Chapter Eight
As Aaron reached the cottage where he was staying on Glenlough, he slammed the door shut behind him and stomped up the stairs.
He hadn’t expected Teagan to lead him on and then walk away.
His beast spoke up. It’s not fair to assume she led us on or used us. That was Nerina’s way.
Then what the fuck happened? I was even being charming.
There’s much we don’t know about Teagan. Maybe if we spend some time with Orla, we’ll find out.
And why should I care? We kissed her and there’s no true mate pull. Most dragons would move on and look to the next female.
His beast huffed. She is interesting. I want to know her better.
Since when are you going against your instinct?
This isn’t the Middle Ages. If there’s an intriguing female, we can pursue her. I’d rather have someone keep us on our toes than merely find a female to have a baby.
Aaron drawled, That’s pretty forward-thinking for a dragon.
Stop insulting me or I’ll replay the kiss with Teagan when you least expect it.
Don’t even think about it.
Just watch me.
His dragon turned his back and ignored Aaron, which was bloody hard to do considering it was inside their shared mind.
Still, he’d let his beast cool down. Aaron needed to calm down himself and shower before meeting with Killian. Teagan’s scent covered his body, and he didn’t need the questions.
He gathered some clothes and hopped into the shower. As the hot water cascaded over his body, the heat eased his muscles and bruised ribs. He had just stepped out to dry off when someone pounded on his front door. Quickly wiping his body, Aaron wrapped the towel around his waist and went downstairs. He opened the door to a stoic Killian.
Aaron raised an eyebrow. “I didn’t expect a social call from you.”
Killian grunted and pushed his way into the cottage. Once the front door was closed, Killian spoke up. “Where did you go this morning with my sister?”
“That’s her business. Ask her.”
“I trust her, but I’m on the fence about you.”
“You trusted me to help with tracking down those dragon hunters not that long ago.” Killian took two steps closer to him, but Aaron didn’t so much as bat an eyelash. He continued, “Look, I’m going to make this easy on you. I have no interest in your sister that way. I’m here to hold up my end of the bargain and go home. But if you persist in harassing me about this, then I may just mention to Teagan how her brother is being overprotective. That can’t be good for her image.”
Killian clenched his jaw and his pupils flashed. After a few beats, he replied, “Watch yourself, Caruso. If you hurt anyone in my family, be it my sister or my grandmother, I will personally hand out your punishment. Your cheekiness and swagger won’t help you there.”
It was on the tip of Aaron’s tongue to make a snide comment, but he forced himself to be civil. Fighting with Killian would cause an unnecessary headache for Teagan, and she didn’t need that with possible trials hanging over her head. “Understood. Is there any other reason why you trekked all this way?”
“Yes. The invite was put out this morning, and two clan leaders have confirmed that they’re going to challenge Teagan for the leadership. As an outsider, you’re going to be in charge of security for some of the judges, who will all be from other clans.”
“So you don’t trust me to meet with your sister, but you trust me to do this?” he drawled.
Killian grunted. “You know the Scottish clan well and they trust you. That makes my job easier if they accept the invitation.”
“Wait, what? Who is coming from where? I can’t do my job if I don’t know what is going on.”
Killian crossed his arms over his chest. “The other leaders agreed to the challenge provided that unaffiliated parties conduct the judging. Each clan nominates a pair from their list of allies. Since none of them will have direct ties to Ireland, it will help with lessening bias.”
“Except for the part where they’re allies,” he murmured.
“All judges must come to a consensus. The differing viewpoints will have to convince each other of the best choice.”
Aaron had to admit that was a clever idea. “So who’s coming from Clan Lochguard in Scotland to judge?”
Killian answered, “Teagan is asking for Lochguard’s head Protector, Grant McFarland, and his co-leader, Faye MacKenzie.”
A female judge would definitely help rein in the bias against Teagan. “And the others?”
“Wildheath has people coming from Snowridge in Wales, and Greenpeak has people coming from Normandy in France.”
Aaron tilted his head. “As in Clan PerleForet?”
Killian nodded. “Yes. The French clan has long been an ally of the Killarney dragon-shifters.”
“And the Irish DDA is just going to allow the French to waltz into Ireland?” he asked.
“As long as no more than four dragon-shifters come from a particular clan, and the total for all visitors remains under twenty, they will allow it.”
Aaron doubted the British DDA would be that understanding, let alone grant permission so quickly. There must be a history in Ireland he wasn’t aware of. “So when does this take place and when will McFarland and MacKenzie arrive, provided they agree to judge?”
