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Teagan wanted to shake her head, but she merely whispered to Aaron, “With our deal sealed and out of the way, you need to act like a representative again. My grandmother was once clan leader, and if you’re not careful, she’ll start thinking that there is something between us. Or worse, she’ll play matchmaker, and she’s one tenacious dragonwoman.”
Aaron’s muscles tensed under her fingers. “Can’t have that, now, can we?”
His words were practical, but they stung. She only hoped Aaron didn’t morph back into a formal, cold Protector. She’d lose her rare chances to be herself again for who knew how long, especially if she never took a mate.
Thankfully Teagan was good at keeping a smile pasted on her face and doing what was necessary in the moment.
Her dragon spoke up. You could always go to another table first, to better prepare for a meeting with Gran.
That will only make Gran suspicious. You know that.
Aaron’s words prevented her from replying. “That must be her. Let’s get this party started. I have a way with charming older females, especially when it comes to strangers.”
Teagan barely resisted rolling her eyes. Only because her grandmother had spotted her heading in her direction did Teagan keep her face neutral. While her gran would never berate or question her publicly, she wasn’t shy about doing so in private. And she certainly didn’t want an interrogation to add to her plate.
Teagan smiled wider and stopped in front of her mother. “Grandmother, Mam, I’d like to introduce Aaron Caruso, from Clan Stonefire. Aaron, this is my grandmother, Orla Kelly, and my mother, Caitlin O’Shea.”
Her mum smiled, her blue eyes crinkling at the corners. “It’s good to see more Stonefire members on our land. First Bennett Moore-Llewellyn coming with his mate to look after his mother-in-law, then Brenna Rossi, and now you. Before long, it may be like my childhood when we went back and forth without blinking an eye.”
Her grandmother frowned. “It wasn’t exactly like that, Caitlin. I’m the old biddy who’s supposed to romanticize the past.” Orla turned her gaze to Aaron and studied him a second. “You’re a bit young, son.”
Teagan bit the inside of her cheek to keep from laughing. Her grandmother wouldn’t be easy to charm, and she looked forward to seeing Aaron try to do so.
~~~
Aaron knew the older, silver-haired dragonwoman was trying to bait him, but she wasn’t the first gray-haired dragon to do so. He smiled. “We’re all young at heart, which is all that matters.”
Orla waved a hand. “I do know a few males in their sixties who act like children. Or even worse, those in their forties who rely on their females to function because they’re simply lazy. Irresponsibility is one of the worst faults. There’s such a thing as being too young at heart.”
“There’s also the right amount,” Aaron replied. “I’m sure over time I can convince you that I have that balance.”
“You’re a bit cocky,” Orla stated.
“There’s cocky and then there’s knowing yourself. False modesty tends to delay everything in my opinion. I like optimizing my time. I think you like efficiency, aye?”
The older female studied him before she replied, “That was the right answer. Always be direct with me, Aaron Caruso. I’m too old to beat around the bush.”
Teagan’s mother, Caitlin, frowned. “Mam, be nice. He’s our guest after all.”
“If he was a male who required fancy words, I wouldn’t still be talking to him. He can handle it, can’t you, lad?” Orla asked.
Aaron felt Teagan’s eyes on him, but he kept his focus on Orla. “I wouldn’t be a Protector if I couldn’t.”
Orla chuckled. “Honesty as well.” She raised her cane to point it at him. “Still, I’ll be watching you. I didn’t keep this clan together during my time to see things fall apart now. Undermine my granddaughter and I won’t hold back.”
Teagan spoke up. “Gran, I can take care of myself.”
“Of course you can. But you’re still my granddaughter. If I don’t look out for you, then who will?”
“Mother, I’m sitting right here,” Caitlin answered.
“You’re too kindhearted,” Orla said with a sigh. “Gracious knows you take after your father’s side of the family in that regard.”
Sensing a reoccurring argument, Aaron spoke up. “If either one of you cares to dance later, I’d love to claim one. We can get to know each other better.”
“Why? Are you planning to court me? I’m not sure you can handle me,” Orla stated.
Aaron grinned. “Dancing is all about handling your partner, but I’ll be a gentleman and resist your flirtation to do so.”
