“Yes.I am that good.”He set his features, confidence brightened his gaze, and his chest puffed out.“I am not Mckenna because of my lineage.I had to battle for it.Liekki refused to battle me for the position even though he had a right to it as our father’s son.But those others who desired to lead our thunder after my father announced he was stepping down stepped into the arena with me.I bested them all.”
“Ooh.”Kai never considered how Aodh got his position, only that he was the alpha of his people.“Can you lose the position?”
He gave a firm nod.“Drahks hold a foundation built on strength and fertility.Anytime someone feels they can uphold that position better, they will offer a challenge.”
That shocked her.She only understood things based on information published in the archives; governments changed politically by votes.Aodh described he could be ousted because someone was bigger and better or had produced more children.
“Has anyone tried?”Kai stared at the building that loomed large before them.
“Not yet.”There was something in Aodh’s tone.
The impression was clear in her mind what he meant by ‘yet.’If it went by might and offspring, Aodh had none, therefore the Thunder had none.Another mated couple could be closer to it than they were.Kai folded both her hands over her lower abdomen and wondered.Even though Aodh had told her it couldn’t happen until she had met his dragon, she found it hard to believe.
She admitted to herself she wanted his child.She desired to help this man who had taken in her and her sister and assisted Morlie’s healing to remain the dragon-king.
Why was Aodh, or rather his dragon, holding back?
She heard his words but didn’t understand what the hold-up was about.A part of her wondered if Aodh only used his beast as an excuse, and he was unsure she could be the mother of his children.How did he keep it from happening?What was he waiting for her to prove?
He had options.Aodh said it was not serious between him and Ninki, but the longer it took the more doubt filled her.
“This is where the Mckenna works.”He entered the building before her, leading the way.
Kai didn’t take offense at having to follow him.Throughout the day, she had seen where others stepped back and out of the way.They let him lead whenever he was going in the same direction.Aodh never acted as if he thought he was above his people.Often, in the different work centers, he addressed people by name and asked about family members or jobs they were involved in.She saw the flicker of amethyst flames in many a gaze or the color lighting up markings, his people showing joy at their Mckenna’s interest.
“Good day, Mckenna.”Holding a notepad, Yeongi greeted them at the top of the stairs.
“Yeongi,” Aodh stood before him.“Once Liekki arrives, we’ll meet about tomorrow’s council meeting.”
“I’ll get everything ready for it.Edjer radioed.He will be here within the hour, also.”
“Good.”Aodh stepped aside.
“Kai.”Yeongi smiled at her as she came up the last step before him.Similar to others, he gave a short nod.“Good to see you again.I hope your tour has been going well.”
“Yes, Yeongi, it has.Your territory is very different from what I am used to, but I like it.”It didn’t take long for her to notice there seemed to be more space here, and the Drahks appeared truly happy with their lives and each other.There was so much despair in the district, and each person was out for their own gain.
“Great.If I can help, let me know.”With that said, Yeongi turned down the hall toward an open door.
“Yeongi, one last thing.”Aodh’s booming voice caused his aide to pause and face them again.
“Yes, Mckenna?”
“I need Tana here.”
“Do I need to request she bring a meal?”Yeongi’s pen sat at the ready over his pad.
“No.Kai would like to meet with her.”
Yeongi’s gaze shifted briefly to hers as if the aide were waiting for her to add anything to it.
Kai remained silent.She was grateful that Aodh had not forgotten that she needed to question Tana about her parents’ rings.
“I’ll radio for her to come right away.”Yeongi went to his office.
“Come, little flame.”Aodh took her hand and pulled her in the other direction.
When they entered the office, about the size of their front room and dining area, she couldn’t help but be impressed.Not because things were lavish.No.Like most places she’d seen, there wasn’t any unnecessary furniture or decorations in the space.Nothing like where she was from, people had a habit of filling their tiny apartments with gadgets or items dug up by collectors.Even though it was against the rules to keep anything, it all had to be taken to the reuse center to be crushed, melted, or welded to other items to make something different, usually for a pretty price or service.
