She arrived early, just as Bram had requested, so as she approached the giant brick building, the area was mostly empty. Five or six dragon-shifters raced in and out of the hall with the meal preparations, but they were so preoccupied, they didn’t even notice her.
Tugging her cloak tighter around her shoulders, she entered the great hall and looked around the long, rectangular space for Bram. She spotted him in a corner talking with a tall, blond dragonman she didn’t recognize. His hair was short, yet his face was covered in a blond scruff, which was an odd contrast to his formal, kilt-like attire. While his dragon-shifter tattoo was on the arm turned away from her, she knew every dragon-shifter in Stonefire by sight and he wasn’t one of them. The unfamiliar male had to be from Lochguard.
Her stomach churned even more. As her heart rate kicked up, a small sense of panic crept upon her. Why would Bram ask her to meet alone with the other male? The blond was tall, muscled, and could pin her down without breaking a sweat.
Much like how the dragon hunters had pinned her down as a teenager before torturing her.
Closing her eyes, Ara breathed in through her nose and out her mouth. Bram was in the same room. He would never allow anyone to hurt her. As long as he remained, she could handle meeting the other male.
Her distress brought out her inner dragon. The beast rarely spoke to her, but it sent wary thoughts of calm. A year ago, Ara would have run from the room and tried to banish the beast from her mind. Yet after nearly nine months of counseling and encouragement from her brother and his mate, she had the strength to say, It will be okay. Go back to sleep.
Her dragon gave a soft roar before retreating. Maybe one day, Ara would be able to converse and work with her inner beast like every other dragon-shifter, but it was not that day.
“Ara.”
As soon as she heard Bram’s voice, she opened her eyes. An apologetic expression was written all over her leader’s face as he continued, “Finn came early. I told him to wait over there, but if you’re up to it, we can talk to him now. I’ll be right there beside you, so you won’t have anything to worry about.”
While a part of her was relieved Bram would protect her, another part was embarrassed. The Scottish leader didn’t need to know how broken she was. Deep down, she wanted to experience a fresh start with someone who hadn’t coddled her over the past decade. That was part of the reason why she’d agreed to be in charge of tech security with the Scottish clan.
Curious to see how the Lochguard male reacted to her, she glanced over at the blond Scottish dragonman. She steeled herself for pity, but was surprised to see only curiosity.
His look solidified her decision. Looking back to Bram, she said, “You have a lot to do. Introduce us, and as long as we stay in this main hall, I should be able to survive answering his tech questions and requirements.”
“Are you sure?”
She nodded. “Setting up the future teleconferences is part of my job for the clan. I’ll find a way to make it work.” Her clan leader studied her and she resisted the urge to lash out. She wouldn’t make Bram appear weak in front of the other leader. “I can handle it.”
With a nod, Bram ushered her over to the Scottish leader. Up close, he was taller than she’d thought. She had to look up to see his eyes, which were an interesting mixture of brown with gold flecks. The curiosity from before lingered, and she couldn’t make out an ounce of pity, making her uneasy.
Then he grinned and Ara drew in a breath. It took everything she had to focus on his words as he said, “Bram said his tech expert was a female, but he forgot to mention she had beautiful brown eyes, the exact color of dark chocolate.”
Bram growled at her side. “Finlay.”
Finn grinned wider. “You said honesty was the best policy. I won’t lie about her eyes.”
Arabella blinked. She couldn’t remember the last time a male had praised her. She knew she should scowl and tell him to stop it, but she resisted.
Instead, she said, “My eyes have little to do with my brain. The sooner you ask your questions and tell me your requirements, the sooner you can go flirt with the ‘lasses’ as you Scots say.”
The Scot winked at her. “I like a lass with bite.”
Ara felt a flush coming on. Fuck, I won’t let this flirt affect me. Think of your work.
Her mind filled with security protocols and encryption sequences, and her mind calmed once more. Right, now stop acting like a schoolgirl and carry on.
