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Emmet’s cheeks flushed. “Of course, Teagan. I’ll try better.”
“Good. Then run home and start fresh tomorrow. If you show us you can change, then Mr. MacDermot and I may just forget to tell your parents about your little transgression.” She looked to Colm. “Isn’t that right?”
Colm nodded. “But I need to see a change of behavior straight away. I’m not going to give you chance after chance. If being a Protector is what you truly want, then you have to earn it. There are no second chances in a life or death situation.”
“I understand,” Emmet answered quickly.
With that, Emmet ran off and Teagan chuckled. “I sometimes forget how difficult that age can be. Between dragons trying to seize control at any moment and human hormones rushing through their bodies, I’m not sure how any teenager survives it.”
Colm snorted. “I think you just don’t want to remember how adventurous you were yourself.”
She smiled. “Aye, I was a handful.” She sobered. “But we’ll have to save reminiscing for another day. I have a favor to ask.”
Colm raised an eyebrow. “Which is?”
“Before I get to that, just know that I’m not trying to rub in winning the leadership trials, I promise. But your experience is what I need.”
He rolled his eyes. “Unlike Hugh, I don’t hold a grudge. You were the best, and you won, end of story.”
Along with Colm, Hugh Burns had been one of her opponents during the clan leadership trials. “Good.” She lowered her voic
e. “I’m going to hold another challenge, and I’m going to need your help with planning and running it.”
Colm frowned. “Are you stepping down because of the arseholes who think you’re too weak? You don’t need to, Teagan. The clan has your back.”
“I know, and I’m not stepping down anytime soon. However, if I invite Orin Daly from Killarney or any of the other leaders who wish to challenge me to a formal trial, then I can once and for all dispel the myth that females are too weak to be leaders.”
Colm grinned. “Just thinking about Daly on his arse would make my day. Of course I’ll help.”
“Good. Then come to my office tomorrow during the midday break. I want to formally announce my intentions tonight, but I didn’t want to do it without securing your help first. I can’t do it on my own, and I’d like to have the second-place winner at my back.”
“You always have my help, Teagan. If you doubt it again, I may have to challenge you myself.”
He winked and she shoved him. “Fine, then I won’t. Just remember to come, aye?” Colm nodded and she continued, “Then I should go change before the formal celebration. Unless there’s anything else you want to talk about?”
“No, my students are doing fairly well overall. If Emmet truly tries to prove he’s Protector material, most of the other lads should fall in line. He may not realize it yet, but they look up to him. He’ll make a good Protector one day.”
“Agreed.” She turned away. “I’ll see you tonight, hopefully. If not, then tomorrow.”
Colm waved and Teagan walked briskly toward her cottage. Her dragon spoke up. Are you sure you want to announce it so soon? It might be better to wait.
Everyone is uneasy. If they know we have a plan, then they can breathe a sigh of relief and maybe even help prepare. I can’t do this on my own.
You’re assuming at least one of the other leaders will accept.
Orin Daly will. He has too much riding on this to back down. If he keeps quiet, it’ll open up his own clan to challenge him.
Her beast grunted. And he’s too proud to let that happen.
Yes. I’ve only met him the once, but that was enough. Using fear rather than trust, love, and respect to control a clan never ends well.
That’s his problem and not ours. The pressing concern is making Aaron’s jaw drop tonight.
Teagan rolled her eyes. That is probably the least important item on my list.
But admit it, seeing his eyes widen and him being speechless would be satisfying. You can use it to tease him more later.
I see what you’re doing, dragon.
