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Teagan choked next to him, but Aaron kept his focus on Orla. He sensed he was passing a test and damned if he’d fail.
Amusement danced in Orla’s eyes. “I rarely dance these days, but if I can lean on you, then I just might. I’ll signal you when I’m ready.”
Teagan cleared her throat and Aaron looked over at her. Only because he was standing next to her did he notice the tightness in her jaw.
His dragon laughed. It seems even clan leaders have to deal with eccentric family members.
Aaron turned to Teagan’s mother. “My offer extends to you as well.”
Caitlin smiled warmly. “No, thank you. My son usually wears me out after a few dances.”
Orla shook her head. “That boy is too protective of you.”
When all three females remained quiet, he sensed there was more to the story.
However, he wasn’t going to prod and ruin the mood. Family secrets sometimes needed to be kept that way. “We should be going since Teagan mentioned that I have a lot of people to meet. Until later, Mrs. Kelly. I’ll be waiting for our dance.”
Orla looked to Teagan. “Just don’t wear him ragged before I claim that dance. It’s been a long time since a handsome fellow unrelated to me has asked to twirl these old bones around the great hall.”
“He’ll be more than ready for you, Gran,” Teagan answered flatly.
“Good.” Orla moved her gaze back to Aaron. “Then I’ll see you soon, Mr. Caruso.”
After Aaron murmured his goodbyes, they walked toward another table. Once out of earshot of her relatives, Teagan let out a long sigh. Aaron squeezed her arm in his. “I think I managed that well.”
“We can discuss you flirting with my grandmother later. For now, I need to ferry you around the room before my gran wants to dance. Keep her waiting and you’ll never hear the end of it.”
“So, she’s a normal grandparent, then?”
Teagan smiled. “Yes, but don’t tell anyone else that. She’s a former leader first and foremost. She doesn’t want to appear soft.”
“Well, I like her. She has fire.”
Teagan glanced at him for a few seconds before steering him toward a specific table. “Just don’t try to poach her for your own clan. Orla Kelly lives and breathes Glenlough.”
“I didn’t say anything about stealing her. Bram would kill me for bringing a strong-willed, older female for one. But it’s nice to have allies whilst living on foreign soil.”
“Why do you need her as an ally? So that you can gang up on me?”
“Well, if by some small chance I lose tomorrow morning, then I’ll make sure to invite her to dinner most nights. That way it’ll be
two against one.”
He winked and Teagan’s pupils flashed. Not for the first time Aaron wondered if her dragon was on his side or against him.
His beast spoke up. I think she’s on our side. Teagan usually blushes when her eyes flash. I may use that later to coax a kiss or more.
Are you still harping on about sleeping with her?
Why not? She obviously wants us, too.
Before he could think of yet another excuse of why that was a bad idea, Teagan stopped at one of the tables and introduced him to more clan members. His exchange with Orla had lightened his mood, so it was easy to wink and charm.
It also helped distract him from thinking about his challenge with Teagan the next morning.
Chapter Seven
The following morning, as the early rays of sun broke through the clouds, Teagan stood at the edge of a clearing nestled between the hills, with the lake to her right. She hated sharing the location of one of her secret spots with Aaron, but the fewer clan members who knew about her practice with the Stonefire male, the better.
