~~~
Delaney entered the main waiting area of Snowridge's school and every pair of eyes inside fixated on her.
Eira—the Protector assigned as her escort for the day—had warned her that coming to the school so soon after arriving would be a bad idea. Mainly because they still didn't know how most of the clan would react to a human in their midst.
However, when Delaney had asked if it was forbidden for her to go the school, Eira had said no. Rhydian had already told the teachers she was Rian's aunt and should be included in the communication chains. And while Rhydian had the ultimate say over any decisions regarding Rian, there was nothing keeping Delaney from seeing her nephew.
And so she'd taken her time walking down the corridors from her rooms to the school area, studying the tapestries on the walls as she went. Given how there had to be many kilometers of tunnels inside the mountain, she had yet to see any bare walls. The sheer amount of tapestries bespoke Snowridge's long history.
But as soon as she'd entered the main waiting area for the school, Delaney had pushed all her questions and thoughts about the tapestries aside. Everyone would size her up, and she wasn't about to let them intimidate her.
So she merely smiled and met each and every gaze inside the room. She had no idea if they were parents, guardians, or other family, but only those with clearance were allowed in this section of the school.
One of the women with blonde hair smiled and rushed forward. She put out a hand. "You must be Delaney."
The woman's Welsh accent meant she had to be a lifetime Snowridge member, or at least from somewhere in Wales. Delaney had no idea if the dragons lived anywhere outside the mountains. That hadn't come up in her research.
Slowly, she took the woman's hand and shook it. "Yes, I am. And you are?"
The older woman—she was probably in her fifties—released her hand and said, "Oh, pardon me. I'm Lily Owens. My mate is Rhydian's cousin, you see, so we hear any sort of clan news straight away."
Another female in the room sighed. "We all received the same message this morning, Lily. Stop trying to impress her."
Lily glanced over her shoulder at the red-haired female who'd spoken. "There's no need to be snarky, Nerys. I was trying to let her know that we're Rhydian's family, so she has nothing to fear from us." Lily looked back at Delaney. "And my son's mate is a human, too. So I might be able to help you adjust. True, Jane lives on Stonefire—my son is head Protector there—but she visits when she can. And so I have an idea of what you might wish or need to know."
On the surface, Lily seemed genuine. The laugh lines around her eyes and mouth bespoke someone with good humor and who liked to enjoy life.
While Delaney wouldn't fully trust anyone inside Snowridge yet, her gut said this dragonwoman could become an ally.
And if she were to live among the dragons to help raise Rian, she'd need allies. It was best to start collecting them.
Delaney replied, "Thank you, Lily. But I'm still trying to figure it all out at the moment. If I have any questions, I'll ask."
Lily bobbed her head. "Good. And I'll make sure Rhydian gives you all my and Gareth's contact information, too. If you need anything, please call."
She smiled. Lily reminded her a little of her own mother. "I will." She gestured toward the door where the kids should exit from. "Who're you waiting for?"
"My daughter, Delia. She's sixteen and a troublemaker at times. But she has a good heart, which is what matters."
The same red-haired dragonwoman from earlier—was it Nerys?—chimed in. "Delia's a bit rash, but she has more than a good heart. She saved my nephew from the hunter bastards. If she hadn't gone investigating into his disappearance, along with the others, we might never have found them."
Lily frowned and turned toward the dragonwoman. "Yes, but she nearly lost her dragon in the process. It's a miracle any of them still have their dragons if I'm honest."
Something about Lily's words caused warning bells to ring inside Delaney's head. Rian had been one of the kidnapped children; Eira had told her a little bit about it. Had something happened to him, too?
However, before Delaney could ask for any more details, the younger children filed out of the door first. Rian raced straight for her and stopped a few inches away. She yearned to reach out and hug him, but things were still new between them. So instead, she settled for a smile. "Hello, Rian."
He grinned back at her. "You came, just like you said. Good. Then maybe we can visit the library. I can show you all the books that make dragons look bad. I would like to go exploring, but Rhydian said we couldn't."
