Aiding the Dragon (Stonefire Dragons 7)

Just picturing her cottage empty again, with no male harping on about her mess or cooking her dinner, made her heart heavy.

Her dragon growled. They can’t send him away. He’s ours.

Not officially. Putting aside that he may not want to take a mate, making it official will cause more problems.

The clan will stand by you. The only question is whether you want Aaron regardless of the consequences or not.

She glanced at Aaron. I do.

Then we will find a way. Get rid of the DDA first and then we can talk with him.

Aaron patting her thigh brought her back to the present. She spoke again. “As long as the rule about no visitors can be revisited in a month or two, I’ll agree.”

Trevina folded her hands in front of her. “You’re not in much of a position to bargain, Teagan.”

“I disagree. If you revisit the ruling, I will also reach out to the other Irish clans and work on establishing alliances. If some or all of us sign a treaty, that will make your jobs easier.”

“We can possibly allow other Irish dragon-shifters to visit, especially since many members of Glenlough no doubt have relatives living in other parts of the country. If the higher-ups approve of it, then how about once you get at least one clan to sign the treaty, we’ll revisit the rule about no visitors from other countries. I can’t guarantee the new restriction will change even if you sign an alliance with every dragon clan in Ireland, but your actions will help sway members of the DDA into fighting for you.”

Teagan knew that was the best offer she would get. She nodded. “Deal. Put it in writing. Once it’s signed, I’ll start reaching out to other clans, but not before. I’ll also put my account in writing and have it witnessed. That should be easier for both sides when it comes to finding out the truth.”

Trevina stood and Lara followed suit. The former picked up her paperwork and said, “We’ll send the paperwork in the next few days. I expect your report before then.” Trevina glanced to the bandage around Teagan’s neck and back to her face. “Although, if your condition worsens, you have my direct line. Let me know and I’ll ensure you have a few more days.”

“Thank you, Vina.”

Trevina waved a hand in dismissal. “Not even dragon-shifters are invincible. And to be honest, you’re easier to work with than many others, so my offer isn’t completely altruistic.”

If Lara wasn’t in the room, Teagan would press for even more time with Trevina to better understand the human female for future negotiations. However, Lara was newer and more ambitious; Teagan wouldn’t do anything to risk Trevina’s reputation for results with dragon-shifters by delaying their more important task of collecting Hugh.

Lara spoke up. “We just need to secure the prisoner and we’ll return to Galway.”

The Irish DDA’s main headquarters was in Dublin, but Galway’s branch handled Glenlough.

Teagan looked to Aaron. Even though all he’d done was touch her leg, his presence had helped her. Still, he deserved to do more. Maybe then Trevina would warm up to the idea of Aaron staying on Glenlough, even without a mating.

Her beast huffed. Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that.

She ignored her dragon and asked Aaron, “Will you take them?” Aaron bobbed his head and Teagan looked back to the human females. “I apologize for not taking you myself, but I’m also recovering from a fever in addition to my wounds. However, call me with any questions that may come up or anything you learn from Hugh.”

Trevina raised a dark eyebrow. “He hasn’t talked to you?”

“Not much. Now that I’m on the mend, I intend to do a full-scale investigation. You’ll be one of the first to know what I find, Vina.”

Aaron stood. He smiled at the women, his teeth flashing, and Teagan wanted to growl. She knew that smile. He was going to flirt with them.

Her dragon spoke up. The DDA could do with a little charming. It means nothing to him.

I know. Jealousy is unlike me. But we just got him back and I want to spend time with him.

We will, soon enough. And once he’s officially our mate, jealousy will fade.

/> Teagan wasn’t sure it would entirely go away, but it would help. After all, Aaron was a rare dragonman, willing to support a female and not be constantly insecure or try to take over her job. Him supporting her during the meeting had washed away any lingering doubts about him changing or growing tired of her being clan leader.

Her dragon snorted. About time.

A few seconds after Aaron had ushered the DDA females out, the nurse came into the room to wheel her back to the surgery.

However, despite telling Ronan she’d return right after her meeting, there was something she needed to do first. Teagan looked up at Arlanna. “My grandmother should be in my office. I need to see her.”