He frowned. "Pardon?"
"My brother, Tristan. He's not overly talkative, either. And he has the same sense of quiet power."
"Um, thank you?"
Arabella laughed, and Asher caught a glare from Finn. However, he paid it no heed and decided changing the subject would be easier. Otherwise, Finn may cut in and Asher would never have a chance to ask for information.
After making an easy turn, he said, "Ria said you'd be meeting with my sister tomorrow morning. Thank you."
She raised a dark eyebrow. "For what? I haven't done anything yet."
"Just coming is a big deal, and you know it. Finn may be leader, but he wouldn't take a fool for a mate."
"No, I'm not a fool. And good you recognize it." She paused, and Asher wondered if he'd gone too far. But then her face softened as she added, "I know what it's like to be afraid of your inner dragon, and just know that you asking for help shows how much you care for your sister."
He should say thanks and move the conversation to something lighter. But it was his sister they were talking about, and so he pushed. "Will you be able to help her at all?"
"I don't know. However, that doesn't mean I won't try."
His slight optimism faded a fraction. As if sensing his change in mood, Arabella added, "Although there is one thing I wanted to ask you before I met with Aimee." He arched his brows in question, and she asked, "Would you be willing to have her come to Lochguard, if she agrees?" He opened his mouth to say absolutely not—they may be allies, but they were new allies, and there was a lot he didn't know about the other clans—but she beat him to it. "And before you deny me outright, just listen for a minute, okay? Being on Skyhunter reminds her of everything that happened. Ria said your sister never left the cottage, either. I suspect it's because of the memories. It was a little different for me—I wasn't tortured inside the clan. However, I couldn't stand the looks of pity from everyone and closed myself off, thinking it would be easier. Only fostering with another clan and being accepted by Finn's family eventually made me come out of my shell. It could be the case that Aimee needs to leave S
kyhunter and be somewhere new, somewhere not filled with terror, pain, and loss so she can heal. Lochguard would be a nice escape, and my in-laws will greet her with open arms whenever she's ready. Will you at least consider allowing Aimee to come to Lochguard?"
While he'd thought Honoria's suggestion of the dragonwoman had been an interesting idea, hearing more of the specifics of her situation only convinced him more that Arabella MacLeod might indeed be the one to help his sister.
Even if it meant losing her in the short term.
His dragon spoke up. Mum won't like it.
Then maybe she should go with her.
He replied to Arabella, "I can't make the decision for Aimee or my mother. However, if Aimee somehow conveys she wants that, then I will think about it."
"And what if I can't break through to her whilst on Skyhunter?"
"Then ask my mother if the pair of them could go with you. If my mum says yes, then most likely I'll let them go. Even though I want to trust you easily, I'll need to hash out the finer details with Finn concerning Aimee's safety."
Arabella nodded. "I know merely thinking about sending your sister away is hard for you, and it shows the seeds of trust you're planting. If it helps you at all, then I vow on all three of my children's lives that if Aimee comes to Lochguard, I will watch over her like my own sister."
Dragon-shifters treasured children, so Arabella making such a vow spoke volumes about how serious she would take her duties, if they materialized.
His beast spoke up. I think she's being genuine and wants to help Aimee. So far, I like her best of the other clan members.
Asher bowed his head a second. "Thank you, I acknowledge your vow." The final notes of the song drifted in the air. "Although shouldn't you discuss it with your mate first?"
Arabella shrugged one shoulder. "In this sort of situation, he'll have my back. Finn's a big softie inside and has had to deal with a few females needing to heal in their own way. He'll look out for your sister as much as me. No, wait, probably even more. He's quite overprotective in his brotherly role, maybe even more so than when he goes all growly and protective mate-like."
The song ended, and exactly two seconds later, Finn was at Arabella's side. He kept his voice low, for their ears only. "You two seemed rather cozy during the dance."
Arabella leaned against her mate and patted his chest. "It was something important, about his sister."
Finn's irritation vanished. "Oh, aye?"
"I'll tell you when we're alone." Arabella smiled at Asher. "Thanks for the dance. If, for some reason, I don't get to speak with you again tonight, I'll stop by your mother's house tomorrow morning and we can chat after."
Asher nodded, and the pair walked away, toward a ginger-haired male Asher recognized—Fraser MacKenzie.
He'd since learned the irritating male had not only helped save his life but was also Finn's cousin. Which meant he would be subjecting Aimee to the bastard if he let her go to Lochguard.