Dragon Guard Protector — Alicia Montgomery

A dragon who can't get away from his pastDragon Guard Stein has been watching his mate from afar for a long time, but refuses to claim her. It hadn't been difficult to ignore Lady Vera at first. She'd been a spoiled, vain, and selfish brat who pushed and clawed at anyone who got in the way of what she wanted and so no matter how his dragon felt, he decided not to pursue her.However, in the last few years, he's seen her change and blossom into a kind, selfless woman. Still, she was a highborn lady out of his reach, and certainly not for the likes of someone like him with a terrible past he could never get away from. She deserves better, and he could never give her what she wants, so he vows to keep his distance.A lady who's taking of control of her own futureLady Vera Solveigson always thought she knew what she wanted-the best of everything, even if that meant bullying and hurting anyone who tried to stop her. But in the last few years, she'd realized what a terrible person she was and sought to mend her ways. And now she's decided she knows what she really wants- to adopt the daughter of her heart, Lisbet, so she can finally have a family of her own.She's prepared to do what it takes to fight for her family, but knows there are many obstacles along her way, including a certain broody Dragon Guard who doesn't believe that she's changed, who still sees her as who she was, and not what she's made herself into.When Lady Vera's life is threatened, Stein's instinct to protect spurs him into action, bringing them closer than ever. However, the sins of his past continue to haunt him and prevent him from claiming Vera as his mate. Can he overcome his own fears and insecurities to win her heart or will he forever be wanting Vera from afar?