“The judges will arrive in two weeks, the day before the competition. As for the trials, Teagan has fifteen days to put it together.”
“That’s a rather specific number.” When Killian didn’t expand, Aaron sighed. “Fine, I’ll find the meaning on my own. Is there anything else that can’t wait? I’d rather have clothes on before I start my next duty.”
“Considering my grandmother has requested your presence, you had better be dressed. I’ll wait here. We’ll leave as soon as you’re done.”
Aaron wanted to say he didn’t need a bloody escort, but since he hadn’t received a formal tour of Glenlough, he didn’t actually know where Orla Kelly lived.
He took the stairs two at a time. Inside his room, he dressed and wondered what the elderly dragonwoman wanted with him. It had to be important if his visit took precedence over arranging security for Faye and Grant.
~~~
Teagan glanced at her computer screen for the tenth time. She didn’t know Finlay Stewart—the Scottish leader of Clan Lochguard—that well beyond rumors, but she needed his help. The question was whether he’d answer her sudden request for a video conference or not.
She went back to the stack of DDA paperwork on her desk. A few more minutes ticked by, but her screen remained blank.
Maybe she’d have to reach out to Clan Stonefire first and ask their leader to reach out to Finn. Sure, it had to be a surprise for Lochguard to learn that Glenlough’s leader was a female and that Killian was merely used as a ruse. But from what she knew, Finn would be open to that more than most given his own troubles with his clan accepting him because of his nontraditional views on dealing with humans.
On top of that, he was around her age. Usually that helped with being treated as an equal compared to dealing with the elderly.
Just as she moved a completed form off her paperwork stack, her video conference app rang. She cleared her throat, squared her shoulders, and hit Receive. The blond-haired, tired-but-smiling face of Finn Stewart filled her screen. He spoke first. “I’ll admit I was surprised to learn that Glenlough’s leader was actually a female, let alone that you wanted to talk with me, but I’m always open to expanding my list of allies. What did you need, O’Shea?”
While she wanted to ask why he accepted a female in charge so easily, Teagan focused on what was important. “I actually need a favor.”
“Oh, aye? And what type of favor are we asking for?” She explained the challenge and upcoming trials. Before she could ask her favor, Finn frowned and said, “Don’t those bastards have more important things to take care of than to worry about what set of genitals a leader has?”
She smiled. “You would think so, but they aren’t as secure in their manhood as you are.” She waved to the pink baby blanket sitting on his shoulder.
Finn shrugged. “I have a daughter, and her mother hates pink, so of course I have to use it as often as possible. If that makes me a bad leader, then maybe the person thinking so shouldn’t be part of my clan.”
She raised her brows. “Wait, you irritate your mate on purpose? Despite the fact she recently birthed three babies?”
“Aye, it’s what we do. It’s part of the deal with loving me. But that’s not what this call is about. Ask me directly what you want, or I’ll end the call. I have three bairns that’ll be waking up soon.”
Teagan didn’t so much as blink an eye at the steel in Finn’s voice. She wanted to point out that he had derailed the conversation, but restrained herself until she knew him better to fully speak her mind. “Each participating leader needs to invite two judges from a non-Irish clan. I was hoping you could give me two of your Protectors. Your coheads, McFarland and MacKenzie, would be my top choices.”
Finn studied her a second. “If I do this, then I want to start talks about an alliance. That way Bram can’t lord it over me at every opportunity.”
She tilted her head. “Despite barely knowing me, you seem fairly confident I’ll win.”
He shrugged. “You care enough for your clan to put up with this bullshit challenge. Add asking me for a favor out of the blue, and I admire your guts.”
Her beast chimed in. I like him. He will make a good ally.
Rather than argue about how her dragon could be so certain already, Teagan answered Finn. “We’ll start talks of alliance as soon as the trial is over.”
“Good. And no more being polite with me either, O’Shea. I can sense you holding back. If you ever make it to Lochguard, you’ll see that isn’t admired here.” She nodded and wondered if she’d ever have a chance to see his clan. Finn continued, “Then I’ll send you my dual head Protectors, Grant and Faye.”
“Good. I was hoping at least Faye could come. Female Protectors are rare in Ireland.”
The corner of Finn’s mouth ticked up. “Aye, you aren’t the only one challenging tradition, lass.”
A few minutes ago, she would’ve let the term slip, but Finn wanted honesty. “I’m not a ‘lass.’”
