The Dragon's Dilemma (Lochguard Highland Dragons Book 1) by Jessie Donovan

leadership. If Finn can’t control his own family, how is he supposed to control the clan?”
    Fraser growled. “None of that matters right now. Where’s Holly? If Finn turned her over to the DDA, so help me, I will challenge him to a fight in public.”
    Lorna merely watched him. Fraser tried to sit up, but his wrists were restrained.  
    No matter, he’d gotten out of something similar before. Fraser tried to nudge his dragon awake, but his beast was dead asleep. Dragon, wake up, you lazy bastard. Holly needs us.
    His dragon remained silent.
    Dread pooled in Fraser’s stomach. “What have you done, Mother?” He tugged against his restraints. “Let me go. I need to see Holly.”
    “Aye, and I’d like to go on a date with a handsome film star twenty years my junior. It doesn’t mean it’s going to happen.”
    Fraser narrowed his eyes. Even without his dragon’s help, he would find a way out. Holly could be on her way to the DDA to receive her punishment for all he knew.
    Fraser may not be a soldier, but he’d fight for the lass. She was in trouble because of him. He might not be able to make it right with Fergus, but Fraser would make it right with Holly. Just as soon as he could get free.
    If he could get his mum out of the room, Fraser could think of how to escape. “Tell Finn I want to speak with him. Now.”
    Lorna clicked her tongue. “Demanding, aren’t we?”
    Fraser had never minded his mother’s behavior before, but as he lay there thinking of what could be happening to Holly, he was close to raising his voice and telling his mother to fuck off.
    He half expected his dragon to give him advice, but Fraser’s beast remained silent.
    Fraser didn’t like it.
    Taking a deep breath, Fraser managed to keep his tone neutral. “Just find Finn. I need to talk with him.”
    Lorna stood up. “Aye, as you should’ve done from the beginning.”
    He sensed there was something else his mother wasn’t telling him, but as she opened the door, he held his tongue. The sooner she found Finn, the sooner Fraser could be released and go after Holly.
    Not two seconds after the door shut, there was a knock. Since Finn wouldn’t bother to knock, Fraser growled out, “What do you want?”
    Through the door, he heard Holly’s voice. “I was just going to check on you. But if that’s the greeting I get, then maybe you need another nap.”
    Holly. She’s here. “Come in, lass. Please.”
    Even to his own ears it sounded like begging.
    Holly opened the door and peeked her head in. He didn’t care that her expression was neutral or what she must think of him in that moment. Holly was in Lochguard and not in the hands of the DDA.  
    Then she smiled at him and some of his unease dissipated. Holly stepped inside the room and shut the door. “Is it wrong that I find you being in restraints funny?”
    He frowned. “What the hell are you talking about, woman?”
    She crossed her arms over her chest. “Well, think about it. The lady charmer being tied to a bed makes me think of someone’s parents keeping you away from their daughter.”
    “Aye, except it’s my own family keeping me away from you.”
    Holly took two steps toward him. “If I release you, can you restrain yourself and concentrate? Or, will you go into the frenzy?”
    Even with everything going on, Fraser was aware that he lay in the same room as his true mate. He didn’t like the smudges under her eyes, but her gaze was merely curious. As her long, dark hair swayed against her round face, his heart warmed. “So you don’t hate me, then?”
    Holly rolled her eyes. “You willingly allowed Finn to knock you unconscious to keep me safe. If that wasn’t noble, then I don’t know what is.”
    “That still doesn’t answer my question.”
    “Since when are dragon-shifter males this sensitive?”
    Fraser should grunt and let it be. However, as her honey-colored eyes searched his, he decided he would always be honest with Holly. He wasn’t about to fuck