She paused as a roar of agreement echoed inside the hall. With everyone back on her side, she pushed toward the end. “But in order to prove how capable females can be, I’m going to need the support of my clan. Your cheers and faith in me will give me the extra strength I need to ensure no one perceives us as weaker ever again. Who’s with me?”
For a split second, as silence stretched, Teagan wondered if she’d made a mistake. Then cheers and shouts rose in encouragement.
Her beast hummed. Of course they support us or we would’ve had another challenge long before now.
Logically, I know that. Still, I don’t like to take our clan and their support for granted.
Raising her fist for the last time, the noise died down. “Right, then I have one more request. For the next few weeks, I need you all to only petition an audience with me if it’s truly important. Killian will also assist with settling disputes until this is over so I can focus on the upcoming challenge. I have faith that Glenlough will have my back. Am I correct?” A resounding yes rolled through the crowd. “Then enjoy the celebrations tonight! If I have any say in the matter, we should be having another one before too much longer to celebrate showing the other clans that a female has as much right to lead as a male.”
There were a few more cheers, and Teagan waved to certain members of the audience. As people sat down and started to dish out food from the serving platters that sat in the middle of the tables, she turned around and let out the breath she’d been holding. The first set of eyes she found were Aaron’s dark brown ones. He gave an almost imperceptible nod, and she returned the gesture.
Not that she knew why she did it. Aaron’s approval wasn’t important in the grander scheme of things.
Before her dragon could go on about why it should matter, Teagan took her seat and reached for her glass of wine. She took a sip and Aaron leaned over to whisper, “I look forward to facing the strong female who just rallied her clan’s support. Outsmarting you will be a worthwhile puzzle.”
After swallowing the smooth red wine, she turned toward him. “Do my ears deceive me or was that almost a compliment?”
He winked. “Don’t get used to it. But I’m big enough to admit when someone’s doing a good job. I’ll leave any greater compliments until I face you and see what you’re made of.”
Aaron’s words should needle her ego, but instead, it made her anxious to get started. “And you shall. How about twenty minutes after dawn? Unless that’s too early for you.”
“That depends. Do I get coffee beforehand or not?”
“I’m tempted to say no, but I want you at your best for my win. So drink as much as you like. I love mornings, so I may fly a few laps whilst waiting.”
He grunted. “Just tell me where and I’ll be there.”
She smiled and picked up her wineglass again. “I think I’ll keep you in suspense for a little while longer. That way you’ll have to stay and participate in your welcoming celebration.”
Aaron’s gaze swept the room. “I’m not one for small talk and diplomacy.” He looked back to her. “Trust me, you should be urging me to leave as soon as possible before I start a war between our clans.”
She shrugged. “I don’t know about Stonefire, but this is Glenlough. We prefer honesty.”
“I somehow doubt you lot always take honesty with a smile and nod.”
“Of course not. But the ensuing consequences can be fun. The only real rules are to not permanently maim or kill anyone.”
He raised his brows. “Those might be famous last words.”
She waved a hand in dismissal. “All of that isn’t important right now. What you should be worried about is that you’re expected to dance tonight.”
“If you think I’m going to flail my legs and look the fool, then I promise you I’ll be kicking more than one person this evening.”
She snorted. “We have a lot of the same traditional dragon-shifter dances you do, so stop moaning. I’ll let you know when it’s time for you to show everyone what you’re made of. Once you do a few dances, then I’ll tell you the location for tomorrow morning.”
“You’re devious.”
She sipped her wine. “You say that as if it’s a bad thing.”
Aaron opened his mouth to reply, but one of her advisors called her name and Teagan went to the end of the table to talk with him.
Still, as she listened to the male, her eyes kept darting toward another. Aaron Caruso was starting to shatter her initial opinions of him. Maybe she’d see the carefree, teasing version of him yet.
And maybe she would take up her dragon’s suggestion of a little fun while Aaron was there. She’d just need to make sure he understood it was temporary and that no matter what happened, he wouldn’t sever the alliance because of it.
Her beast gloated, but Teagan ignored her to focus back on her advisor. Taking care of her clan would always be her top priority, even if it meant an isolated existence to carry out her duties.
Chapter Six
Aaron watched Teagan from the corner of his eye as she conferred with one of her clan members. The older male had gray hair and smile lines around his mouth. His instinct sensed the male was more like a grandfather to Teagan than anything else. It gave Aaron the opportunity to merely watch her as she worked.
In contrast to Stonefire’s leader, who used humor to comfort and calm, Teagan often touched a bicep, forearm, or shoulder as she talked. It was a much more female way to handle the situation, but that didn’t make it wrong, just different.
His beast spoke up. You’re being too serious. This is a celebration. We should have some fun.
There’s nothing wrong with observing others, especially if we’re to work closely with Glenlough in the future.
I think it’s more a case of you wanting to defeat her tomorrow morning.
That, too. Knowing your opponent is never a bad thing.
Teagan caught his gaze and she tilted her head at him. Aaron didn’t back down. He merely smiled.
