For a split second, all Layla could do was stare at Chase. Even without asking, he had her back.
She had a feeling he'd always have her back.
In the next beat, Logan looked at Faye and Grant. His voice interrupted Layla's thoughts. "First, promise me that you won't immediately turn them over to the DDA or let the clan know they're back."
Faye spoke. "We'll have to tell Finn and our most trusted Protectors to go with you, but I don't see why we couldn't wait to tell anyone else for a wee while, at least." She looked at Grant. "Right?" Her mate grunted his agreement, and she looked back to Logan. "You have our word. Now, tell Chase where they are."
Logan looked at Chase. "They're in the abandoned cottage in the nearby woods, where the old game hunter used to live."
Like everyone on Lochguard, Layla knew where it was. "And tell me everything I need to know about my sister's health, and quickly."
"Her blood pressure's high, she started having a fever late last night, and I'm worried her dragon might take over and do harm to the bairn before he or she's ready to come."
Layla muttered a curse. If a female tried to shift into a dragon during the last few weeks of pregnancy, it could trigger contractions. And any child born while a female was in dragon form usually died since the bairn couldn't shift until they were older, and a dragon's vaginal muscles were too strong for a child in human form.
Trying not to think of her sister's dragon inadvertently crushing the bairn to death, Layla moved to the door. "Anything else?" Logan listed off a few medications he'd administered. Once he finished, Layla motioned at Chase. "Come, I'm going to need your help carrying things from the surgery."
And your support, too, she thought to herself, doing her best not to run down the stairs and fall before dashing into the night.
Chapter Nine
Over the years, Layla had learned how to compartmentalize her life into two sections—one for her role as a doctor and the second for everything else. The ability was so ingrained that she easily packed away the fears, joy, and anger rolling inside her as she made her way toward the abandoned cottage in the forest where her sister should be.
Aye, she'd have words with her sister eventually. But first, she needed to ensure Yasmin was healthy and not in any immediate danger, meaning only her doctor's side could show right now.
Her dragon spoke up. If things were really dire, Logan would've let us know. So we don't really need to worry just yet anyway.
That seems a bit too easy. I need to be ready in case her condition worsens, or her bairn goes into distress.
Which could easily happen because of overwhelming stress. And since Logan's hesitation to share their location had been obvious, almost as if he truly believed he'd lose his brother again if he said something, stress was definitely a major concern.
Her beast huffed. If nothing else, emphasize protecting the bairn. Their dragons won't be able to ignore that.
Since dragon halves valued children above almost anything else, her beast was correct. Maybe. However, if Yas isn't doing well, the last thing we need to do is worry her further. I'll do whatever's necessary to keep both her and her bairn healthy, and if that means knocking her unconscious if she protests, I'll do it.
They reached the hill and she paused a beat. The cottage would be just at the top of it.
After nearly five years, she was moments away from seeing Yasmin again. The sister who had once been her greatest supporter of Layla's career choice, standing by her no matter what others said about female doctors being weaker.
Yasmin. Would she be the same? Or, appear a stranger? Layla had no idea.
Since her dragon had slightly crumbled the divide between her doctor's side and her true self, emotion choked her throat. See what you did? I need to focus on being a doctor right now, and nothing else. Don't weaken the walls again whilst we're here.
Her dragon curled into a ball and laid her head on her front paws, the usual position she took when Layla had to see or operate on patients.
As Layla tried to patch up the wall as she continued walking, Chase, who'd been quiet and taking her orders without blinking, finally spoke. "I'm still waiting for you to tell me what to do once we're there, lass."
Not slowing her pace, she seized on the question and answered, "I hope it doesn't come to it, but if Phillip tries to take Yasmin and run, I need you to prevent him from doing so."
"You want me to get between a male and his pregnant mate?" he asked a bit bewildered.
She glanced at him. "Aye, can you do it?"
He sighed. "I'll try, but I hope it doesn't come to it."
"Me, too," she murmured, fully aware she was asking a lot of Chase since he wasn't a warrior, soldier, or any sort of athlete. Aye, he was fit enough, but it was always dangerous to come between a male and his pregnant mate in the best of times. "But a few of the Protectors shouldn't be far behind. You just need to help me until they arrive."
He nodded without complaint.