Chapter Fifteen
Killian had no idea how many hours or days had passed, but sometime later he was inside a jail cell, trying his best to construct a mental prison for his two-headed dragon before they started attacking each other again.
The trick was in creating a divider and compartment for each head. Because containing them together would only lead to more seizures and possibly his death.
After all, Dr. Sid had been blunt—if he couldn't find a way to make the dragons get along, then he needed to keep them apart until they did. Because the constant fighting would kill him sooner rather than later.
He placed the last bar and held his breath. Each dragon head banged against the compartments, but it held.
To better keep everything straight, he referred to the dragons as Black and Blue, to correspond to each color. It was also an homage to how their fighting made his mind feel black and blue as well.
Blue spoke up. This is unfair. Why should I be placed in here? Just put a muzzle on him and we'll be fine.
Black growled. You are the young, untrained one. You should be muzzled. That way I can help Killian with his duties.
Tristan MacLeod's voice interrupted the conversation inside Killian's head. "Well?"
Killian sighed. "They're contained, but still arguing. I'm not sure how to make it stop."
"Keeping them apart is the first step. Getting them to work together will take some time."
Running his hand through his hair, Killian met the dragonman's gaze. "Everyone keeps saying that. But if anyone is going to tell me the truth, I think it would be you. Will I ever get out of here and live a normal life?"
Tristan grunted. "I think your chances are greater to succeed than fail. A teenage dragon-shifter in Wales suffered a much milder effect of the same drug. Her dragon returned much younger, too, afterward, but the dragon is slowly catching up to her normal age. Now that you can contain your dragons, I think we need to focus on training the younger one. When they act about the same age, they might get along better.
Each of his dragons glared at one another, but Killian ignored them. "Does that mean getting out of this prison?"
"When you're no longer a danger to others, we'll let you out. Not before." Tristan took out his mobile phone and his face softened a second before returning to its normally gruff expression. "We'll have to stop here for now. My daughter is causing havoc and my mate needs me. I'll be back tomorrow."
Tristan exited the room before Killian could say anything else.
Sitting on the bed in his jail cell, he closed his eyes and continued reinforcing his mental prison. Before all of the shit with the drugs and amnesia had happened, Killian had been skilled in keeping his dragon contained when needed. He only hoped he could keep it up.
After all, he needed to do whatever he could to stay awake. His dreams only plagued him with what he couldn't have. Namely, his family at his side and Brenna in his bed.
Blue spoke up. Why hasn't she visited us? I thought she liked us.
Black replied, We're unstable because you keep fighting me. Of course she's going to stay away.
No, I think it's because of you. After all, you never noticed her when you were the only one here.
Killian stepped in. Enough. She stays away because of you both. If you never work together, we'll rot in this cell for the rest of our lives. We'll never be able to help our family or Brenna if that happens.
Both dragon heads kept quiet.
After testing and prodding every piece of his mental cage for who knew how long, a familiar voice reached his ears—his mother's. "Killian."
Looking up, he stood and went to the bars. His mother touched his face. "Do they really need to keep you in here?"
True to form, his mother was more concerned about him than anything to do with her. "I'm fine, Mam. It's just good to see you again."
She frowned at him. "Of course I'd come. And not just because your memory has returned, either. You may be grown, but you'll always be my son, Killian."
"Mam…"
A male Northern Irish accent jumped in. "Besides, it was time to meet at least one of my new children."
He tore his gaze from his mother to find Lorcan Todd not far behind her. "With all my memories back, I'm not sure how I feel about you mating my mother."
"Killian," his mother said, her voice full of warning. "Lorcan is my mate and I won't have you being disrespectful. At least, unless it's warranted."
Lorcan snorted. "I'll behave if he does."
His mother glanced over her shoulder and shared a smile with Lorcan. Killian should feel overprotective; after all, Lorcan's clan had been the enemy of his own for a while. But for once, Killian would take his mother's happiness at face value, try not to hover, and give the male a chance. "I will do the same."
