He blinked. He wasn't a fucking dog, out to please his master.
No, he'd do it for himself. Killian might need to start over at some point, and the better he understood his skills and limits, the easier it would be to pitch himself to a future employer.
Chapter Five
Two days later, Brenna sat across from Teagan O'Shea and waited for a response.
Glenlough's leader leaned back in her chair and sighed. "I'm not sure I like either option."
"Well, since neither Dr. Sid nor Gregor have been able to do much from afar, it'd be easier for them to help in person. Since they can't come here, because of the temporary stay for foreign dragon-shifter visitors by the Irish DDA, taking Killian to England will hopefully speed up the process."
"And if I don't agree to that, the other option is to find a way for him to kiss Lorcan's daughter?"
Brenna shrugged. "I don't know if it'll work, but there's a small chance it might."
"Let's say that it did. You'd be okay with that?"
Her dragon spoke up. I wouldn't.
Ignoring her beast, Brenna answered, "I promised to help bring Killian back and that's what I'm doing."
Teagan raised an eyebrow. "I think you're full of crap, but I'm not going to waste time arguing. You're a grown female. Besides, my more important question is—are you willing to give up your place as the temporary head Protector on Glenlough? You may be English by birth, but you more than proved yourself during the clan's recent troubles and I think of you as part of my clan now."
At one time, she'd wanted acceptance more than anything. However, to be a true Protector meant putting duty above most personal desires.
Pushing past the emotion in her throat, Brenna replied, "I spent two days thinking on it. I'm not giving up my dreams forever, but I'm twenty-one years old and can afford to step back for now and work my way into a similar position in the future."
Teagan leaned forward. "Whilst it’s noble to stick to your vow, I'm not about to make you give up your career to see it through. I love my brother, but as he is right now, I'm not sure he deserves your dedication."
She sat taller in the chair. "He is a duty like any other, which means I'll see it through to the end."
Teagan opened her mouth, but quickly shut it. Picking up a piece of paper, she laid it in front of Brenna. "Sign this and I'll submit it via fax to the DDA. You should have clearance to visit Stonefire in a day or two."
Staring down at the paper, Brenna hesitated. She put on a brave face and words for Teagan, but the thought of leaving Glenlough made her heart heavy. As long as she remained mated to Killian, she could return. However, if he escaped and filed for a separation, it could be months or years before she could come back, depending on the Irish DDA's whim.
Her dragon grunted. I don't think Killian will escape. He flirts and stares at us most of the time.
Lust is not loyalty. I wish you'd remember that.
Her beast huffed. Regardless, you're hiding a deeper reluctance—to see our parents again.
Not wanting her dragon to be right, Brenna picked up a pen off Teagan's desk and signed her name. "There. I'll start making preparations and tell Killian the news. When do you plan on saying your farewells?"
Sadness filled Teagan's eyes. "I'm not sure he'd care one way or the other."
Reaching out a hand, she took Teagan's and squeezed. "He often stares at the photo album you provided and lingers on pictures of you, your mother, and grandmother more than the others. He may not know why, but somewhere deep inside, I think he recognizes you were important to him."
"Maybe. But don't worry, Aaron will make me say goodbye to my brother." Teagan's pupils flashed. "That gives me an idea. Aaron is a brilliant cook and we can have a farewell family dinner. That way, even if things turn awkward, everyone can fill their mouths with food and keep busy. Can you convince Killian to come over to our cottage later?"
"It won't be easy, but I'll find a way."
"Good." Teagan picked up the signed document. "I'll send this straight away. You'd best go since you'll need to brief Lyall O'Dwyer on Protector-related items so he can assume your position, and then tell Killian the news."
Lyall was one of the most experienced and loyal Protectors on Glenlough.
Standing, she nodded. "Thanks, Teagan, for understanding my request."
Teagan smiled. "Don't feel too much gratitude toward me. After all, sending him to Stonefire is highly preferable to him kissing Lorcan's daughter and causing a possible war."