Because as smart as she was, not even Ashley had memorized the ADDA handbook, rule book, or every law related to dragon-shifters in America.
When it came up, she went to the necessary folder and double-clicked on her PDF copy of the handbook used by every ADDA employee in the US. Scanning the table of contents, she found what she was looking for—Reward Systems.
For the most part, ADDA rarely used the reward system for dragon clans anymore. It was deemed expensive by the government, but also humiliating by the dragon clans since it treated them like children.
However, the system hadn't officially been removed from the books. And as she scanned the words, she found what she needed and read the passage:
When a clan leader has ruled over a dragon clan peacefully for at least three years and has no more than two minor violations, they can request a special license to marry a human. It is in the best interest of ADDA to foster good relations with the dragon leaders, and there's no better way to keep a close eye on a clan than to have its leader take a human spouse, especially if that spouse is an ADDA employee. If a leader decides to take up this offer, he will be subject to stricter follow-up visits and can't deny future access to ADDA employees unless he wishes to lose his human wife.
Ashley rolled her eyes at the assumption the clan leader would be a straight male. She felt sorry if a female dragon-shifter ever tried to use the loophole, let alone if a male wanted another male.
However, in her case, it didn't matter since Wes indeed wanted a wife, so she kept reading:
All that is required is a letter from the prospective wife, assuring ADDA she is becoming the dragon leader’s spouse voluntarily. This will grant temporary residency on said dragon clan until the matter can be further investigated. (It is unwise to try to take away the prospective bride, as was learned in the case of Clan MountainMist in 1878.) Refer to Section Three for how to handle a clan leader bride request in greater detail. Section Four includes additional steps if the woman in question works for ADDA and wishes to continue her employment with the department.
She sat back in her chair. Since she'd been working with PineRock for years, she knew Wes met the qualifications. Well, technically. When Ryan Ford had been dropped from the sky by a dragon, the incident could've resulted in Wes's removal if it had been reported to ADDA.
However, Ryan had refused to report the incident. And for some reason, Ashley had let it slide.
Maybe because deep down, she'd held on to hope about snagging Wes for herself. And even without knowing the rule book cover to cover, she knew enough to guess that a dragon clan needed good behavior to ask for any sort of favor from ADDA.
Regardless, she now had to set things in motion. Picking up her cell phone, she sent a quick text to Wes, asking him to meet her.
When he replied he'd be there in a few minutes, Ashley scanned the additional information about how to proceed with her letter.
While her heart thumped hard at the information, she couldn't help but worry a little. If something was bound to go wrong for a dragon clan, it tended to happen. The two most recent lotteries and the ensuing unrest on PineRock had shown her that.
And Ashley didn't want to think that just as she'd found a way to be with her man, she still couldn't have him.
So instead, she focused on writing a quick draft. That way, she could at least have the first step ready to go if Wes gave her idea the green light.
Wes dashed down the stairs of the main security building, eager to hear what Ashley had found. However, before he could reach the exit, Andre Carter stepped into his path, and he said, "I need to talk with you, Wes."
Since the Protector was one of his most trusted, Wes didn't hesitate to turn around. He said, "In my office," and headed back up the stairs.
His dragon sighed. At this rate, we'll never find out how to claim Ashley as our mate.
This is the life of a clan leader, dragon. Would you have me ignore the clan for one female?
I wish I could say yes, but of course I won't. This is our home. And dragons protect their homes and family. Just make sure Ashley becomes part of that family soon.
How about I promise to let you shift and show your form to her when we have the chance? Will that help?
His beast grunted. It's not as good as sex, but I'll take what I can get.
His dragon somewhat mollified, Wes typed in the code for his office door and walked inside, Andre right on his heels. The door clicked closed just as Wes leaned against his desk. He asked the younger dragonman, "What happened?"
Andre stood taller, which usually meant the male had bad news. He cleared his throat and answered, "The ADDA police will be here in twenty or thirty minutes."
Careful not to show surprise, Wes asked calmly, "Did they say why?"
"Something about a call they received, saying a human female is being held on PineRock against her will."
He had a feeling the League bastards had called in about Ashley. "Seeing as Tori is established here and Ashley is here on ADDA business, work with the police when they get here and show them everything is as it should be."
Andre nodded and added, "They want to talk to you as well. Something about a human saying you threatened him last night?"
The fucking assholes were out to get him, too, it seemed.