She arched an eyebrow. “If listing all of your female preferences in one go will help you focus, you have thirty seconds. Go.”
Finn laughed. “Direct and to the point, I like it.” Crossing her arms over her chest, she raised her other eyebrow. Finally, Finn put his hands up. “Okay, okay, I’ll stop.” He leaned in a few inches closer. “For now.”
Standing so close, she could see even more gold flecks in his eyes. His spicy male scent also surrounded her; woods with a hint of peat.
With any other strange male, she had little doubt she would be in a complete panic. However, one second ticked by and then another, but if anything, she felt a sense of peace.
Bram cleared his throat and pushed Finn away from her. “Talk, Stewart, or be on your way. Our alliance agreement doesn’t include you flirting with every female on my land.”
The Scot held her eyes for a few more seconds before looking to Bram. “Aye, well, I’ve always found humor makes everyone feel better. They say it’s the best medicine.”
Ara raised her chin a fraction. “Right, then. The thirty seconds I offered you have more than passed. Start talking business or I will insist Bram find someone else in your clan to reach out to me.”
Amusement flashed in Finn’s eyes. “Oh, aye? And here I thought Bram was the clan leader.”
Shit. She hadn’t meant to overstep her bounds. Because Bram had been friends with her brother since childhood, Bram often let her get away with more than he’d allow other clan members. She needed to fix this situation. “Bram is the leader. He and I discussed the terms earlier. I’m sure with all your flirting, he didn’t have a chance to go over the finer points of meeting with me.”
She knew Bram’s eyes were on her, but she refused to look over at him. For some reason, the Lochguard leader provoked her. No doubt, Bram would have questions. Questions she really didn’t want to answer.
After one last look, Finn’s eyes became serious. “Right, then, lassie, tell me what sort of encryption you plan to use. The dragon hunters are becoming tech savvy and the more barriers we have in place, the better.”
Ara blinked. “Do you understand the different types of encryption or shall I explain it in laymen’s terms.”
“Before becoming clan leader, I earned a degree in computer science and worked part-time with our own tech expert as a sort of apprentice. Only when the leadership position became open, did I give it up. This is more an interview for your skills than a question and answer meeting for me.”
Bram interjected, “Arabella is the finest we have. She can do whatever you ask.”
Warmth from Bram’s praised filled her, but Ara focused on Finn. “No, it’s okay, Bram. Maybe I can teach him a thing or two and knock down his ego a notch.”
Finn’s smile was back. “I’d like to see that, Arabella MacLeod.”
His words were a challenge, a challenge she wanted to tackle. Any uneasiness or worry she’d felt upon first seeing the Lochguard leader vanished. Instead, she was determined to knock the cocky grin from his face.
Looking to Bram, she said, “I can handle it from here, Bram. I’m sure there’s lots to do before the dinner officially begins.”
Her leader searched her eyes. They asked if she were sure, and she gave an imperceptible nod. Her leader looked to Finn. “You do anything to upset her, and the alliance be damned, I’ll have your bollocks on a platter before the night is done.”
Finn raised an eyebrow. “Hurting the lass is the last thing I wish to do. After all, she’ll never flirt wi
th me again if I piss her off.”
Ara opened her mouth to protest, but then Finn placed his hand on her back. She tensed a second, waiting for the fear to consume her, but it never came. Her dragon peeked her head out inside her mind. He won’t hurt us.
She blinked. Her dragon hadn’t spoken to her in months. She nearly asked what she meant, but the beast was back in the far reaches of her mind before she had the chance.
Finn pushed gently against her back. “Now, tell me your plans for our security, and don’t leave anything out.”
Rather than focus on all of the oddities of the evening, such as with her dragon speaking to her and Finn’s touch not inciting a panic, Arabella concentrated on her work. As she told Finn of her plans, she was just a female talking to a male without any stress or fear. Apart from Bram or her brother Tristan, she’d never experienced this sense of comfort before. It was almost as if her attack ten years ago had never happened.
Almost.
