However, times had changed from over twenty years ago. Human females didn't have to jump hoops or join the sacrifice program to be with a dragon-shifter in the UK, or so the last few years had shown even if it wasn't established law yet.
This could be her chance to belong where she had always wanted to be and keep her career.
Kiyana was on the verge of agreeing to the ridiculous plan, but then she remembered something important. "Shouldn't Alistair have a say in this?"
Meg smiled smugly. "If you agree, then he'll say yes."
"Because you'll force him to."
"Och, no, I'd never do that to my son. He'll say yes because on some level, his dragon recognizes how you are what he needs. My son changed drastically a few years ago for reasons not even I have discovered yet. But you, lass, you have helped bring a little of the old Alistair back. So if you say yes, he won't be able to resist."
Kiyana was skeptical of him not being able to resist. Sure, they were attracted to one another, but he'd made it plain that he wasn't looking for a mate.
And yet, having both a constant information source and maybe even a fuck buddy would be a plus, too. Not quite her happy ending, but it would definitely make her six months on Lochguard that much better.
Not to mention after her assignment ended, she could always leave, her and Alistair never having to see each other again if their relationship soured.
You really are crazy, Kiyana. And yet… She cleared her throat and stood up tall. "If Alistair agrees of his own free will, I'll talk with him and go from there. That's the best I can do."
Meg patted her cheek. "Clever lass. You'll do." The dragonwoman moved to the door and paused in opening it. "Come over for dinner tonight, around seven. All three of my lads will be home, and I'll find time to talk with Alistair. That way, we can start sooner rather than later."
It was on the tip of her tongue to say it would be okay to wait a day or two, but Meg opened the door and moved down the hallways. "Come, lass. I'll point out the exact passages in your contract that pertain to this scheme. That way you'll be prepared."
As she followed Meg to another room upstairs, Kiyana's heart rate kicked up. Not only was her time on Lochguard vastly different from what she'd expected, but it may also change her life in ways she never imagined.
Ever since her screw up five years ago, she'd been careful about every decision. Rash ones tended to get her into trouble.
However, as Meg showed her the verbiage that could change her life, Kiyana remembered her father's words about needing to enjoy life more.
So, armed with legalese and a determined dragonwoman's enthusiasm, she embraced her late father's advice. Maybe, just maybe, the leap would land her to the destiny where she belonged.
~~~
Alistair took a deep breath and entered his mum's cottage. He and his brothers may be grown males, but once a week they all attended dinner at their mother's house.
Aye, not going would cause a month-long headache which none of them wanted. But it was also a way to keep grounded to his family. Even Alistair recognized he'd pulled away from them after Rachel's death.
His dragon said, That's because you never talk about it.
And I won't, until I find out how to stop it from happening to others. If other clan members find out about her condition, they could panic at the return of the inner dragon disease, and I don't want that.
His mum's voice drifted from the kitchen. "In here. I need to have a wee chat with you, Alistair."
His mother's chats were either about his lack of a mate, lack of children, or a lecture on how locking himself up with books all the time wasn't good for him.
He wasn't sure which of the three would be the day's topic.
Usually his dragon would make a witty or sly remark. However, his beast remained silent.
That meant Alistair was on his own against his mother for the lecture, and possibly the evening.
Entering the kitchen, he found his mother checking on something in the oven. Once she finished, she turned, placed a hand on one of her hips, and didn't bother with small talk. "I know who you fancy, and I've found a way for you to be with her."
He blinked. "What the bloody hell are you talking about?"
She clicked her tongue. "I'll ignore your language because what I have to say is more important." She took a step toward him, unafraid of how he towered nearly a foot above her tiny—for a dragon-shifter—form. "You like the Kiyana lass, don't deny it."
He opened his mouth, but she didn't let him say a word. "And aye, of course you'll deny it. Partly because you're dead set on never finding a mate. And partly because you know the rules surrounding her position."