Winning Skyhunter (Stonefire Dragons Universe 1)

Her beast sniffed. They still don't trust us.

> Maybe. But if you were the DDA or the other dragon leaders, could you blame them?

Before her dragon could reply, Dr. Innes grunted and his voice filled the room. "I think it's still too early for Asher to deal with visitors such as you two."

Finn’s brow rose as if offended. "Och, come on, Innes. I'm the most charming male you know."

Bram sighed. "No, we're not getting into this again." He moved his gaze to the doctor. "It'll be short and to the point. Besides, the monitors will let you know if his health is in any danger."

The doctor grunted again, a bit louder this time. "Fine. But if you worsen his condition in any way, then I'll pull my rank as doctor and order you out until I say otherwise."

While it was true doctors were one of the few members of a dragon clan who could order the clan leader about, Honoria never remembered anyone telling Marcus King what to do. It was fascinating to watch.

Her dragon chimed in, I'm sure once we have a new head doctor here, they can be coaxed to do the same.

Even if they weren't the leaders was left unsaid.

With one last glare at Bram and Finn, Dr. Innes exited the room.

Asher jumped in before anyone else could. "Let's not repeat the last time we met and have you two joke around and take your time getting to the point. Just tell us what you need to say."

The corner of Bram's mouth ticked up. "No sugarcoating, I see. That's good because what I have to say isn't easy."

Honoria's stomach twisted in knots. She had no idea if Bram would tell them that Skyhunter was to be disbanded; or maybe he'd inform them of how they hadn't won the right to lead; or possibly something much worse than she could even imagine. Regardless, none of the options were good.

But at least she might finally be able to hear Skyhunter's fate.

Bram continued, "Your clan is on rocky ground, much like before. That idiot Farhall killed himself and injured a few of our people with his shifting inside a tunnel." He shook his head. "Who shifts in a fucking tunnel?"

Honoria pointed out, "You put us there, so remember that."

"Aye, we did," Bram stated.

Finn jumped in. "Keeping the crazy arsehole in the running was a mistake, just like I said. Maybe next time you'll stand with me, Bram, instead of siding with the other leaders and even the DDA."

Bram put up a hand. "You can argue with me about that later. I don't want to linger or risk Innes's wrath." He focused back on Honoria and Asher. "Even though the DDA originally wanted to disband Skyhunter as a result of the chaotic, dangerous outcome of the trials, we convinced them to give Skyhunter one last chance." He pointed to each of them. "You two, in fact, are getting that chance. It'll be your job to clean things up and start showing progress with the clan. If you can't meet set deadlines or goals, then the DDA will rethink the disbandment decision, and no amount of talking from me or my colleagues will change their minds."

Honoria's dragon stood tall inside her mind. I knew we could do it.

Ignoring her beast, she shared a glance with Asher. Even though there was a crapton of stuff to do, she couldn't help but smile. "We did it."

However, if she was hoping for a smile, it didn't come. Asher's brows came together. "When does this start?"

"Now," Bram answered. "Innes won't like it, but already your clan members are talking about what happened with Farhall. Leave them leaderless for even a week to let you heal, and I guarantee people will be stirring panic and maybe even fleeing in droves. Not that I don't like having more people in my clan, but I'd rather have an ally down here, in the south. Because if not, the dragon hunters will pounce on the opening and grow like weeds in the southern counties. And that's not something I want to deal with."

A million thoughts raced through Honoria's head, but she forced herself to nod and reply, "Then we'll deal with it." She looked back at Asher. "When will you be strong enough to address the clan jointly?"

"This evening."

It was on the tip of her tongue to say no bloody way, but rationally, she knew Asher was nearly healed. He might have some physical therapy in his near future, but he could walk a few paces and stand for ten minutes.

Not that she was going to like watching her male suffer at all.

Her dragon spoke up. He's suffered worse. He's strong and will do what's needed.

Asher spoke up again. "Now if you two could set up everything with the Protectors to have a clan meeting tonight, we could do with some time alone."

Finn winked. "Aye, I suspect you do."