She rolled her eyes and focused back on her clan member. Still, Teagan couldn’t hide the faint blush on her cheeks that he bet wasn’t because of the wine she’d drunk.
His beast spoke up again. She finds us attractive. Take advantage of it. I bet she’s a tiger between the sheets.
Aaron shouldn’t encourage his beast, but he couldn’t help but reply, I think you mean she’s a dragon.
That, too.
His gaze moved to the curve of her neck to where it met her shoulder. Some females were ticklish at that spot, and he wondered if running his bearded jaw against her skin would make her moan or giggle.
If only she weren’t clan leader, Aaron would tumble her and leave the next morning without any regrets.
But Teagan was clan leader, and he wasn’t about to fuck up his assignment to please his cock or his dragon.
His beast huffed. I’ll think of a way we can have it all.
Not dignifying his dragon with a reply, Aaron watched her a little longer. When she finally leaned to stand and a tendril brushed her chest, he wished he could be the one not only touching but also cupping her soft breast.
Teagan met his gaze, and he refused to back down as she made her way back to him. Once she sat next to him again, she murmured, “Enjoying the view? You’re supposed to win over the clan, not stare at me.”
He turned a little toward her. “And exactly how am I supposed to win them over? You gave your rah-rah speech, but then quickly left.”
The corner of her mouth ticked up. “Did someone miss me?”
“Don’t be ridiculous,” he answered. “Without you here, people were able to stare at me freely. You should be proud that I didn’t start waving to everyone who caught my eye.”
“Am I supposed to give you a cookie for not flipping them off instead?”
“Teagan,” he growled.
She snorted. “You’re so easy to provoke.” She waved toward the floor below. “You can wander around the hall freely. Although, I wa
rn you, a few of the younger clan members may accost you. If so, you’re on your own.”
“So you have rules about where guests need to sit, but you ignore the old tradition of clan leaders leading visitors out to greet the clan?”
She leaned toward him and Aaron resisted the wild, earthy smell that was Teagan to focus on her whispered words. “If you want me to lead you out, you must be asking me to dance.”
His beast hummed. Yes, then we can touch her skin and see how soft it is.
He cleared his throat. “Don’t be ridiculous. I’m merely trying to be polite.”
“Oh, I think not.” She stood again and offered her arm. “Come, Caruso. You can’t refuse the invitation of a clan leader, now, can you?”
“I could, but who says I want to.” Aaron stood and threaded his arm through hers. At the contact of her warm skin against his, his heart skipped a beat. He had no idea why the blasted female kept affecting him so, especially knowing she wasn’t his true mate.
Pushing aside those thoughts, he was careful to keep his voice even as he added, “Whatever plan you have, I will one-up you on it. You’ve been warned.”
Teagan blinked but quickly regained her composure. “We shall see. I look forward to you failing. It’ll be a preview of what’s going to happen tomorrow morning.”
She moved, and Aaron had no choice but to follow. As he matched her strides, he noticed the people of Glenlough pointing and talking.
The whispers didn’t faze Teagan. She kept her head high and her shoulders back as she made a beeline to a table at one side of the large room, where a variety of audio equipment sat. A male stood behind the table with a smile. Once they reached him, he asked, “You’re that anxious for my skills, are you, Teagan?”
She laughed. “I just want to show our guest what he’s missing. Start with my favorite. But first, I need the microphone.”
As the unknown male picked one up, Aaron wondered what was Teagan’s favorite.
Her voice blasted into the room. “I know some of you just started eating, but our guest from Stonefire is impatient to dance. So, he and I will kick things off, and then others can join when they’re ready.”
She handed the microphone back to the male and tugged Aaron toward the cleared area in the center. He frowned. “We’re the only ones dancing to this song?”
Amusement danced in her eyes. “Is that a problem? I thought it was difficult to embarrass you.”
“Oh, I’m not embarrassed, but if I don’t know the dance, I don’t want to look the fool so soon.”
She grinned. “So you admit to looking the fool sometimes?”
He growled. “I didn’t say that.”
“I think you did.” They reached the cleared area and she released his arm. Once she was a few steps across from him, she put her arms at her side. “And if you don’t know this dance, then it’s because you skipped class that day and it’s your own fault.”
Aaron opened his mouth, but the beginning notes of one of the oldest dragon-shifter dances filled the hall. He did know the dance and not just because of class. It was his mother’s favorite, and Aaron had had to step up more than once to dance with her after his father’s abandonment.
As he bowed, he whispered, “Let’s see if you can keep up with me.”
The music cut off Teagan’s reply and Aaron took the first step.
~~~
Teagan’s heart thumped inside her chest. Not because of all the eyes on her. She was used to that.
No, it was because of the devilish look in Aaron’s eyes. She had a feeling he’d make her forget about everything but keeping up with him.
Her dragon spoke up. That’s a good thing. Once he knows our touch, he’ll be begging to kiss us in a dark corner somewhere.
Before she could state again that she wasn’t going to kiss Aaron that evening, the music began. She and Aaron bowed to one another before circling each other left and then right.
His dark brown eyes were intense, but it was foolish to think he was focusing on her. The male was competitive and out to win. He was probably looking for any fault to take advantage of.
