Surrendering to the Dragon (Stonefire Dragons 5)

Although, unlike Bram, Aaron wasn

’t so sure that Killian had a sense of humor.

Aaron was instructed to stop in front of the dais. Gritting his teeth, he looked up to meet Killian’s green eyes. The bastard finally spoke up. “You’re late.”

“There aren’t exactly road signs telling me how to get here. Not even the sat-nav was entirely sure of this location.”

At his side, Quinn spoke up. “Although we’re honored to be welcomed onto your clan’s lands.”

Killian’s gaze moved to Quinn. “At least one of you has some manners.” Aaron was tempted to retort, but Killian’s voice cut him off. “Regardless, Bennett has vouched for you. That has granted you at least a meeting with Glenlough’s leader.” He motioned and Bennett came to Killian’s side. “Show them to the meeting room. I’ll join you shortly.”

Nodding, Bennett descended the stairs to the main floor and motioned with his head. “This way.”

Only because the entire Irish clan’s survival could hinge on this meeting did Aaron keep his mouth shut. The one thing he’d enjoyed in Italy had been the freedom to say what he wanted, whenever he wanted, even to the clan leader. The Italian dragon clans hated anything other than complete honesty. The leader of the Irish clan, however, wasn’t above talking about himself in the third person.

His dragon spoke up. But we’re not in Italy anymore.

Believe me, I know.

Bennett finally opened a door and guided them into a windowless room no more than twelve feet by twelve feet. The instant Bennett shut the door, Aaron spoke again. “What was the point of walking us through the clan if Killian wanted to discuss matters in private?”

Bennett shrugged. “He wanted to show your faces to the clan. They have to be cautious here, especially in light of recent news.”

“Speaking of which, will he listen? He barely said two words to Bram beyond agreeing to this meeting.”

Bennett lowered his voice. “He’s a tough bastard to read. But he cares for his clan. I’ll vouch for that. If there’s a threat, he’ll do whatever it takes to quash it.”

Before Aaron could ask another question, the door opened. Killian walked into the room, followed by a female with the same dark hair and green eyes.

His dragon spoke up. She is pretty.

And more than off limits.

Maybe if there’s a celebration, we can chat her up.

Don’t start, dragon.

The female’s pupils flashed as well, but her face remained stoic as she took a seat next to Killian. Taking that as a cue to follow suit, Aaron signaled his people to also sit down.

Once everyone settled around the conference table, the Irish female was the first to speak. “Are you still allies with Clan Northcastle?”

Aaron half-expected for Killian to castigate the female for speaking out of turn. But all the Irish leader did was nod. “Answer her.”

“We’re neither allies nor enemies. Stonefire hasn’t had any contact with the Northern Irish clan since the 1970s.” And because Aaron couldn’t help himself, he added quickly, “But you already knew that, didn’t you?”

The corner of the female’s mouth ticked up. “Of course. Don’t underestimate us just because we’re not the almighty Clan Stonefire.”

“And yet you assume we’re liars?” Aaron asked as he raised his brows.

The female shrugged. “You can never be too careful with the English, be it human or dragon-shifter.”

Killian chimed in. “Enough, Teagan.”

His beast spoke up again. Teagan. The name suits her. I bet she’s feisty when she relaxes.

We don’t have time to flirt. Leave it.

As his dragon pouted in the back of his mind, Aaron looked between Killian and Teagan. There was definitely a resemblance. “I’m Aaron Caruso and this is Quinn, Brenna, and Sebastian.” He pointed to Killian. “You’re Killian O’Shea.” He pointed to Teagan. “And you’re Teagan who?”