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Chapter Thirteen
The next morning, Aaron completed his hundredth push-up and jumped to his feet. He’d hoped that the exercise would wake him up, but the long history lesson the night before was still taking its toll. Colm and Teagan had talked for hours, and in the end, Aaron had gone home to his own place to nab what sleep he could.
Slapping his cheeks, he headed toward his small kitchen. It was time for coffee.
Mentally poking his dragon, Aaron said, Wake up.
No. Too early.
Aaron prepared the coffee machine. Stop being grumpy.
We were supposed to have a night with Teagan. Instead, we listened to that male drone on about a long-forgotten quest. Of course I’m grumpy.
I was skeptical at first, but I think it’s a good idea. Nothing like giving the other leaders a good challenge.
His beast yawned. I’m sure they’ll think of a way to use it against her.
Since Grant McFarland is one of the judges, he won’t put up with the gender bias bullshit. His mate is proof of his belief in giving females a chance to do anything.
Grant’s mate, Faye MacKenzie, had once been head Protector of Lochguard until an injury had taken it from her. However, she now shared the responsibility with her mate.
His dragon grunted. I suppose. I’m going back to sleep.
As his beast curled up and ignored him, Aaron flicked on the coffee machine and leaned against the counter.
Before he could think of how to handle his next assignment mentoring some young dragon-shifter named Revelin Collins, someone knocked on the back door to his cottage. Frowning, he made his way to it and yanked it open.
Teagan stood there, dressed in a long, flowing dress that dipped to a low V, giving him a glimpse of the tops of her round breasts.
His dragon also took notice. Bring her inside and strip her.
Teagan’s voice prevented him from replying. “Can I come in or are you just going to stare at my breasts all day?”
Aaron cleared his throat and stepped aside. “What did you want?”
She entered. “Someone’s a bit tetchy.”
Aaron closed the door and ran a hand through his hair. “I haven’t had my coffee yet. Don’t push me.”
She tilted her head. “This isn’t my cottage, you know. There are no exceptions here about ignoring my authority.”
“I don’t care,” he muttered and turned back toward the kitchen.
His dragon growled. What are you doing?
I’m not ready to deal with her teasing right now.
And what about charm? She used the back door for a reason.
He stared at the coffee machine and willed it to finish brewing. Teagan leaned on the counter next to him. “What’s wrong with you? You’re quite grumpy this morning. Should I call the doctor?”
“I’m fine, bloody woman. I was up half the night listening to old stories. I don’t have the energy for you right now.”
She paused and he mentally cursed. He’d never been charming in the early morning hours, but Teagan didn’t deserve his anger. “Look—”
She put up a hand. “Don’t worry about it. You’re nothing compared to my brother when he misses a meal. He’s grumpier than anyone I’ve ever met then, although don’t tell him I told you that.”
He turned to face her. “Why are you here, Teagan?”