Lily jumped in. "It may not be exploring, but you two should come with me and Delia. I have some freshly baked biscuits. And if we're lucky, Gareth will be home soon and can sing some of those songs you like, Rian. I'm sure your aunt would like them, too."
Rian tugged at Delaney's top. "Can we? Mr. Owens sings well and has some fun songs. And they're much better than the books. The songs have been teaching me heaps about dragons, more than school does."
Lily clicked her tongue. "Now, now, Rian, don't say that. Most of what Gareth sings about are things you'll learn later."
A teenage girl with short, brown hair walked up to them. "Dad's songs are better, Mum. I'm older, went through those classes you talked about, and can honestly tell you Dad's music teaches us loads more."
The teenager looked like a younger version of Lily, albeit her hair was brown to Lily's blonde. Even without the introduction, no one could mistake her being Lily's daughter.
Lily placed a hand on her daughter's upper back and pushed gently. "I won't have you disparaging the teachers." She looked back at Delaney. "This is my daughter, Delia. And Delia, this is Delaney Murphy."
The teenager tilted her head and studied Delaney. "The new human. Nice to meet you. I only know my brother's mate—she's a brilliant reporter, which is what I want to be one day, too—and so my knowledge is limited about humans. Maybe I can ask you some questions for the school paper? I'm sure lots of people would be interested to learn more about you."
Delaney blinked. "Um, aye?"
Delia nodded. "And I should record you, too, to make a video. The accent alone will interest my classmates. I've never been to Ireland, even though it's so close. You'll have to tell me all about the places to visit so that when I'm older, I can go."
And before Delaney knew it, she was being herded out of the room by Lily and Delia, listening to a barrage of questions Delia never allowed her to answer and wondering what had just happened.
Eira had warned her about the clan not trusting, or even liking, most humans.
And yet, the Owens were half dragging her for tea and biscuits so that she could listen to some Welsh dragon ballads.
If this experience was what being part of a dragon clan meant, then maybe living with them would be all right. True, she didn't blindly trust everyone and knew there could still be danger lurking. But for the first time since learning about Rian's existence, Delaney thought that maybe her life wouldn't be as isolated inside Snowridge as she'd thought.
Chapter Six
After more hours than he'd wanted to spend, Rhydian had finally finished hashing out the details of helping Kai and Stonefire with a “silent dragon” drug bust.
Apparently, some of the IT people on Stonefire had finally found and hacked the sites used on the dark web for the product. And while Rhydian and Stonefire had only suspected the main business was operating in Wales, Stonefire now had proof.
And so the two clans were teaming up to take down the supplier an hour north of Cardiff. Even though Stonefire had more Protectors and support staff than Rhydian, his people knew Wales much better than them.
Carys, in particular, was a skilled tracker. She would be needed for certain.
The only unease he possessed was not having enough protection for Delaney if something happened while his people were down south, completing the raid.
His dragon spoke up. That just means she
should live with us until the operation is over.
Right, because that won't be tense.
It doesn't have to be. If Delaney lets us kiss her, then Rian can stay with the Owens. They would look after him.
No, it's too much of a risk. A kiss would most likely set off the mate-claim frenzy, and with some of my best Protectors down near Cardiff, the clan will be vulnerable.
Stonefire said they'd send some support, and maybe even a few Protectors from Lochguard, too. Bram always has a plan in place.
Bram Moore-Llewelyn was Stonefire's clan leader, one Rhydian wanted to trust implicitly but still hadn't quite reached that point yet. Delaney is staying down the corridor from us. That's near enough to protect her whilst avoiding temptation.
His beast paused before adding, I think she needs to be watched closer. And there might be one other person she could stay with who could do that without me getting jealous—Gwen.
Gwendolen Price had once been a Protector-in-training. However, during her required stint in the British Army, she'd fallen in love with a human and had become pregnant with his child. The human male had soon after sacrificed himself during a battle to save Gwen. The army had then kicked her out once they'd learned of her pregnancy. Human-dragon relationships had been frowned upon much more five or six years ago compared to the present.
