Thankfully, Finn's voice filled the room and garnered Chase's full attention. "Yasmin MacFie's family is here. I've waited patiently, but no more. Tell me why you were flying over my clan's lands without permission."
The male sitting in the center spoke in nearly flawless English. "My name is Azar Samadi and I've come to exchange favors to make things right."
At the male's words, Layla tensed beside him. Moving his hand under the table, he lightly placed it over her knee, letting her know he was there if she needed him.
Layla had barely contained the disappointment and anger at her parents ignoring her before she sat across from Azar Samadi.
Aye, he was a bit older than when she'd met him the one time, with a few gray hairs amidst the black and deeper lines around his mouth. But it was him, the male her parents had selected to be Yasmin's mate.
Azar's father was nowhere to be seen, though. In fact, all of the dragonmen on the other side of the table were young-ish. She wondered if it was by design, to make Finn and the others underestimate him.
Her dragon murmured, Or, maybe they are here without the older ones knowing.
Having dealt with her fair share of death over the years, Layla didn't expect everything to automatically be happy in the end. And her dragon's suggestion would be too easy.
However, a small part of her wished more than anything that matters could be settled in this one meeting, allowing Yasmin to lead a normal life again.
And once Azar said he wanted to make things right, Layla tensed and held her breath. Chase's touch on her knee helped her to breathe again. However, it did nothing to lessen the pounding of her heart.
Finn paused a second before replying, "As I understand it, someone stealing away your intended mate is quite a grievous offense. Is this true?"
Azar didn't blink an eye. "Traditionally, yes. But there is no clan law that dictates punishment. At least, not anymore. It was still in effect when Yasmin ran away."
Layla leaned forward, but Finn was the leader and was in control of the conversation. Her clan leader asked, "What do you mean not anymore? Here on Lochguard, we like straightforward. So just tell me what I need to know, aye?"
Azar shrugged. "I prefer that way, too. It's how we ended up with the splintering of dragon clans in the last few years in Iran."
"Splintering of dragon clans?" Faye MacKenzie echoed. "How do we not know about this?"
Azar glanced at Faye. "Because we're very good at keeping secrets."
Finn jumped in, which was probably good given the frown on Faye's face. Lochguard's leader grunted. "You're being vague again."
Azar shrugged. "In short, Yasmin's disappearance triggered a fight within the clan. My father wanted to go after her and force her to mate me. I told him to let her go."
Layla blinked. "Let her go?"
The corner of Azar's mouth ticked up. "Yes. As much as I was willing to mate a female to help my father's position within the clan, I have some pride. I wasn't about to force a female who'd rather run and hide than stay with me."
Layla's jaw dropped as she tried to digest the news.
Azar wouldn't forcefully try to take Yasmin away or punish her.
The Iranian male continued, "The struggle had been brewing for some time—the younger generations against the old. You live on an island, in the northern section that hasn't had nearly as many invaders and conquerors as once Persia and now Iran. One of the ways the dragon clans in the region kept their identities despite the ever-changing humans in power was through our own traditions. However, as neighboring clans in Pakistan and Turkey began modernizing their ways, the Iranians fought against the shift. They wanted to remain secluded to honor the old ways. Except this created a growing problem—a dwindling population."
Finn tilted his head. "So you didn't mate humans, either?"
Azar shook his head. "No. It's why my father and others had to start reaching out to those who had left Iran, to determine if they could arrange matings with their children, or at least those who were pure dragon-shifter. We desperately needed to introduce new blood into the clan. Even facing trouble, my father and the others in power didn't want the taint of human blood in our midst. A ridiculous notion, I will state for the record."
His words made Layla wonder if he fancied a human female himself.
Pushing the thought aside, Layla glanced at her mother, but she still stared at the table. She burned to ask if her mother knew about all of this—including the struggles and the enforcement of old ways—before she'd sent Yasmin away.
And yet, she couldn't do it right now and risk interrupting Finn's line of questioning.
Her dragon whispered, They will still be here after, which means no more running or avoiding them. We'll have to confront them.
Layla agreed with her beast.
"When did the clans start splintering?" Finn inquired.
Azar didn't miss a beat. "About three or four years ago. It's mostly settled or I wouldn't be here. Those who want to cling the old ways live in the eastern half of Iran. Those of us like me, who are trying to embrace the present, live in the western half."
"So you're not here to take Yasmin back, obviously," Finn stated. "So what favor are you wanting?"
"Before I tell you, I must do something first." He glanced at Layla. "I'm sorry your sister had to be on the run for so long. I kept listening for information about her, to let her know she wasn't in any danger. However, I only learned of her whereabouts last night, when your parents sent word to my clan. No doubt they had no idea my father didn't live there anymore."
Layla couldn't contain her outburst and turned to her parents. "You did what?"
Her father finally looked at her, his eyes guarded. It was hard to remember the hard male at the other end of the table had chased her as a child and made her laugh.
Emotion choked her throat, but as Chase ran his thumb back and forth over her knee, it helped to tamp down the hurt, anger, and betrayal rolling around inside her.
Her father replied, "If we'd kept her location a secret, the contract we signed would've made us culpable, and they would've come after us. Or, at least, that's what we understood."
Any levelheadedness she had flew out the window. Standing, Layla seethed. "She is your daughter. Parents are supposed to protect their children, not give them up to save their own hide."
Finn put up a hand and motioned for Layla to sit. Only because she respected the male and trusted him to take care of her and the others did she follow the order.
