Haunted By Her Dragon (The Dragon Guard Series) by Julia Mills Page A

unison.
    “Everybody
keep in touch. We’re outside the hospital now,” Royce
stated .
    “Be
there in just a minute,” Aaron responded .
    “Thanks,” was
all he could say as Sam turned, and for the first time, he saw true fear in the
eyes of someone who was claiming his heart faster than he could’ve ever
imagined.
    Putting
the conversation his brethren were having at the back of his mind, he opened
his arms, and without hesitation, she walked into them. He held her close and
realized he had been a fool to ever think he could stay away from his amazing
mate. Even facing the horrible situation unfolding around them, it just felt
right to have her in his arms. He inhaled, taking her scent deep into his
lungs, calming not only himself, but the dragon within, who was threatening to
burst forth from the pain, fear, and torment radiating from their Sam. He was
just about to tell Sam that his brethren were outside looking for Sydney when
Max appeared in the doorway. Lance watched as the incredibly observant King of
the Cats scanned the room and took a single, deliberate breath. Max’s green
eyes glowed and met Lance’s with instant recognition. One nod of the head, and
Max disappeared. It was one of a handful of times Lance wished he could
communicate mind to mind with the werepanther as he
did his own kin.
    Sending
a quick mental message to his brethren that Max was on the way, he began
quietly questioning Sam, deciding now was not the time to disclose that he was
sure he knew who was responsible for the child’s disappearance. “What was
security able to tell you?”
    “Only
that they’ve checked everywhere, and she’s not in the hospital. They’ve even
looked in the basement and all the ‘employee only’ areas. The police have been
called and should be here any second. They waited to call them because they
were sure she had just wandered down the hall.” He could hear the anger and
frustration in her voice as she spoke into his chest.
    He
wanted nothing more than to rush out and help with the search for the child,
but could feel deep in his soul how much Sam needed him, so instead of rushing
into battle as was his way, he told her what he hoped would ease some of her
pain. “I called my brothers while you were talking to Security. They’re out
scouring the grounds and surrounding area for Sydney right now.”
    She
slowly lifted her head, raising her hands at the same time and pushing against
his chest, trying to look anywhere but at him, thinking she could escape his
grasp. He had wondered how long it would take until she realized she was
depending on him and try to get away. Refusing to be shut out, he tightened his
grip on her waist with one arm while using the thumb and forefinger of his
opposite hand on her chin to bring them eye to eye. He saw himself reflected in
her deep, dark eyes, along with all the fire he expected from his strong,
determined mate. Before he could say what he intended, Sam was already off and
running, “ Dammit , Lance, let me go! I’m going
out there to find her myself. There is no way that little girl left this
hospital by herself, and there is absolutely no way you’re stopping me
from looking for her.” She ended her declaration on a low, ominous tone, with
her teeth gritted and her fists drawn tight against his chest.
    He
waited for her to take a few breaths while he decided how to keep her from
running straight into danger, without telling her things he wasn’t prepared to
share. Sam was smart, way too smart for his own good, so he decided the
only way she was going to listen to him was to be logical. “I understand you’re
scared, Doc. I know Sydney means a lot to you. But you can’t go running out
there half-cocked. We have to have a plan. My brothers are searching, and
they’re very good at what they do.” He watched as she considered what he
was saying but didn’t give her time to raise the objection he saw brewing. “Let
me call them and see if they have any