His inner beast’s words rang with truth. Bram couldn’t risk the mate frenzy breaking out while the clan was still in danger. Then let’s find Finn and Kai.
After checking in with Sid, Bram left the tent. It was time to talk to Kai and find out what Finlay Stewart had done.
~~~
Finn knocked on the door of Tristan MacLeod’s cottage. He didn’t have long before Bram found him and while Finn stood by his decision to kill Neil Westhaven, the act might break the new alliance with Stonefire. If that happened, he wanted to see Arabella MacLeod one last time, both for his dragon and himself. For some reason, he didn’t want the lass to think ill of him.
The door opened. Instead of Tristan’s glare, Arabella’s dark brown eyes greeted him. She frowned and said, “What do you want?”
“It’s nice to see you, too, lass. Can I come in?”
“Why? Everyone is gone. It’s just me.”
“Aye, that’s why I’m here.”
She hesitated. He’d gleaned from his last visit that the lass didn’t like being alone with strange men. “We can talk out here, if you like.”
“Since we’ve spoken twice, I’m sure all you need to say can be said whilst standing at the door.”
He gestured at his body, clad only in a casual kilt. “It’s a wee bit cold out here and the warmth from the door is enticing.”
Her eyes darted to his chest and lingered. Finn was leaner than most dragon-shifter males, but only because he was taller. The lass’s eyes didn’t seem to mind and his dragon rumbled. I want to feel her skin.
Not now.
His beast growled, but Finn ignored him and cleared his throat. “If you’re quite done with the view, let me in or toss me a jumper.” Arabella’s cheeks flushed and he grinned. “Unless you want a longer look at my epitome of male perfection.”
The dragonwoman rolled her eyes and stepped back. “If coming inside will help stem your cockiness, then hurry up.”
His dragon crooned. She likes us. This is good.
Rather than dwell on his inner beast’s words, Finn stepped inside the cottage and headed into the living area. Once he plopped down on a chair, he dove right to the point. “Have you considered my invitation to come to Lochguard and set up the secure connection?”
She stayed standing on the far side of the room. While her heart rate appeared normal, he didn’t like the distance.
Arabella answered, “I told you I’d think about it. My answer hasn’t changed.”
“In my experience, maybe means no. Come, Arabella. It would benefit us both.”
She frowned and her voice was careful when she said, “Explain that last bit.”
His dragon cautioned, Don’t scare her.
I won’t coddle her. She doesn’t want it. “You’ve proved your skills to me and I won’t have to double-check your work, which saves me time.”
“And what is the benefit to me?”
“You’ll have the chance to interact with people who will treat you with care because you’re a stranger, not out of pity for your past. While I’ve only heard the rumors, I expect everyone on Stonefire knows the truth.”
Arabella took a step toward him. “I don’t want your charity.”
His dragon piped in. Don’t fuck up.
Finn stood up. “It’s not charity, Arabella MacLeod. I need your skills and you desperately need a break from the clan. Even your brother coddles you.”
She took another step toward him. “Leave my brother out of this.”
“It’s true, aye? Your brother is as careful as the rest. I don’t know about you, but living day in and day out with everyone walking on eggshells must be exhausting. Yes, you’ve gone through something terrible. But isn’t it time for you to face the world and live your life?”