He winked. "You know I'm jesting. I'm just partial to your flushed cheeks and revel the opportunity to see them when I can." He leaned over to her ear and whispered, "As well as other flushed parts of your body."
His words only made her face burn hotter.
Her dragon laughed. If you can't stop blushing at our age, I don't think it's ever going to happen. Prepare for Mam to tease us.
They approached the last leg to the great hall. She'll be too busy sitting near Teagan and Aaron, glaring out at the rest of the clan, to notice.
She may be older, but her eyesight is as keen as ever. Just wait and see.
A pair of Glenlough's younger Protectors stood at the entrance. Ignoring her dragon, Caitlin smiled at each of the Protectors in turn before entering the large, rectangular hall.
Banners in the colors of Glenlough's allies lined the edges of the room. Not only were all the clans in Ireland represented, but also those of Northern Ireland, Wales, Scotland, and both English ones. The multitude of vibrant colors, ranging from blue to green to red, made Caitlin proud. Her daughter had been instrumental in securing each clan's place of honor in the hall.
/> At the far end was a raised dais, complete with a long table and a series of chairs. Teagan sat next to Aaron, whispering something. Brenna and Killian were on the main floor, talking with Lyall O'Dwyer—head of Glenlough's Protectors—and Dr. Ronan O'Brien. She'd just began searching for her mother when her voice filled her ears. "My daughter is the last to arrive. I'll admit, that's a first."
She opened her mouth to reply, but Lorcan beat her to it. "You don't want to know why we're late, Orla. Trust me on this."
Her mother leaned on her cane. "Oh, aye? Defiling her again, I reckon."
"Mother!"
Orla winked. "There's nothing to be ashamed of. I had my own secret rendezvous at your age. The young think we stop at forty. I think it's because they can't handle the truth."
She sighed. "Can we talk about anything else? How's Teagan doing?"
Waving a hand in dismissal, her mother answered, "Fine, fine. Although Caruso is going to drive her to quitting her position and running away if he doesn't learn to back off."
"Most males are that way. He'll learn. After all, Teagan isn't one to mince words."
"Do I get a say in how males act?" Lorcan asked.
"No," Caitlin and her mother answered in unison.
Sighing, Lorcan shook his head. Caitlin was about to excuse them from her mother when Molly Caruso—Aaron's mother—caught her eye and waved.
Looking back at Orla, Caitlin said, "Sorry, Mam, but I promised Molly we'd discuss a few things. We'll catch up with you later."
"I imagine so." Her mother pierced Lorcan with a stare. "Try to leave without saying goodbye, and I'll find a reason to visit Northcastle and stay for weeks."
Lorcan raised his brows. "What, and lose your ability to criticize everyone and give orders when you feel like it? I somehow doubt it."
"Cheeky sod," Orla said with a smile. "Now, go on then."
She and Lorcan made it to Molly's side. As Caitlin embraced the other dragonwoman, she murmured, "It's good to see you."
Molly released her. "I'm not fond of big gatherings, but I knew you'd be here. I also want to keep an eye on Aaron, in case he starts to upset Teagan."
She glanced at her daughter and her mate. At present, they were laughing. "Maybe now's a good time to say hello to them, while they're in a good mood. And maybe snag Killian and his mate along the way, so we can have all our children together for a brief moment."
Molly bobbed her head. "Then we can sneak to a corner of the room and discuss ideas for the baby shower."
Even though baby showers were mostly a human thing, Molly had mentioned the one for Evie Marshall back on Stonefire and both females thought it would be a good way to honor their first grandchild.
Caitlin didn't even need to look at Lorcan to know he'd follow her. He couldn't care less about baby showers and the crafts she wanted to do for it, but he merely wanted to spend time with her.
Her dragon spoke up. Too bad Georgiana is ill, or we'd have everyone in one place.
I know. But that just gives me an excuse to invite Teagan, Killian, and their mates to Northcastle.