Too bad Teagan was determined to outshine him first. Just because she could take down a male who weighed several stone more than her didn’t mean she couldn’t be dainty and graceful in order to outdo a male on the dance floor, too.
She put out her right hand and Aaron his left. The instant their palms touched, a shot of electricity raced through her body. But she didn’t have time to study Aaron and see if he felt the same pull of attraction as she.
True mate or not, she would admit he was a handsome male. And with his eyes and smiles, he’d probably danced with many females. Teagan wouldn’t read into anything.
They twirled with their hands clasped and released at the right moment to spin around and face each other once more. Aaron reached out and placed a hand on her waist to pull her close. She sucked in a breath at the heat of his skin through the thin material of her dress.
Aaron’s pupils flashed to slits and back before he took her hand and led her in the pattern of the dance. As their bodies moved in time to the music, she was content to allow him to lead.
Her dragon chuckled. It’s the first step to my grand plan. I look forward to him leading in other ways, such as when we’re naked.
Teagan concentrated on the steps of the dance before replying, You’re not helping. I don’t want to stumble.
Aaron increased his movements as the tempo picked up. She murmured, “You’re better at this than I thought.”
He tilted his head. “So are you ready to wax on about my dancing skills?”
She rolled her eyes. “One dance proves nothing. All I have to do is request an Irish one, and you’d be on the sidelines within seconds, nursing a twisted ankle or worse.”
“Then it’s a good thing I don’t own a pair of the special shoes you need to make the tapping sounds. I can sit out from the beginning and merely watch your legs as they flail about.”
As Aaron spun her, he pulled her tighter against his body. Only because the dance was ingrained into her being did she not miss a step. Aaron radiated an unimaginable amount of heat. A faint sheen of sweat probably covered her face from both dancing and being in Aaron’s proximity.
Her beast spoke up. We’d never be cold in bed again.
Focusing on the male, she kept up with him. “We have plenty of those types of shoes to share. I’m sure one of my Protectors would lend you theirs.”
“I might twist my ankle, and then I wouldn’t be able to face you in the morning. Which would you rather have—me stumbling to prove you’re a better dancer or having me available to brush up your skills to prepare for the upcoming challenge?” he asked.
“You’re right. I think I’d rather pin you to the ground and have you cede to me. That’ll be more satisfying.”
Aaron put extra energy into his turn as he murmured, “I was just thinking the same thing.”
As the song wound down, Aaron slowed his steps. When they stepped apart to face each other and bow at the final notes, Teagan resisted the urge to take his hand and perform another dance so that their bodies would touch again.
Her dragon huffed. Invite him to the hallway and we can sneak away.
As much as I’d love to act like a teenager with her first beau, the clan will have questions about my announcement. I need to make my rounds.
The clan is enjoying dinner and music. They can survive an hour without you.
An hour is being generous. Most males barely last five minutes.
Her dragon grunted. I have plans. It’s fun to tease and prolong the event. There’s much we could do before sleeping with him.
Aware that the music had stopped, Teagan put out her arm and Aaron threaded it through hers again. She quickly said to her beast, Not tonight.
Then you didn’t say never.
Aaron’s husky whispered filled her ear. “Is your dragon impressed with my dancing?”
“Wouldn’t you li
ke to know? If you win tomorrow, I’ll tell you.”
“That just gave me extra incentive. But if I get a boon, then you should have one, too. That will make the competition far more interesting.”
You know what we want, her dragon answered.
Teagan knew she was on dangerous ground. Aaron was her link to Stonefire. She should keep her distance and merely use him as a tool to better help Glenlough.
However, before she could stop herself, she blurted, “You come to my cottage and make dinner for me.”
He raised his brows a fraction. “How do you even know I can cook?”
“I did my research. I know you can.”
He snorted. “That’s not much of an ask.”
“Ah, but I didn’t finish. I want you to make dinners for as long as you’re here. I hate cooking, and it’ll free up so much time to do other things. Think of it as Stonefire assisting Glenlough. That’s quite the important task.”
Shaking his head, he replied, “Putting aside your ridiculous excuses, if I’m to agree, then I should get more than your dragon’s answer about my dancing. You have to tell me what your dragon is thinking anytime I ask, provided it won’t violate security protocols or risk someone’s safety.”
Her dragon’s amused voice filled her head. That could be fun.
Teagan could make up excuses and bow out. She outranked Aaron. Soldier that he was, he’d have to accept that if he wished to complete his assignment on Glenlough.
Of course, that would put distance between them. And no matter how much she shouldn’t want it, she already craved the ease of being herself in Aaron’s presence.
For the first time in a long time, she didn’t have to be a leader with someone. She could just be Teagan O’Shea. True, it was in small increments, but it was more than she’d had in years.
She stood a little taller. “Okay, but I’m not worried. I look forward to having a cook for a few weeks.”
Aaron leaned over to her ear and murmured, “Since I understand how dragons think, I look forward to hearing what yours has to say. I’m sure your cheeks will go pink several times an hour.”
Aiding the Dragon (Stonefire British Dragons Book 9) Page 6