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Teagan sighed. “Gran, I appreciate the offer—”
“I won’t fall asleep every five minutes. You, on the other hand, won’t be able to defeat anyone if you remain cooped up in this room.”
Teagan felt as if she were five years old again and having to explain herself. “The DDA has strict deadlines, which weren’t helped by the fact that Clan Greenpeak waited until the last possible second to submit the names of their visiting judges.” She patted a stack of papers. “Once I send these in today, I can have a proper sleep at home.”
“Again, someone else can fill out paperwork.” Teagan opened her mouth, but Orla beat her to it. “I understand proving yourself. After all, I was in your position. But unless you learn to delegate, you will work yourself to death, Teagan Marie. At least let me help you until the bloody challenge is complete and you send those males running home with their tails between their legs.” Her voice softened. “I may be old, but I’m not useless.”
For a brief second, Orla wasn’t the former clan leader full of bite and a steely will. She was simply an elderly female with longing in her eyes.
Her dragon spoke up. Let her help. She has no great-grandchildren, mate, or job to occupy her time. Give her a task. Gran has always hated being idle.
Teagan sighed. “You can help, but with a few conditions.” Orla raised an eyebrow and Teagan continued, “You have to promise not to change any of my decisions or issue orders in my absence. Even if I’m unconscious, the task falls to Killian first to take charge.”
“I’m not used to following others, but if it gets me out of my damn cottage and gives me something to do beyond watching the grass grow, then I suppose I can try my best.”
That was the closest thing to a promise her gran would give. “Right, then this pile needs to be filed—”
Orla waved a hand. “The DDA hasn’t changed their filing process in fifty years. I’ll double-check to make sure everything is filled out and ensure they send a confirmation receipt.”
Teagan frowned. “Everything is as it should be, Gran.”
“Look, you’re sleep-deprived and overworked. There’s nothing wrong with a quick check. I’m not trying to overstep my boundaries. I just want to make sure there’s one less item for the other clans to use against you. Could you imagine if a missing letter on a name ended up canceling the challenge? The others would rally the support they need to attack and do who knows what. Glenlough may be strong, but we’re not invincible.”
Her beast sighed. She’s right. Let her help us. Maybe after a quick nap, we can go for a short flight. The exercise will maintain our strength. I also miss the sky.
Me, too, dragon. Me, too.
Teagan stood. “I will take your help, Gran.” She paused before adding, “Thank you.”
“No need to be so formal. Now, hurry up and sneak out before someone comes knocking.”
“If they do—”
“I’ll take the message and redirect as much of it to Killian as possible.”
Teagan looked around the room, wondering if she had forgotten anything important.
Orla thumped her cane on the ground. “I’ll tidy up a bit as well. If I find anything that needs immediate attention, Killian will sort it out. Go, Teagan, before I smack your bum and chase you out. No matter how long you’re leader, I will always be your grandmother first and foremost.”
She smile
d. “I love you, Gran.”
“Aye, I know. Now go.”
Teagan hesitated one more second before she plucked up her mobile phone and headed out the door. She took the back exit out of central command and stepped into the fresh air.
Since it was barely six in the morning, few people were awake and walking around. It was easy enough for Teagan to make her way without being questioned by curious or anxious clan members.
However, when she reached the fork in the path, she stopped. One way would take her back to her cottage, but the other way went to Aaron’s.
Beyond him dropping off meals at her office, she hadn’t seen or spoken to him for three days. She shouldn’t yearn to hear his deep English voice, but it had occupied much of the dreams she’d had during her naps.
She wondered if he’d welcome her showing up at his door so early in the morning.
Her dragon sighed. Just go. If he doesn’t want to see us, then he’s unworthy of our time in the first place.
Tired as she was, Teagan didn’t argue and took the fork toward Aaron’s cottage. She reached the back wall of his garden, looked around, and scaled the wall. She stopped at the back door and took a deep inhalation before lightly rapping on the wood.