Caitlin beamed. "The two most important males in my life are getting along. It's a good day."
Killian rolled his eyes. "We're grown males. It's not that hard."
She clicked her tongue. "It's actually quite difficult. Alpha dragon males are temperamental sorts. That's why I brought another female to help even out the numbers."
He frowned. "Teagan is too busy to come to Stonefire right now."
Brenna's voice cut in. "No, it's not Teagan."
His gaze instantly shot to Brenna's. Both dragons said in unison, It's her.
He yearned to touch her face and take in her scent.
However, that wasn't possible at the moment, if ever. So Killian cleared his throat. "I wasn't sure if you were ever going to visit me."
Shaking her head, Brenna replied, "Of course I'd come. I've been busy, and Tristan hadn't cleared me to visit. And you may not know him very well, but you don't want to upset Tristan. He's a gentle giant with his mate and children, but he can be quite growly and intimidating if you try to interfere with his work."
He and Brenna stared at one another. There was so much he wanted to say, and yet he didn't know where to start.
Caitlin spoke up. "Now that I know my son is well and not insane, I think Lorcan and I are going to settle in and visit with Bram. I'm sure you and Brenna have quite a bit to talk about."
The honorable thing to do would be to tell his mam that he was fine and he'd spend some time with her after everything she'd done for him.
But as he stared into Brenna’s brown eyes, he couldn't find the words.
His mother gave his face one last pat before going to Lorcan's side. "I'll check on you later, Killian."
Lorcan muttered, "I think he's forgotten we're here. He looks to be suffering from cockblindness."
"Lorcan," Caitlin growled.
However, they were gone before he could hear what they said next.
Once they were alone, Brenna took a step toward his cell. "I hate that they have you locked up like this."
Black grunted. Me, too. We're perfectly fine for the moment. There's no need for a cell.
Killian mentally sighed. Until the divider comes down, and then you'll go back to fighting.
Not with Brenna in the room. I want to talk with her, Black stated.
Blue spoke up. Me, too. I miss her.
Before he could think too much about their statements, Brenna's voice prevented his reply. "How are the dragons doing?"
"It's a complicated situation."
Closing the distance to the cell, she smiled up at him. "I'm listening."
Raising a hand, he reached to touch her face, but stopped short. Clenching his fingers, he returned his fist to his side. "Why are you here?"
"What do you mean why am I here? I'm your mate."
He shook his head. "Not in actuality. You have no obligation to stand by me and be nice."
She frowned. "Please tell me that Killian the dutiful arsehole isn't back."
"I'm not being an arse. I'm being truthful."
Moving her face to just outside the gap between the bars, she growled, "I'm here because I want to be. There's no need to continue with the self-sacrificing bullshit."
"You say that now, but I have a double-headed dragon inside my head and anytime they start fighting, I fall into a seizure. Standing by my side isn't going to be a walk in the park."
She motioned to her side. "Easy is boring. Besides, I've stuck with you this long."
"Now who's self-sacrificing? Bloody hell, we haven't even had sex yet."
"A relationship is about more than sex, Killian O'Shea. Although what with having two male dragons in your head, that may be all you think about now."
Blue spoke up. I'm not thinking about that yet. I just like her voice.
Black grunted. I wouldn't mind fucking her, but for once, I agree with the baby. I like her voice too.
So the only thing you two can agree on is that you like Brenna's voice?
Blue looked at Black. I'm sure there are other things we have in common. I like food. And napping.
Killian interjected, Can we save this conversation for later? Once Brenna's gone?
Both beasts grunted and remained silent.
Meeting Brenna's inquisitive glance, he said, "You don't want to know what my dragons are thinking."
She reached out and took his hand. The warm softness of her skin made him want to bend the bars aside and pull her close.
Her voice was lower as she said, "But I do want to know. Stop shutting me out, Killian. I'm not about to keep chasing you. If you want a chance with me, then talk to me. Otherwise, I will leave and never come back."
The honorable thing would be to release Brenna from the mating and allow her to find a sane, stable male.
