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Three hours later, Aaron stood next to Faye and Grant on the temporary viewing platform that had been constructed for the event. The challenges had been set up so that every participant would pass near one of the viewing platforms at least once. Well, if they solved the clues correctly at any rate.
However, no one had appeared near the northwest corner of Glenveagh National Park so far. The lack of activity made time move slower, especially since he wasn’t allowed to do anything but watch or talk with the judges.
His dragon huffed. Our luck, we won’t have anyone come by for days. I don’t want to camp that long.
Someone has gotten soft.
Look at the gray skies. You hate the rain as much as I do.
Instead of doing what his dragon asked, Aaron glanced over to see Faye leaning against Grant’s chest with Grant’s arms wrapped around her. His hands were protectively covering her lower belly.
Seeing the pair at such ease with each other made him miss Teagan all the more. He was anxious to hold his own female again, without worrying about their future. When she won the challenge, they could finally stop snatching a kiss or hug here or there and be open about it.
He hated the secrets, but he hadn’t lied earlier when he’d said that Teagan was worth waiting for. Even if the challenge took weeks, he’d manage.
His dragon spoke up. This challenge won’t take more than two days.
He tapped his fingers against his thigh. Even if that’s true, that’s still too bloody long.
“Where is she?” Aaron muttered. “I had expected her to be on the fourth clue by now, which would bring her our way.”
Grant spoke up. “Considering our first contender, Hugh Burns, hasn’t shown up, you’re being overly optimistic.”
Aaron met Grant’s gaze. “Hugh’s a bastard and not as brilliant as he claims to be. In my opinion, he might not be able to solve the clue at all and will never come this way.”
“Didn’t he challenge Teagan before and lose?” Faye asked. Aaron nodded and she added, “Then maybe he has something sinister planned.”
Aaron grunted. “If so, the other judges at their platforms and the Protectors flying overhead will catch him on it, and he’ll be thrown out of the contest. Once he forfeits, Teagan will have the power to banish him, and it’ll be one less thing for her to worry about.”
Grant jumped in. “Banishment may not be the best solution. Look what happened on Lochguard.”
The Scottish clan had asked the unsupportive members to leave. They had then formed a rogue band of dragon-shifters, which currently hid in Scotland. They often attacked and caused trouble.
Aaron shook his head. “I wouldn’t worry about it just yet. Teagan is the one to make the decision when it comes to banishing a clan member, and I’m not sure if she’d want to push anyone away. Unlike Finn, she’s been leader for almost five years, and there are only a handful of dissenters. Glenlough has had many female leaders in the past, including her grandmother. Speaking of which, Faye needs to meet her. She’s full of fire.”
Faye grinned. “That would be fantastic. While I’d never challenge Finn, maybe my daughter can lead the clan one day, and I could use all the pointers I can collect for her.”
“So you’ll be disappointed if we have a son?” Grant asked.
Faye rolled her eyes. “Oh, don’t start that again. I’ll love any child we have. But let’s just say that I’m open to trying a few times to have a daughter. I’d like some balance in our cottage.”
“You already have balance,” Grant muttered. “I let you do what you wish with it.”
She sighed. “Except for the ridiculous amounts of security.”
“It’s necessary,” Grant stated.
As the pair continued to argue, Aaron gave them some privacy and scanned the skies yet again.
He tapped his fingers against the rail of the viewing platform. Come on, Teagan. Where are you?
His dragon answered, She’ll be here when she’s ready. Have faith.
Faye’s voice calling his name caught his attention. He looked at her and she asked, “Does anyone on Glenlough know that you love her, including Teagan herself?”
Aaron blinked. “How in the bloody hell do you know that I love her?”
Grant glared at him for his tone, but Aaron ignored him to focus on Faye’s reply. “Between the nonverbal exchange you two shared and how anxious you are right now with your flashing dragon eyes and constantly demanding to know where she is, it’s not that difficult to put it together. But I’m guessing you’re not true mates, aye?”
