Killian sat back in his chair. “I won’t allow it to happen. Moving on, I have an update on Sadie Kavanagh.”

Some might think her brother was arrogant, but Killian had proved himself many times over to Teagan. “Yes?”

“Sadie had scribbled some directions on a scrap of paper and tossed it into the rubbish bin. She’s probably at the final destination with her Northcastle male, but I didn’t want to send anyone to check until you approved the plan.”

“Hold off confronting her for now, but maybe have someone discreetly watch the area. I want to give Eliza some peace, but not too much. Unt

il Lorcan Todd and I work out our differences, I doubt he’ll allow anyone from Northcastle to live here.” Killian nodded. Teagan stood. “I’ll take a look at the accounts and get back to you. Send Caruso to me once you’re done debriefing him.”

“How much do you want him to know?”

“Everything.” Her brother raised his brows, and she added, “He has a mother waiting for him in England, who he wants to get back to. Caruso won’t run off and spill secrets. Bram would punish him if he did, and if it was bad enough, maybe banish him. Aaron won’t chance it.”

Killian studied her eyes. No doubt her brother knew there was more to the story, but he didn’t question her. “I’ll talk with him.”

“Good. Any other updates I should know?”

“The Killarney clan hasn’t made a move yet, nor have the other two Irish clans. I have a team checking in with our contacts regularly, just in case they take action.”

“Let’s hope the others see reason and stay away. If any of the other clans attack us, the Irish DDA will probably punish all of us. Regardless of their views of female leaders, we all do better without the DDA’s involvement.” She moved to the door. “If you find anything specific or worrying about the bank records or have an update on the other clans, contact me immediately.”

With a wave goodbye, Teagan left her brother and headed toward her own office. She had a full plate for the day and she hadn’t even eaten breakfast yet. After four years as clan leader, she should be used to the busy workload, but every once in a while, she itched to stretch her wings and merely fly for hours in any direction. There was much of Ireland she had yet to explore.

Her dragon spoke up. We can pop off for a bit at any time. I’m stealthy. No one will see.

I know you are, love. But unless you can split us in two so that one set can manage the clan and the other can fly away, it’s not going to happen.

If we had a partner in all ways, the male could help free up some time. It is possible.

Rather than answer her beast, Teagan entered her office and sat in front of her computer. She had work to do. The clan would always come first. And if she wished to keep taking care of them, she couldn’t take a mate. The elder dragon-shifters would frown at living with a male but not mating him. And she refused to step down because of some ridiculous tradition.

So, Teagan logged into her computer and pushed aside thoughts of having a mate to lean on. She could handle things on her own, as she always had in the past.

Chapter Four

Aaron tried his best to hide his exhaustion as he walked toward Teagan’s office. If he wasn’t careful, he might yawn in Teagan’s presence and he’d never hear the end of it.

His beast spoke up. If you don’t let one out, you will yawn.

You’re not helping.

I am. Yawn now and it’ll be out of the way.

No. I’m not about to show weakness on my first full day on Glenlough.

His dragon huffed. To make things worse, his beast curled up and went to sleep. It wasn’t the first time Aaron thought his inner dragon was more like an annoying sibling than a partner in life.

His beast opened one eye and promptly shut it. Aaron would probably pay for that thought later.

Taking a deep breath, Aaron closed his eyes a few seconds and opened them again. Killian had been straight to the point about debriefing him. The clan was waiting for a challenger to come and try to take over Glenlough. While Aaron appreciated the information, the lack of alternative solutions had grated. He could’ve told Killian his idea but had decided to save it for Teagan. That way he could watch the surprise in her eyes.

If he worked hard, he might be able to surprise her more than she could him.

His dragon shook his head and went back to feigning sleep. His beast must be exhausted to miss the chance at teasing him.

Aaron arrived at the old oak door at the very end of the hall. He knocked, and Teagan’s muffled voice told him to enter.

Opening the door, he spotted Teagan frowning at her computer. His gaze then drifted to the multiple piles of paper stacked around her room—on her desk, table, bookcase, and even the small sofa. Before he could stop himself, he blurted, “How do you find anything in here?”

Tags: Jessie Donovan Stonefire Dragons Fantasy
Source: readsnovelonline.net