However, the thought of anyone else kissing her or caressing her naked skin made his stomach churn in anger.
For the first time in a while, Killian knew what he wanted.
He wanted Brenna.
Both dragons roared their approval.
Squeezing her hand, he leaned closer to the bars and Brenna's face. "No more hiding on my part." He leaned a fraction closer. "Because I want you, Brenna Rossi. And provided I can find a way to tame my dragons, I will show you how much one day."
She put her face a few inches more between the bars and kissed him.
As he moved his lips and nibbled hers, a sense of rightness coursed through his body. She'd tasted fantastic before, but with his two dragons humming their contentment, she was fucking unbelievable.
There wasn't enough room to take the kiss deeper, so he contented himself with licking and nibbling, memorizing every sigh and groan to use with her again later.
He eventually found the strength to pull away. "I wish these bloody bars weren't here."
Raising a hand, she cupped his cheek and slowly strummed her thumb over his skin. "Then tell me what's going on with your dragons so I can help. There has to be a way to get you out of here."
Turning his face into her hand, he took a second to revel in her warmth and scent. After kissing her palm, he moved his head to reply, "You know about the constant fighting. I've learned how to construct a prison, but I'm not sure how long I can maintain it. However, as corny as it sounds, they calm down when you're near."
She raised her brows. "Then maybe we should test how my presence affects them further."
"How?"
Brenna extracted a key from her pocket. "As a Protector, I have access to the keys to the cells."
His heart rate ticked up at the thought of holding Brenna in his arms. "But I thought you didn't want to upset Tristan? Coming in here with me will most definitely do that."
The corner of her mouth ticked up. "I try not to, but I can hold my own with him later."
He searched her eyes. "Are you sure about this? Locking yourself in here with me could be dangerous."
"I don't think you'll hurt me, Killian. And if there's something I can do to help, finally, after twiddling my thumbs for who knows how long, then I'm going to do it. Not just out of obligation, either, so quickly banish that from your brain." The hand on his cheek moved to brush the hair off his forehead. "I'm drawn to you, Killian. And I'd like to finally see why."
Stepping back, Brenna locked the outer door to the room and faced him again. She held up the key. "Are you ready?"
He quickly said to his beasts, Well, are you?
Blue spoke first. I am. I may turn my head for the kissy parts, but I promise to behave.
He focused in on Black. And you?
I won't close my eyes for any of it. But yes, I'll behave. I'm curious what she tastes like.
Killian nodded. "I'm ready. Give the word, and I'll try taking down the mental prison."
~~~
Brenna's heart thundered in her ears. Not because she was afraid, but rather she was nervous about what came next. After all, if they finally did have sex, Brenna had little experience in that arena. Not to mention last time, the guy in question had used it against her, to try and manipulate her.
No. Killian wasn't Cedric and would never use her that way. Killian had all but pushed her away to protect her. He had honor, unlike Cedric the arsehole.
Taking a deep breath, she tried to calm both her heart and mind.
Her beast spoke up. Why are you so nervous? You were ready to go through the frenzy with him. This is nothing by comparison.
He has his memories and his dragons. So, this is a bit more final.
So? I'm looking forward to it. After all, he has two dragons for me to tame.
Brenna smiled at her dragon's comment, and Killian asked, "What now?"
"Sorry, my dragon is being a bit randy." She went to his cell and inserted the key into the lock. Never taking her eyes from his, she turned it and opened the door.
Killian instantly reached for her and hauled her up against his body. She sucked in a breath at his firm muscles against her chest.
He chuckled. "At least something's remained constant during all the changes." His hand moved down her back to her bum. "You still fit perfectly against my body."
She cocked an eyebrow. "Your original self never held me close, so how do you reckon?"
"But I did. We danced once, shortly after you arrived in Ireland."
Scanning her memories, a hazy image of Killian awkwardly holding her as far from his body as possible filled her mind. "If I recall, you were doing everything you could to put distance between us."
