Aiding the Dragon (Stonefire Dragons 7)

The old dragonwoman banged her cane against the ground. “Sometimes, that’s all you can do. Sit down before you fall down, child.”

Taking advantage of the few moments of quiet, Brenna gulped down her coffee and sat down. She said to her dragon, I wish Killian was here.

Why? As much as I’d like to fuck him, there are more important things to worry about right now.

Glad to see you have your priorities straight, dragon.

Her beast huffed. Oh, if he doesn’t show up soon, then we’re going to find him.

No—

Don’t even try to stop me. Besides, it’s not just for scratching my itch. Glenlough needs him, too.

And they should, no, will find him. If he’s hurt, he’ll find a way to reach out to his clan. He lives and breathes Glenlough.

Her dragon grunted. Maybe. But he’s a stubborn arse who thinks his sole existence is to protect and nothing more. At some point, he needs to loosen up a bit.

Right, and you’re the one to do it?

But of course. I’ve done a fairly good job with you, after all.

Orla’s voice saved Brenna from trying to rationalize and argue with her dragon. “You’re doing well for one so young, Brenna Rossi.”

Brenna blinked. “Um, thank you?”

Orla frowned. “Own your accomplishments, child. Modesty won’t get you to where you want to be. I can see you being head Protector or clan leader in your own right someday.”

“I refuse to believe Killian won’t come back.”

“I never said you’d earn those roles here, or even straight away.” Orla studied her a second before stating, “I do think you fancy my grandson, am I right?”

Her cheeks flushed. “That’s not important. He’s a good Protector and your own blood. You should care a bit more about his well-being instead of interrogating me about something unimportant.”

Orla clicked her tongue. “Killian can take care of himself in these matters. However, he’s not so skilled in recognizing good potential mates. That’s why he needs me. Otherwise, he’ll never find one. He needs a little guidance.”

Brenna should let the matter drop, but she asked, “What are you talking about?”

Orla smiled. “You’ll see, child. You’ll see. If it’s the last thing I do on this earth, I will see both my grandchildren mated and happy.”

“Stop being silly, Orla. You’ll outlive us all.”

Orla shrugged. “I won’t live forever, nor do I want to. But I can ensure my immortality through the continuation of my line. I rather hope both Killian and Teagan end up with offspring like me, personality-wise. That would keep them on their toes.”

Her beast spoke up. Listen to her. Just because Killian is much older doesn’t matter.

It matters to him. He sees us as a child.

Her dragon growled. We’re twenty-one and have served two years in the British Army. Most middle-aged humans couldn’t stomach what we’ve been through.

Even putting the age issues aside, I’m not ready to settle down. Staying on Glenlough has inspired me. I want to do more than I’ve ever dreamed of before.

You can do it all. I, on the other hand, don’t care for celibacy.

Lyall rushed over. Brenna mentally sighed in relief and focused on the Protector. “What is it?”

“Kerrin is ready,” the older male replied. “Should he proceed?”

Kerrin Dunne was an electrical engineer and Glenlough’s best amateur inventor.