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Orla thumped her cane once more. “Oh, hush. In my time, we had feuds going on, plus the nonsense the humans call The Troubles. Being close to Derry is both a good and bad thing.”
“Shouldn’t you say ‘Londonderry slash Derry’ to play it safe.”
Orla frowned. “I’m too old to be politically correct. If I said that every time I talked about the city, I’d never get anything done. Derry is merely a timesaver for me.”
Aaron resisted snorting at the old female’s remark. “Then if you’re worried about time passing, why don’t you tell me why I’m here? You’ve lost precious minutes off your remaining lifespan already.”
“Cheeky bastard,” Orla murmured before she smiled. “That’s why I like you and want you to relieve some of my Teagan’s stress.”
“If this involves me being naked, then I’m going to run right out the front door. Talking about sex with a grandma isn’t high on my list of enjoyable events.”
Orla tsked. “Someone’s mind goes to the gutter fairly easily.”
Aaron gripped the arm of the sofa and managed to get out, “How did you want me to help?”
Orla rocked her cane one way and then the other. “Sneak Teagan out of the clan every few days and force her to fly. Her dragon might fancy hunting as well.”
“I’m not here to be a babysitter,” he gritted out.
“And you won’t be. My granddaughter works harder than anyone I’ve ever met, including myself. You seem to have a way of getting her to do things she wouldn’t normally do. Otherwise, she never would’ve snuck off with you this morning.” Aaron opened his mouth, but Orla beat him to it. “I don’t care what you did. Females have more freedom these days to sleep with males before marriage, even if it’s still scrutinized. Good for them. All I ask is to get her away from the bloody desk sometimes and into the fresh air. If she doesn’t learn balance, she’ll come to hate her position, and everyone will suffer in the long run. An overworked clan leader is never a good thing.”
He studied the older female. “Are you speaking from experience?”
“Perhaps. I think it’s why I accepted my beau’s proposal to be mates so easily. In retrospect, I should’ve fought the bloody ridiculous rules about females stepping down once they find a mate. But I was tired and lonely, so I capitulated.”
Since Stonefire hadn’t had a female leader in centuries, Aaron had never heard of the rule. “Let me guess, Teagan wants to challenge the rules.”
Orla waved a hand. “I don’t know if she ever thinks about it. She works all the time and doesn’t accept help easily.”
“She actually sounds like my clan leader before he found his mate.”
Her pupils flashed. “Wouldn’t that be something, if my granddaughter found hers?”
Aaron cleared his throat. “I wasn’t sent here to be a stud, and I doubt Teagan would like your suggestions.”
“Aye, I know, although it’s fun to watch you squirm. All I care about is my granddaughter’s health. Are you going to help with that?”
“And if I refuse?”
Orla pointed her cane at him. “Don’t push me, lad. This old biddy still has a few tricks up her sleeves.”
Aaron couldn’t help but smile. “If things ever calm down, I’d love to see you challenge a male your age. We might have to pad each of you to keep from breaking a hip, but it would be entertaining.”
“You are a rascal, Aaron Caruso. But I reckon a loyal one, judging by everything I’ve read about you so far. I’m going to assume your answer is yes?” Aaron couldn’t think of a reason big enough as to why he should refuse, especially given how Orla had asked him instead of ordering him to do it. Not even his dragon had piped up. So he nodded and Orla motioned with her hand. “Good, with that settled, you can go. As much as I want to be entertained, I’m sure you’re needed elsewhere.”
He stood and bowed at the waist. “Until I’m summoned again, my lady.”
Orla snorted and Aaron exited her cottage. The elderly dragonwoman reminded him a bit of his own grandmother. She had died when he was a boy, but her sarcasm had rubbed off on Aaron. No matter what else happened, he hoped to spend more time with the old woman. She hid it well, but she missed being busy and involved in everything. He could at least help alleviate her boredom once in a while.
His dragon spoke up. If you have time for that, then you have time to look after Teagan, too.
I doubt ‘look after’ is the right phrase, but I’m going to see what I can do. Bram used to be a workaholic, too, until Evie and the babies came along.
Evie became Bram’s mate. Are you planning to do the same with Teagan?
You, too? Stop being ridiculous. Aaron picked up his pace toward the Protectors’ main building. I just want her to win.
If you say so.