Finn glanced at her parents. "We'll be discussing this later, trust me."
Her parents nodded weakly, and Finn looked back at Azar. "Now, with your apology out of the way, tell me what the bloody hell you want."
Azar didn't miss a beat. "An alliance."
Finn frowned. "Why?"
"I've followed the news broadcasts about the British dragon clans. You and Stonefire have done much to help the dragon-shifters in your own country. If you are as ambitious as I think you are, you'll want dragon clans all over the world to also form alliances and share information. That's the only logical next step. So I'm offering you a chance to work with me and the other likeminded dragon clan leaders in western Iran."
Strumming his fingers on the table, Finn merely stared at Azar for a few beats. Layla didn't know much about alliances and the politics of getting along with other clans. But she sensed this was important. So much so it helped her to forget a wee bit about her traitorous parents sitting not ten feet away.
Finn's fingers stilled. "I'm open to discussing it. However, you will first order your clan members to stop hovering above my bloody house and scaring my children."
"Done."
"And then once you settle into a camp nearby—we have a few pieces of land we use for farmland that should work—you can return tomorrow with any other leaders in your community, including any doctors as they should share information as much as clan leaders do, if any came with you."
"There is one doctor with us."
Finn motioned toward Layla. "Then he or she will report to Dr. MacFie when she's ready for them. You may not know, but Layla is the head doctor here now."
Azar didn't hesitate to nod. "Dr. Keshmiri will be waiting for an invitation."
"Good." Finn motioned toward Faye and Grant. "My Protectors will show you where you can set up camp. I'll be in touch tomorrow via one of them, too."
Aware that they'd been dismissed, Azar and his compatriots stood and followed Faye and Grant out of the room.
That left Layla, Chase, Finn, and Layla's parents.
She clenched her jaw, trying her best to hold her tongue in front of Finn. He would be the one to decide the fate of her parents. And it would go a lot faster if she didn't start shouting.
But oh, how she wanted to shout some more. It was the only thing she could do and not start crying at her parents' actions.
Her dragon said softly, I know it hurts, but there are lots of people we care for and who care for us in return. Focus on Yasmin and Chase, to begin with. They're worth more of our time than our so-called parents.
If only it were that easy. I know we're thirty-five years old and adults, but it still hurts to know they care so little about me and Yasmin.
Lochguard's leader finally stood and moved to the opposite side of the table, preventing Layla's dragon from replying. As Finn leaned over the wooden surface, he braced his hands on the table. "Scott and Almira, you owe your daughter—nay, daughters—many an apology."
Her father shook his head. "All of this was cleared before you became leader, Finn. It was approved and endorsed. We're merely following the contract we signed. There is nothing to apologize for."
Layla narrowed her eyes at her father's words, her sadness replaced by anger. He doesn't even feel sorry for reporting Yasmin, she muttered to her dragon.
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."
She nuzzled his chest. "Just hold me for a few more minutes, Chase. I can face the world again after that, but I just need to stay here a few more minutes."
He kissed her brow. "We'll start with that, but if you think I'm not going to be watching you closely for the next wee while and spoiling you whenever I can, then you're out of your mind."
He heard the smile in her voice. "I don't know if I've ever been spoiled before. It makes me curious what you'd do."
He hugged her tighter against his chest. "That decides it, you're going to be thoroughly spoiled until you tell me to shove some of the gifts up my arse."
"But you know I would never attempt that because it would just create more work for me at the surgery."
He snorted. Even when her life had turned to shit, his female had a quick wit. "That statement makes me think people shove strange stuff up there."
"You have no idea." She raised her head and t
ouched a hand to his cheek. "I love you."
He blinked a second. "Talking about arses made you realize you love me?"
She nodded. "In a way. It's all of it, though. The caring gesture, your ability to let me do my work when I need it, and aye, talking about strange things like shoving things up arses, to make me smile when I didn't think I could."
Running a hand up her spine, he placed a possessive hand on the back of her neck. "I fell in love with you even before we talked of arses. That should be a bit more romantic, I think."
She searched his eyes. "Say it again."
"What, arses?"
She rolled her eyes. "No, you idiot. Enough with the arses."
Moving his other hand to hers, he squeezed. "I love everything about you, Layla, including your lovely round arse."
Her gaze fell to his lips. Every cell in his body screamed to kiss her on the mouth. But he couldn't. Not yet.
So he moved to her jaw, her ear, her neck, kissing and licking, letting her know he would do more if he could.
Layla threaded her fingers through his hair and lightly scratched his scalp, sending heat and pleasure throughout his body.
Despite his hard cock and the nearly moaning female in his arms, Chase managed to stop kissing her skin and stand up straight again. At the confusion in Layla's eyes, he said, "We can't do this here, love. You know that."
Her brows gathered and her lower lip went out a fraction. A pouting Layla was one of the most enticing things he'd ever seen. And if she ever figured that out, he'd be putty in her hands before long.
Not that he'd mind it, especially if her hands decided to caress and touch every part of him.
She tilted her head. "There's a lot we can do without the frenzy, Chase. And right now, I need you."
Her words stirred his dragon, and he said, Then find somewhere else we can have her. She needs closeness right now, and you can't get much closer than our dick thrusting into her hot, tight pussy.
Layla touched his jaw. "Please, Chase. I need to feel wanted right now. And I know rationally lots of people want me, care for me, and all that. But I want you, Chase. I need the man I love."
The Dragon's Pursuit (Lochguard Highland Dragons Book 7) Page 14