Confident the smiling man wouldn’t hurt her for questioning him, she stated, “You could be acting.”
“I think my mate is going to like you.”
At the mention of the word “mate,” Holly’s confidence slipped a fraction. After all, she’d soon be having sex with a dragon-shifter to try to conceive a child. That was the price all sacrifices had to pay.
And there was always a small chance she turned out to be the dragon-shifter’s true mate. If that happened, she might never be able to see her father again. Dragons were notoriously possessive. She didn’t think they’d let a mate go once they found one.
Finn’s voice interrupted her thoughts. “Let me take that suitcase, Holly. The sooner we get you to my place, the sooner we can settle you in and answer some of your questions.”
Finn put out a hand and she passed the case over. She murmured, “Thank you.”
“Considering that you’re helping my clan more than you know, the least I can do is carry a bag.”
She eyed the tall dragonman. “You don’t have to comfort me. I know what I volunteered to do.”
Finn raised a blond eyebrow. “You looked about ready to bolt or cry a few minutes ago. I think a little kindness wouldn’t hurt.”
He was right, not that she would admit to it. After all, she was supposed to be strong.
Holly motioned toward the gates. “How about we go so you can give me the spiel and then let me meet my dragonman?”
The dragonman’s smile faded. “So you’re giving orders to me now, aye?”
Even though Holly was human, she still sensed the dominance and strength in his voice. She could apologize and try to hide her true self, but that would be too tiring to keep up long term. Instead, she tilted her head. “I’m used to giving orders. In my experience, as soon as a woman goes into labor, her other half goes crazy. If I don’t take charge, it could put the mother’s life as well as the child’s in danger. I’m sure you’ve read my file and should know what to expect.”
The corner of Finn’s mouth ticked up. “Aye, I have. But I like t
o test the waters with potential clan members.”
“I’m not—”
Finn cut her off. “Give it time, lass. You may well become one in the long run.”
Without another word, Finn started walking. Since he was at least eight inches taller than her, she had to half-jog to catch up to him. However, before she could reply, another tall, muscled dragonman approached. He still had the soft face of late adolescence and couldn’t be more than twenty.
The younger dragon-shifter motioned a thumb behind him. “Archie and Cal are at it again. If you don’t break it up, they might shift and start dropping each other’s cattle for the second time this week.”
Finn sighed. “I should assign them a full-time babysitter.”
The younger man grinned. “You tried that, but my grandfather escaped, as you’ll remember.”
“That’s because he’s a sneaky bastard.” Finn looked to Holly. “This is Jamie MacAllister. He’ll take you to my mate, Arabella. She can help you get settled before you meet Fergus.”
“Who’s Fergus?” Holly asked, even though she had a feeling she knew.
Finn answered, “Fergus MacKenzie is my cousin, but he’s also your assigned dragonman.”
Of course she’d be given the cousin of the clan leader. After all, Holly was the first human sacrifice on Lochguard in over a decade. They’d want to keep tabs on her.
Holly didn’t like it, but since she had yet to meet this Fergus, she wouldn’t judge him beforehand. For all she knew, Fergus MacKenzie might be a shy, quiet copy of his cousin.
Maybe.
Not sure what else to do, Holly nodded. After giving a few more orders, Finn left to address the problem and Jamie smiled down at her. “There’s never a dull moment here, lass. Welcome to Lochguard.”
Holly wasn’t sure if that was a warning or a welcome.
~~~