The growl that emerged from Finn's lips kept her beast silent.
The clan leader looked at each of her parents in turn. "There is one thing almost universally believed by all dragon-shifters, and it's this—we treasure our children. Do you really think I would look the other way at you going against that tenet?"
Her mother spoke up, her voice a bit shaky. "We did what we thought was best for Yasmin. Azar was destined to be a clan leader, and as you learned, he did become one. No male would be better able to protect their female than a leader. He was a good choice."
Finn stood up abruptly. "But what about last night? Yasmin was brought here pregnant, in a delicate state, and your first thought? To save your own arses by reporting her to the Iranian clan, knowing full well they could mete out some sort of punishment. How the bloody hell is that in her best interest?"
Layla hadn't seen Finn this upset since he'd had to exile some member of Lochguard for not wanting to follow his leadership.
Her dragon whispered, And it's for Yasmin and our sakes. He is a good male.
She didn't deny that. However, because he was a good one, it meant there were only two options he could give her parents and still retain the loyalty of the clan.
Have them apologize profusely and make it up to their daughters, or be exiled.
And Layla wasn't sure how she felt about the latter option. As hurtful and selfish as they'd been, they were still her parents. In exile, they would be vulnerable and could even be captured by dragon hunters.
She didn't like or agree with their actions, but she didn't want them to die.
Finn's voice filled the room again, garnering her full attention. "I see you have no defense. Aye, well, that's probably for the best because my bullshit meter can't handle much more right now." Finn crossed his arms over his chest and narrowed his eyes. "You know I can't let this slide, Scott and Almira. I will give you a choice, though. Make every effort to show your remorse, both with words and deeds, and you'll have a trial period to remain here. Or, if you refuse, I will give you two days to put your affairs in order and you can leave the clan for good."
The blood drained from her mother's face. "We did nothing wrong."
Finn sliced the air with his hand. "I'm not going to talk in circles with you. You have your options. You'll stay in this room until you decide which path you'll choose." He looked at Layla and then Chase. "You two come with me."
Layla stared at her parents for a few beats, willing for them to look at her and show some sort of tenderness toward her.
One second ticked by, then another and another. Neither one moved their gaze toward her.
In that moment, she knew they'd never apologize. They'd rather pick exile over admitting they were wrong.
Tears threatened to fall. Her own parents cared more for their pride than her or Yasmin.
Knowing she couldn't keep it together much longer, she followed Finn out of the room. Once in the hall, Finn murmured, "Chase, the room next door is empty. Talk with Layla there. When you're both ready, come find me."
Layla was barely aware of Chase maneuvering her into the other room, and she allowed him to guide her along in a daze. But as soon as he shut the door and pulled her against his chest, she let the tears she'd been holding back fall. And before she could try to stop it, she began to sob, too.
For the first time in his life, Chase wished he was some sort of soldier or fighter so he could defend Layla's honor. What her parents had just done to her was one of the lowest things they could do. They'd all but disowned her, and all because of not wanting to give a fucking apology and admit they were wrong.
Chase held her close, letting her cry as much as she needed. He, of all people, understood what it was like to have a parent leave or disown you by choice. And in Layla's case, it wasn't just one parent. No, both of them had betrayed her.
He wanted to growl and curse, but instead, he murmured soothing words into Layla's ear as he rubbed her back slowly. There were so few times Layla could let her feelings show, and she deserved the chance to grieve for what was surely going to happen over the next few days.
His dragon huffed. I would suggest they'll change their minds, but I don't think it'll happen.
Me, neither, dragon. If anything, they're only going to dig in their heels deeper to convince themselves they did the right thing.
At least Layla will gain a mother soon. Ours would never do something like that.
No, his mum wouldn't. She had more than proved how she'd put her sons first—she'd stayed on Lochguard instead of following her mate who'd chosen exile.
If anything, mating Layla would make his mum a wee bit happier.
Although he had no idea when they'd actually have a mating ceremony because it wasn't the right time for it. Not because he didn't want it. No, but because Layla needed to sort out the grief that was sure to come, all while trying to keep her sister healthy.
However, he wasn't going to let Layla take care of everyone else and neglect herself. Mate she might not yet be, but she was his female in his heart, which made her his to protect.
Since her sobs had quieted a moment ago and she merely pressed against his chest, he murmured, "I'm here, love. Tell me what you need, and I'll do it."