~~~
Teagan’s head began to pound when her first appointment, Renny Walsh, asked her point-blank if she was sleeping with the English dragon-shifter.
She managed to keep a smile pasted to her face as she answered, “Your appointment is for airing grievances, not talking about my personal life. You resisted telling Aaron your purpose for coming here, and I still allowed you to keep the appointment. But if you don’t have anything for me to hear and rule on, then you should probably go.”
The male’s silver brows came together. “If you’re sleeping with him, then I have the right to know. Him being here will put my life in danger.”
She shouldn’t encourage him, but she couldn’t help but ask, “How so?”
“You might accept Stonefire as an ally, but memories are long. We were enemies once. Some won’t forget that.”
“And we were allies once, too.”
“Hatred of enemies always lasts longer,” Renny stated.
She shrugged. “I have no control over that. I’m working on making new memories with Stonefire. The world is changing, and it’s becoming harder and harder to face the human world alone. My hope is that Stonefire is just the first. The more clans we have with us, the easier it’ll be to keep our lands and ensure the well-being of everyone in the clan.”
He waved a hand. “I care nothing about other clans. Glenlough is all that matters.”
She folded her hands in front of her, drawing on every bit of patience she possessed. “Are you insinuating that I don’t care about Glenlough, Renny? If so, you’re on dangerous territory.”
“It’s not the caring I’m concerned about. Rumors will fly soon, Teagan, and weaken your support for the upcoming challenge. You need to be honest with the clan about your relationship with the male to curb the rumors. You know the consequences for taking a mate. The challenge may not be necessary at all if you step down.”
Her dragon huffed. Maybe revealing our relationship with Aaron will help with dismantling the old way of thinking and put Renny’s ridiculous suggestion to rest.
I agree, but the timing needs to be right, which isn’t now.
Teagan focused back on the older dragonman. “I am honest and open about most things—more than the average clan member for certain. For example, would you answer a question about sleeping with someone? I’ve heard rumors about you as well, Renny. Maybe we should talk about your dalliance with a human widow living just outside Letterkenny.”
He blinked. “How do you know about that?”
“It’s my business to know. Killian checked out her background and cleared her. Otherwise, I would’ve talked to you much sooner.” Teagan leaned forward. “So, I repeat my question: would you want the clan to know about your private life? Because it can easily be arranged, if it’s that important to know about mine. Dallying with a human female may not be illegal, but it’s frowned upon, especially by the Irish DDA. You’d either have to mate her or break up with her.”
Renny narrowed his eyes. “What I do with Colleen isn’t the same thing at all. The English dragon-shifter could be a spy, merely using you for information. Does the DDA even know he’s here?”
Teagan raised her brows. “The Stonefire dragon-shifters are here to help us all. If you report them, then you dash any hope of forming an alliance with Northcastle. As I recall, you have cousins there. Wouldn’t you like to see them again?”
Renny didn’t answer, but Teagan knew from chatter that Renny banged on about missing one cousin in particular.
She continued, “Now, I’ve heard your grievance and will note it down in the records. Aaron is not a spy and whenever I choose to mate, it will be my decision, and I’ll share it with the clan. For now, our only priority is preventing attacks from other dragon clans.”
Renny muttered, “A male in charge would stop that, too.”
Teagan raised an eyebrow. “I assure you that despite what history may want you to believe, having a penis doesn’t grant magical powers. Now I think it’s time for you to leave. Others are waiting their turn.”
The elderly male slowly rose to his feet. “Don’t say I didn’t warn you, Teagan. The English bring nothing but trouble. You’ll see.”
As soon as Renny closed the door, Teagan let out a sigh and spoke to her dragon. If he’s this way now, I can only imagine what Renny will be like if Aaron and I mate, but I refuse to step down.
I’m glad you’re seeing things my way and accepting Aaron as our own.
Few trained soldiers would lower themselves to acting as a receptionist. I think he’s proved his dedication. He’s at least earned a chance.
You’re still afraid he’ll run away.
She hesitated but finally said, Maybe. Standing by my side for a few days is one thing, but long-term it may eat away at his feelings for me.
Between his past and yours, I’m surprised you two have managed to let down any walls.