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Strumming his thumb on her cheek, he murmured, "This is nice, dancing and talking with you. I wish we could've mated years ago."
A small p
art of her mourned never being able to give Lorcan a child, but she quickly pushed it away. "It never would've worked, and you know it. Regardless of how you've thought of me, Teagan needed me the past five years, as she grew into her role as clan leader. And your clan needed you, too, after the incompetence of your predecessor."
He smiled. "You already have me, Caity. No need for flattery."
She raised her brows. "It's true. The former leader nearly started a war. Northcastle desperately needed your reasonable mind."
"I won't disagree with that. However, long-term peace is on the horizon, more than ever before. Plus, all our children are grown. Once Killian is on the mend, I can think about retiring."
She searched his gaze. "Are you sure, Lorcan? You're not yet sixty, and a hearty male at that."
"A male could get used to your compliments, Caity."
"Well, I'll be around for a while. However, know that I only give compliments that are true."
Chuckling, he rubbed her lower back. Without thinking, Caitlin melted against Lorcan's body. His breath tickled her ear as he said, "I'll remember that. But I'm serious about retiring. With all the changes, a younger male might do better."
"Or female."
"I have nothing against it, but I'm not sure if Northcastle is ready for that, love. After all, we don't have any female Protectors."
"Then you need to change that before you retire. It'll be one of my requirements."
"Requirements, aye?"
Since she didn't feel any tension in Lorcan's body, she held her ground. "Yes."
He kissed her neck and murmured, "Good, as I'm sorely in need of a few restrictions. A bachelor's life has made my life rather routine." He kissed her neck again and she sighed. "I won't retire until everything is sorted. But I look forward to taking some time for ourselves. I've always wanted to travel and frolic in a warmer ocean with a gorgeous female, both in human and dragon forms."
Lorcan's warm thumb against her cheek easily coaxed out her past. "Truth be told, when I was younger, I was afraid to travel. The UK and Ireland weren't the only ones dealing with changing times and balances of power with the human governments. I'd heard stories of foreign dragons attacking Irish ones. But I'm wiser now and know that there will always be rumors about those who live in other countries. While it's unlikely we can visit every country, I'd like to make a go of it. The trick will be in garnering the DDA's permission."
Lorcan pressed her closer against his body, and Caitlin drew in a breath. His deep voice rolled over her. "Once I retire, we can make that our life's mission, to allow greater freedom between clans."
She laughed. "That doesn't sound much like retiring. Accomplishing that will require maybe even more work than being clan leader."
He grinned. "Perhaps, but it also means we can travel. And with you on my arm, that sounds like heaven."
Heat rushed to her cheeks. "Keep it up and you're going to run out of compliments soon."
"Never, Caity." Moving to her ear, his hot breath tickled her skin as he added, "We can do a few more dances, but then I'm whisking you to my secret room in the great hall. I've had decades to fantasize about this night."
Lorcan's rumbly voice made her stomach flip in a good way. "Just make sure it's nothing that will pull a muscle, or you could be limping onto Stonefire tomorrow."
He lightly swatted her bum, heat radiating from his touch and traveling to between her thighs. It took everything she had to focus on Lorcan's words. "I bet I can outlast many a lad in his twenties. Just make sure to tell me if you wish to stop, Caity. I sense you care more about others' needs over your own. But as I've mentioned, I plan to take care of you and I can't do that without knowing what to look for."
She nodded just as the song ended.
Her dragon spoke up. He will be good for us. But I won't make my final decision until I see him naked.
You would say that.
Her beast grunted. He's boasted quite a bit. I want to see if he can live up to the hype. Because if he can, I may see if I can tire out his dragon half.
She laughed, and Lorcan raised his brows in response. When she caught her breath, she said, "I hope your dragon likes a challenge. Mine is ready to outlast yours."
He snorted. "Female dragons are randier…"