~~~
Bram watched the Scottish leader walk away with his hand on Arabella’s back and barely resisted running after him. Only because Ara seemed at ease did he stay put. For the first time since he could remember, Ara wasn’t shying away from her true self. The brief flash of dragon slits in her eyes signaled even her inner dragon was speaking to her.
As much as he didn’t like to admit it, having an outsider talk and flirt with Arabella might be good for her. Regardless, he’d keep an eye on Finn. The man flirted with everyone and he didn’t want Arabella to be hurt later on.
His dragon said, You worry too much. Arabella is becoming stronger. She is also surrounded by clan. They will protect her.
Considering how much his dragon had roared earlier to get Finn off their land, he was now defending him.
If Bram were a drinker, he would definitely start drinking
Rather than start an unwinnable argument, Bram checked his mobile phone, but there weren’t any updates from Zain yet.
He clenched his free hand. Usually, Bram didn’t mind playing politics, but tonight, it was just bloody annoying because it prevented him from protecting both his clan and his soon-to-be mate.
“Bram.”
He looked up and saw Samira walking toward him. While her dark hair was swept up and her make-up done for the dinner, she was alone.
He met her halfway and said, “Is anything wrong? Where are Melanie and Evie?”
Samira smiled in the calm, collected way she always did. “They’re just outside. Evie mentioned how you wanted to walk in with her on your arm.” She paused, and then winked. “I also think you need a minute alone with her.”
He grunted. “Alone is probably not a good idea.”
Chuckling, Samira placed a hand on his arm. “Mel and I will be a few feet away. We won’t let you ravish her in front of the clan.”
Rather than react, he merely nodded. “We need to hurry. I want Evie up front with me before most of the clan arrives.”
Walking toward the entrance, Samira glanced over at him. “May I ask why?”
Samira was loyal to her mate, Liam, who was loyal to Bram. Still, he would keep the details vague. “There is a constant threat to her life and I’d rather keep her where I can see her. If you and Mel spot anything suspicious, let me know. I have several people watching out for threats, but the more the merrier.”
“Sure. She could always stay with one of us if you need to leave.”
“Somehow, I don’t think Evie would appreciate a babysitter.”
Samira smiled. “I think you’re right about that. She’s more headstrong than Melanie, and I didn’t think it was possible.”
His dragon chimed in. We like her strength. It is not a bad thing.
And I agree. Someone needs to stand up to you.
His dragon preened and Bram resisted rolling his eyes.
They reached the entrance and Bram smoothed the dark red fabric of his dragon-shifter attire. His life was about to change forever once he claimed Evie unofficially. Yet, his only regret was someone would steal her from him.
His inner beast growled. We will protect her.
He and Samira walked out the door. A few feet away stood Evie and Melanie, both of whom were wearing cloaks against the cold, with Kai at their side. Despite the other two, he couldn’t tear his eyes away from Evie. Even with her body hidden by the cloak, her dark red hair was swept up off her face, exposing the pale skin of her neck.
He resisted the urge to go over and nibble said neck. His dragon tried to break free, but Bram kept him firmly locked away. For once, he wanted to be in control. His beast would understand.
Maybe.
Not caring about the three pairs of eyes watching him, he approached Evie and traced a finger down her cheek. “You clean up nice.”
She raised an eyebrow. “I thought you didn’t like it when I hide my true self.”
“You’re not. I can see your neck, and it’s beautiful.”
Even in the darkening sky, he could see her flush. When she didn’t come back with a retort, he narrowed his eyes. She was restraining herself in public. He didn’t like it.
Before he could open his mouth, she placed a hand on his chest. “Do you have a few minutes to talk with me alone? Or are there clan matters you need to attend to?”
He placed his hand over hers, not wanting her fingers to become chilled in the cool evening air. “I will make time for you.” Melanie let out a soft sigh, but he didn’t take his gaze from Evie’s as he said, “Kai, take the others inside. I can watch Evie for a bit.”
As soon as the others had left, he squeezed the hand against his chest. “Now, what did you want to talk to me about?”
