Well, our children are grown and soon both will hopefully lead full and happy lives. Mother is busy helping Teagan, and our mate passed away a long time ago. Living in a new place may help us find a new purpose. After all, fifty-five is young enough still to do many things.
What about the children we watch? Their parents rely on the daycare center.
Your assistants are more than capable of taking over.
You just want to stretch your wings and travel.
Maybe.
The video conference app rang again. She clicked Receive in the next beat, revealing Lorcan's unreadable face.
"Well?" Caitlin asked. "Please don't keep me waiting."
He grunted. "As long as Killian doesn't expect a frenzy and will be kept away until it fades, Georgiana has agreed to help. I'm assuming you want this done as soon as possible?" She bobbed her head. "I checked into it and know he's mated to an English dragon-shifter and can freely travel. I'll put in the request tonight with the DDA about our mating. Someone owes me a favor, so the pair of you can come the day after tomorrow."
Her heart skipped a beat. "So soon?"
Lorcan raised his brows. "Have you changed your mind?"
Even though he was giving her a choice, she didn't really have one. "No."
"Then the sooner the better." His voice softened. "And don't worry, you'll have time to acclimate. While you do that, you can help hash out the details of the treaty."
"But Teagan is the negotiator, not me."
&nbs
p; "She will have the final approval. However, you will help draft the agreement."
She blinked. "You want me to help you? I have no experience in that kind of thing."
He smiled warmly. "Knowing your clan is an asset, Caitlin. You'll do fine. Unless there's anything else, I have much to do to set this all in motion."
She shook her head. "No, that's all for now."
"Good. Then I'll send the final details to Teagan. I look forward to talking with you under more relaxed circumstances, Caity. Good night."
The screen went blank and Caitlin tried her best to tame her thumping heart. Lorcan via video conference was all business with only a rare glimpse of the male who'd sent her flowers and notes. She only hoped the softer side of him came out more with time. Otherwise, she was in for yet another battle of wills in her life.
And she wasn't sure if she had the strength to handle another alpha personality, especially one she was supposed to spend the rest of her life with.
~~~
Brenna finished her hundredth crunch and lay on her back, staring at the ceiling of her bedroom on Glenlough. A few weeks ago, she'd wanted nothing more than for Killian to kiss her. And here she was, running away from him and trying to think of ways to keep her distance.
Her dragon grunted. Part of me thinks it's because you don't want to go to Northcastle and risk seeing Cedric.
Cedric Templeton was the male who'd manipulated Brenna during her army days. Not true. I couldn't care less about him. Watching Killian kiss another female, however, is too much.
Then you finally admit you want him, too?
She'd been waging this battle with her dragon for days, trying to deny the truth, but no longer. Yes. But it doesn't mean I won't do what I've been doing, in that I have to protect my heart and my future.
Even if Killian kisses the female, I can't see him agreeing to the frenzy.
If the old version of him returns, he might. Remember, he was nobler than we'd ever be and took duty to the extreme.
Her dragon shook her head. And to think, that was one of the reasons he caught your eye before.