Rhydian sighed. She's skilled and has continued her self-defense training, but it's risky. Gwen rarely comes out of her quarters, unless it's for something related to her daughter.
Well, Gwen has a half-human child, and Delaney wants to help raise her half-human nephew. They have more in common than you think. Besides, we trust Gwen. She's a distant cousin, one we used to play with when we were younger.
His beast was correct. Gwen was slightly younger, and he'd done his fair share of teasing the female when they'd been children.
Just remembering his larger extended family back then, before the epidemic that had killed off most of his family about fifteen years ago, constricted his heart. It hadn't been easy going from a large family to him and Gareth. Even Gwen—who he'd never been close to as they'd gotten older—had distanced herself, too, after what had happened in the army.
His dragon said softly, It could also help us to reconnect with her. Ever since seeing Dr. Allonby for counseling, Gwen has been less of a recluse. This might be the next step she needs to becoming even closer to whole again.
Nice to see your ability to guilt-trip has only strengthened with age.
It's not guilt-tripping. It's taking the facts and devising the best solution.
Rhydian's inner dragon had always been his partner. Regardless of how annoying he could be at times, Rhydian was still grateful for the beast. He replied, Let's talk with Gwen first. We can order Delaney to stay with her if need be. But I won't do it without Gwen agreeing to the plan.
His beast snorted. I'm not sure Delaney will like being ordered about.
Maybe not. But her safety is one of my top priorities. Being clan leader always comes first, even when it comes to potential true mates. I won't allow Rian to lose anyone else close to him.
If you say so.
His dragon then turned his back and settled down for a nap.
Which suited Rhydian fine. He had a lot to do, and his beast could be quite chatty at times.
And the longer it took him to visit Gwen and talk with her—as well as possibly agree on details regarding Delaney staying with her—the longer he'd be away from Rian and the human female.
Even if he had clan priorities to focus on, Delaney had a way of making him forget some of his worries for a short while.
And he desperately wanted to spend a little time with her before diving in to his project with Bram and Stonefire.
So Rhydian picked up his pace and headed toward Gwendolen Price's living quarters. It was time to ask her a favor.
~~~
When Gareth Owens finished his latest song, Delaney clapped along with everyone else. The man could sing. Not only that, the ballads he'd composed were magical, telling stories of dragons of old in such a way she had leaned forward in her seat to ensure she caught every word.
Once she and the others in the room stopped clapping, Delaney asked, "Have you ever considered recording and sharing those songs on the internet? I'm sure a lot of people would be interested in seeing and hearing them."
Gareth always had a smile, and it didn't budge as he said, "Not really. Until the last few years, the DDA would swiftly erase any dragon-related videos or music from the internet. And while it's a bit different now, I'd rather just sing for my family."
Rian jumped up. "But Mr. Owens, it's so good. And I learned a lot. Other people would, too, if they heard it."
Gareth shrugged. "Maybe. However, we don't have that sort of equipment anyway, so the point is moot."
Delia raised a hand. "Well, actually, we might."
Gareth frowned at his daughter. "What are you talking about, love?'
Delia debated a second before replying, "Kai gave me a microphone, a camera, and some other equipment soon after I was rescued. I think he felt guilty for missing so many holidays and celebrations over the years, and so he spoiled me a little. I didn't tell you about the gifts because I knew you'd think that meant I'd go investigating again."
Lily clicked her tongue. "You're right, I don't like the temptation that equipment gives you."
Delia took a step closer to her mother. "But, Mum, I only want to use it here. There's a lot of interesting things inside Snowridge, stuff we should record and maybe use someday. Not to mention I promised Kai not to run off on my own again like I did with those dragon hunters. And it's not like I'm going to upset him or he might send someone to watch over me every second of every day."
"That might not be a bad thing, Delia," Lily murmured.
