, he has some sway somewhere.”
“I don’t bloody care. I just want to reach Lochguard as soon as possible.”
“And we will. You need to learn to multi-task.”
Faye released his hand and rushed ahead of him. With a growl, Grant pushed himself to catch up. Even though Faye was shorter than him, she’d always been quicker.
His dragon spoke up. I’d love to chase her when there’s no danger.
Aye, so would I. So let’s rid Lochguard of any threats and we can work on it.
Someone’s changed his tune from a few days ago.
Taking care of the traitors may involve a more long-term plan. As long as we can ensure the clan’s safety from the Knights for the foreseeable future and put our plan into motion, Faye may be open to some kissing.
Then hurry up and run faster. I can’t do anything to help us succeed until we shift.
He smiled at his beast’s impatience. Not that Grant didn’t feel the same.
However, as he watched Faye’s body move as she ran, he rather enjoyed being a second behind her. The view provided him with motivation to finish their current task as soon as possible.
~~~
Finn swapped his daughter, Freya, for his youngest son, Declan. Careful to keep his tone light, he said to Fergus, “What are the latest reports?”
“So far, the forest is quiet. The loch, too, looks free of invaders. Our biggest concern is that drones will suddenly appear and attack everyone,” Fergus answered.
Arabella’s voice was tired as she said, “Is everyone inside?”
Fergus nodded. “Aye. But we can’t stay this way for long. Even with most of the cottages now having a bomb shelter stocked with supplies, we can’t live this way long term.”
As Declan squirmed a second in his sleep, Finn quietly cursed the Dragon Knights. He should be enjoying time with his new family, not worrying about a possible attack.