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."