"That is your side of the story. Care to hear mine?"
Tilting her head, she asked, "Well?"
She did her best to focus on his words and not the slow circles he rubbed onto her bum. "At the very beginning of the dance, our bodies touched. Blood rushed to my cock, and I quickly kept you at arm's length and did everything I could to keep any feeling from showing on my face."
She frowned. "Why?"
"Because I was determined to aid and protect my sister above all else. You were intelligent, pretty, and strong. I knew if I acted upon it, I wouldn't be able to keep it casual. I'd want more."
"So from the beginning, you felt the same pull I did?"
He nodded. "Aye. But both man and beast were more concerned with duty." He stilled his hand and pressed her closer against him. "Now, however, the thought of duty and nothing else has lost its appeal. There should be a healthy balance. A certain female's loyalty has slowly won me over and taught me that."
She wanted his words to be the end of it. They could kiss, sleep together, and try for a future.
But Brenna needed the full picture. She didn't want doubt creeping into her mind. "Right now, we're on Stonefire, far away from your home and your duties. To be honest, the entire situation is unreal. What happens when we return to life as usual? Your dragon and memories are back, so won't you fall back into your old routines?"
His green eyes remained neutral, the only change the occasional flash of his pupils between round and slitted.
She couldn't begin to imagine what having two dragons would be like. However, they were a part of him, making one whole. She wouldn't change it.
Her beast yawned. This is boring. Why don't you just kiss and fuck him? That will be much more interesting.
Thankfully Killian spoke up, preventing Brenna's reply to her dragon. "I don't think I can fall back into the person I used to be, Brenna. The young blue and white dragon will need attention and training, which means I have to rely more on others. I don't even know if my future is on Glenlough, to be honest."
Her heart skipped a beat. "What do you mean?"
"Everyone on Glenlough will expect me to behave one way, all while I'm coming to terms with a new personality inside my head. Here, at least, I have the freedom to become the new me, which will be an amalgamation of old and new."
Searching his gaze, she stated, "Giving up everything you know doesn't seem like the right answer to me."
He shook his head. "I wouldn't be giving it up forever. Teagan will sort out the treaties and renegotiate with the Irish DDA. And even if that takes some time, as long as we remain mated, we can travel between the two clans. Maybe not every other day, but often enough."
A happy future with Killian where she could also be a Protector and be in her soon-to-be-born brother's life was tempting.
Not that she wanted to be the only one to gain everything. She'd find a way to ensure Killian could keep in touch and protect his family back in Ireland, too. Maybe his mother living on Northcastle would work out well, as a midway point between Stonefire and Glenlough.
Ideas raced through her mind, but she put them on the back burner. Time with Killian was always short and she didn't want to waste any more.
Moving her hand to the back of his neck, she lightly scratched his skin as she said, "Before we start making long-term plans, how about we see if I can help your dragons first?" Stepping away from Killian's body, she closed the cell door and tossed the key beyond her reach.
Killian growled behind her. "Why would you do that?"
She turned to face him once more. "I trust you, Killian. And this is the only way to truly judge if your dragons will behave in my presence. There's no escape, no out. It's just you and me in this cell." She put her arms out. "So how about we stop stalling and get to it? No one should be around for at least an hour, and I requested the CCTV cameras to be turned off for that duration too."
Killian glanced at the mounted camera on the far side of the room. "How do you know they will listen to your order?"
"Because I cleared it with Kai and no one disobeys him, apart from maybe his mate and his sister." She took a step closer. "No more excuses or stalling. It's time to release your dragons."
"And then what?"
Taking another step, she placed a hand on his chest. "Then we see what happens and let things go where they may."
He placed a hand over hers. "If things spiral out of control, promise me you'll knock me unconscious."
The corner of her mouth ticked up. "You've spent quite a lot of our recent acquaintance unconscious, but I won't pass up the chance to do it on purpose, if necessary. I'll try to avoid your bollocks this time."
She hoped for a smile, but Killian merely took a deep breath. "Then let's begin."