Delia didn't bat an eyelash at her mother's words. "I promise not to run away again. Please believe me, Mum, and don't take the equipment away. I don't know if I want to make documentaries or be a reporter yet, but something along those lines. The things Kai gave me would help me learn a lot before thinking of my future."
As mother and daughter stared at one another, having some sort of nonverbal conversation, Delaney eyed the door to the kitchen. This was clearly a family issue, and she shouldn't be here.
A knock at the front door reverberated inside the room before Delaney could even stand. Gareth frowned at the door and then looked at his mate. "Were you expecting someone?"
His mate shook her head. "No, but let's not keep them waiting."
Lily went to the front door and opened it, revealing a tall man with blond hair. It took a second, but Delaney recognized him from an interview she'd seen before. "You're Kai Sutherland."
The male glanced at her with a raised eyebrow. "And you are?"
She had a feeling he already knew who she was—rumor had it that the dragonman possessed connections everywhere, which probably included Snowridge—but she brushed it off. Standing tall, she replied, "I'm Delaney Murphy, Rian's aunt."
"So you are," he murmured.
Rian ran toward Kai. "Uncle Kai! You're back! I thought you said you wouldn't be back for a long time. Is Auntie Jane here, too? She always has the best games to play."
Kai ruffled the boy's hair. "Sorry, it's just me this time. I didn't think I'd be back so soon, either. But I needed to talk with Rhydian and decided to stop by and say hello before heading home."
Kai glanced to her, and Delaney suspected he'd come to ensure she wasn't a threat to his family.
Not one to do subtle dances when it came to conversations, Delaney walked toward the tall dragon-shifter and said, "So ask me what you wish. That's why you're here, aye?"
"Perhaps."
Lily jumped in. "Kai, be nice. Delaney is our guest."
"But how much do you know about her, Mum?" Kai asked.
Lily replied to her son, "Enough. If you're going to interrogate her, then maybe you should leave."
Kai sighed. "You're
too trusting, Mum."
"And you're too suspicious. You know Rhydian wouldn't allow her out and about if he thought she was a threat to us."
Tired of people talking about her as if she weren't there, Delaney said, "It's time for Rian and me to leave anyway. I promised him I'd make dinner and it'll take me some time to find everything in an unfamiliar kitchen." Lily opened her mouth—probably to invite her to dinner—but Delaney beat her to it. "Thank you for the tea and biscuits, Lily. But Rian and I should really be going."
"If you say so, love. But you're welcome anytime."
Kai grunted, but Delaney ignored him. "Come, Rian. You can help me make dinner."
"And Mr. Cottontail, too?"
She smiled, forgetting all about Kai's suspicious nature. "Yes, Mr. Cottontail, too."
"And Rhydian? He needs to eat. We can surprise him."
"We'll see." She took the boy's hand. "Thanks again, Lily, Gareth. And nice to meet you, Delia."
Without another word, Delaney left, her nephew in tow.
While she knew Kai had only been doing his job and thinking about this family, the entire encounter had reminded her of what she faced. A tiny percentage of Snowridge had accepted her, but it wasn't guaranteed that most would.
However, as Rian started trying to sing Gareth's song, making up his own words more often than not, Delaney smiled again. She could put up with it all for Rian's sake. After all, he needed to be around other dragon-shifters to learn and develop his dragon-related skills.
And maybe, just maybe, she had an idea of how to prove to a large group of people that she wasn't a delicate human who could be scared off with a growl or light threat.
Of course it meant sweet-talking Rhydian a little.
Once she succeeded in convincing him of her idea, then Delaney would come out of retirement for one night only. If she held a few boxing matches against some of the other dragon-shifters—most likely Protectors or self-defense trainers—then it would save her a lot of time in the future. Because if she had to stand up to the dragons and show her strength over and over again, for possibly every clan member inside the Welsh clan, it would be exhausting. Not only that, it'd take away her energy for raising Rian.
Transforming Snowridge (Stonefire Dragons Universe Book 2) Page 5