Chapter Three
Evie’s heart was beating double-time. She was part nervous about her appearance, but she was also very aware of Bram’s hand squeezing hers. She liked his warm, rough hands. She would like them even more if both she and Bram were naked and back in his cottage.
Stop it, Evie Marie. Just stop it. Right, she wasn’t a teenager. The evening was important for Bram and his clan. She needed to pull herself together.
Still, she couldn’t resist taking a step closer to Bram before she answered, “I don’t know how to act in front of everyone. I don’t want to disrespect your position, but I also don’t think I can sit quietly and smile the whole night. What should I do?”
Bram caressed her cheek again and she resisted leaning in to his touch. “Evie Marshall is asking me how she should act? I never thought I’d see the day.”
She slapped his chest with her free hand. “Stop it. I’m trying to figure out how a clan leader’s mate is supposed to act in front of the clan. Skyhunter’s leader never had a mate while I was assigned to them. When we’re alone, of course I won’t hold back, but I don’t want to embarrass you, let alone myself, tonight. Especially with Lochguard’s leader in attendance. This alliance is important to Stonefire.”
Even in the dim light, she could just make out his eyes flashing to slits and back. Without thinking, she blurted out, “What did your dragon say?”
Bram gave a wry smile. “You sure you want to know?”
She frowned. “Bram Moore-Llewellyn, don’t waste time by making me ask twice. I only ask questions I want to know the answer to.”
He put up his hands in surrender. “Fine, fine. My dragon said you are worthy of being a clan leader’s mate. You think of our needs even if it means toning down your feisty personality. Therefore, we should fuck you later until you scream, as a reward.”
She raised an eyebrow. “You sure that’s your dragon talking, or is it your cock?”
Bram laughed and it warmed her heart. He pulled her up against his body and lowered his head until it was a hairbreadth away from her lips. His breath was hot against her skin as he said, “My dragon pretty much controls my cock, lass.” He brushed his lips gently against hers. “And believe me, you haven’t seen anything yet. He’s been holding back.”
The thought of Bram taking her even rougher
and harder than earlier, when he’d fucked her from behind, made her shiver. “Well, then tell me how to act so we can survive the night and return to your cottage.” She nuzzled his cheek. “I want your dragon to come out to play with us.”
Her dragonman growled before taking her lips in a demanding kiss and pushing his tongue inside her mouth. After what seemed like only a few strokes, he broke the kiss and she whimpered, “Why are you teasing me? That wasn’t a real kiss.”
Squeezing her tighter against him, he murmured, “I had to stop or I would’ve taken you out here in the cold.”
“So I reckon that means we should head inside soon?” He nodded. “Right, then tell me how to act, Bram.”
“Be yourself. The only thing I ask of you is to not castigate me or Finlay Stewart in front of the clan. Everyone else needs to learn how to hold their own with you.”
“I’m an outsider and human to boot. Not everyone will accept that. If I’m to be myself, I won’t take their shit.”
“Good. I might not have known you long, but my dragon trusts you, which means I do.” He leaned over to her ear and whispered, “With the possible threat to the clan and yourself, I don’t want people thinking you’re an easy target. The more strength you project, the more time they’ll take to plan how to nab or hurt you, which gives us more time to find the threats.”
The fact Bram worried about her did strange things to her heart. For so long, she’d had to exude strength to survive her job. She’d never had someone to lean on, yet she knew implicitly Bram would help her. All she had to do was ask.
After only two days, she was already growing fond of the dragonman who would soon be her mate. Maybe one day, if they continued to be honest and open, she might even grow to love him.
But it wasn’t the time for sentimentalities and dreams of the future. “Okay, I can do that. At some point, though, I need to see a picture of Neil and anyone else connected to him. The DDA doesn’t keep pictures on file, as you know, which means I’m going to have to treat every stranger as a threat. That’s going to make getting to know the clan difficult.”
Seducing the Dragon: Part Three Page 2