“Right you are, O’Shea. You passed the test. I’ll send Faye and Grant’s information after I chat with them.” A baby cried in the background. “The song has started. I’ll reach out to you later.”
The screen went black.
Exiting the video conference app, Teagan swiveled her chair to the other side of her desk. She spoke to her dragon. That went better than expected. I’m sure the other leaders are going to be upset with me for including a female judge.
Too bad. We might not know Faye MacKenzie, but she will help keep the judges from turning against you simply because you’re female. They must all agree for a winner to be announced.
And who knows, the French clan may have a female judge as well. Our clans have never been close, so I know so little about them.
Her dragon merely grunted to end the conversation, and Teagan focused back on her paperwork. Every form had to be filled out in duplicate and sent to the DDA office by the end of the day if she wanted to hold the trial at all.
Paperwork was definitely her least favorite activity, but it kept her mind busy. An hour had soared by before there was a knock on the door. “Come in.”
Colm MacDermot walked into her study. With his warm smile and gift of handling the younger dragon-shifters, not to mention being born and bred on Glenlough, he was exactly the type of male she should want at her side.
But his friendly gaze did nothing for her, unlike Aaron Caruso’s heated looks. All Aaron had to do was stare into her eyes and her heart rate would tick up.
She wondered if she’d ever find a good compromise within her own clan.
Her dragon huffed. I want more than a compromise.
Ignoring her beast, she smiled at Colm. “Is it time for the midafternoon break already?”
Colm looked around her office. “I still say you should have some help dealing with all of this. Most clan leaders have assistants.”
“Well, let’s just say that between dispelling rumors, facing challenges, and now coordinating a leadership trial, I don’t have a lot of time to vet possible assistants.”
Colm sat in the chair in front of her desk. “Once this is over, you need to make time or I might mention to your mother how tired you look.”
Teagan sighed. “Please don’t. Mam will probably come here herself to help ease the burden. Considering she runs the clan’s daycare, she doesn’t have the time to spare.” She sat up straight in her chair. “But enough about that. As I mentioned yesterday, I need your help.”
He smiled warmly. “Name what you need, Teagan.”
“I need for you to comb through the records from previous leadership trials. I want this one to be unique, and unlike any other they’ve faced.”
“A bit of surprise to throw their way?”
“Aye, I hope so. I know you’re busy with classes, but can I count on you? If you need a helper or two, Aaron Caruso and Brenna Rossi can do it.”
Colm paused a second before stating, “Your dance with Caruso last night seemed a bit intense. You want to talk about that?”
Since many years ago, Colm had fancied Teagan. She wasn’t about to hurt him unnecessarily by talking about another male. “Definitely not. We’re both competitive, end of story.”
Colm studied her and shrugged. “I won’t pry. But if you need a listening ear, I’m here.”
Her beast chimed in. Please don’t encourage him. He’s nice, but boring.
He would make an excellent partner to challenge tradition.
Right, and he’d be afraid to push you like you need. Compare how you feel now—calm, rational, and collected—to when you see Aaron tonight.
Her dragon sent a rush of images of Aaron’s naked body, both standing in front of them and on top of her. Damn you, dragon.
Her beast merely chuckled. Teagan pushed aside the images and focused back on Colm. “Thanks, Colm. Let’s meet every other day, but you can come anytime if you find something important.”
Colm nodded and stood. “I’ll probably reach out to Caruso for help. It’ll give me a better chance to assess him myself.”
She didn’t know if it was to protect the clan in general or her specifically. “I already have one overprotective brother. I don’t need another.”
Hurt flashed in Colm’s eyes but disappeared before she could blink. “You carry a lot on your shoulders, Teagan. There’s nothing wrong with the clan looking after you, too. I’d do it even if you were male.”
“Colm, I’m sorry—”
He put up a hand. “Don’t worry about it. You’re under a lot of stress.” He glanced at the clock on the wall. “I need to get back to my students. Their other class is nearly over.”
Before she could say anything else, Colm exited the room.
Teagan laid her head on her desk. She’d unintentionally hurt one of her greatest supporters. She would have to be more careful of what she said.
Her beast spoke up. It’s stress and denying what you truly want.
If you say something about sex, then so help me, I will keep you locked up all day.
You said it, not me.
Her dragon turned her back and ignored her. Teagan let out a long breath and then sat up again. Maybe having Caruso come over to cook her dinner had been a bad suggestion.
Regardless, she wasn’t going to run away now. The evening would give her the chance to clear the air between them and regain her focus. She couldn’t afford to snap at any more of her clan members, especially when they merely tried to help her.