Chapter Twenty
Zain Kinsella stared down at the ginger-haired female and wondered how such a delicate human could be such an evil person.
His dragon spoke up. Just because she has information about the Knights doesn't mean she's evil.
Right now, I don't care. Even though the dragon hunters were the ones to kill Charlie, the Knights aren't any different. I suspect they work together quite often. And anyone who associates with those bastards is evil.
Charlie Wells had served in the British Army at the same time as Zain. While there'd been nothing romantic between them, Charlie had been one of his best mates.
And the fucking hunters had drained her without a thought, only caring about how much money they'd make selling her blood on the black market.
The female shifted in her sleep, garnering his attention once more. While she was attractive with a round face and full lips, he didn't care about that. All he wanted was for the blasted human to wake up so he could interrogate her.
A knock on the front door sounded, quickly followed by Dr. Gregor Innes entering with his medical bag. He asked, "Any change?"
"No. I understand she's exhausted, but shouldn't she have woken up by now?"
Gregor stopped next to him. "I'm not sure if she'll ever wake up."
Zain frowned. "Why not?"
"The other doctors are still working out the finer details, but I think she's been poisoned and put into a coma."
"How? She may have worked with the Dragon Knights, but I don't think anyone on Stonefire would do it. Especially no one who's been allowed inside this cottage."
"Given the amounts of chemical in her body, I suspect it happened long before she arrived."
He grunted. "It seems convenient that she fell unconscious here."
Gregor bobbed his head. "I agree. It's possible that she was given a poison on purpose by those she worked for, and they administered an antidote of sorts each day to keep her conscious and alive."
"Which makes it the perfect way to keep traitors from getting away."
"Aye. However, our best guess is that she won't die but merely remain in a coma. I'm hoping that if we find the correct antidote, we can wake her up."
Crossing his arms over his broad chest, Zain replied, "You can't be suggesting that we keep her around until you find the antidote."
"Aye, and Bram has cleared it. As long as we keep her hidden from the DDA, it should be possible. I don't think she wants to be found, so no one should be looking for her. Especially since a quick records search told Kai that her only family, a brother, was killed recently."
Zain suspected it was related to the Dragon Knights, but the female's life choices and ensuing consequences weren't his concern. He glanced at the female's pale face. "I don't know if she's worth it. If the DDA discovers we're keeping her secret, it could reverse all the progress Melanie, Bram, and the others have made with the agency."
"I know you're a bit biased given your history, but if she is a turncoat, it would be a rare opportunity for Stonefire to finally get the upper hand and maybe dismantle one of our major enemies, possibly even both the Knights and the hunters. Bram and Kai think it's worth the risk."
His dragon spoke up. He's right. And until we know for sure that she was responsible for any dragon injuries or deaths, you should give her the benefit of the doubt.
He ignored his beast. "I suppose that means she's to be kept inside the clan walls."
"Aye. You and Kai are going to devise the security and guard rotation. And while he can give you more information in person, he mentioned you being her main guard. That way, if she wakes up for even a short while, you can do your magic and whittle information out of her."
Gregor knelt next to the bed and went through his routine of examining the female, checking her vitals and fluids.
As Zain watched, he said to his dragon, I can't believe she is going to be our new assignment.
It's an important one, though. She could be the key to protecting Stonefire in a way we've never been able to do in recent years.
All I'll say is that she'd better be worth all the effort. And if I discover she's even tangentially responsible for hurting one of our clan members, then I'm going to do everything within my power to ensure she gets the punishment she deserves.
I wouldn't get yourself worked up too much. After all, we have no idea how long she'll be out.
Maybe if he were lucky, she'd never wake up and whatever was on the thumb drive would be enough to take care of some or even all their enemies.
~~~
It took every bit of training Brenna possessed not to dash down the hallway and push everyone and everything out of the way. For all she knew, the people could be on their way to help her mother.
When she finally reached the correct room, she gently opened the door. Sid sat between her mother's raised legs and Ginny—Stonefire’s most trusted nurse—stood near some beeping machines. Another nurse rushed past Brenna.
She blocked out everything but her mum, who lay pale and nearly lifeless on the bed. Her eyes were open and she was breathing, but even to her, it was plain that Mum’s fight to live was slipping.
Her dad looked up, but never stopped wiping his mate's brow. "Brenna, come."
Somehow she made her feet work and stopped next to her father. "Papa, what's going on?"
Her mother's weak voice garnered her attention. "Brenna."
Clasping her hand over her dad's already holding her mum's, Brenna leaned down. "Mum, you need to keep fighting. I'm sorry for the things I've said over the years. I was angry and didn't mean them. You need to live. I love you."
Her mum gave a weak smile. "Fighting was always our way, and our own brand of love."
"Mum," she murmured as tears formed in her eyes.
"Shh, Brenna. No matter what happens, I know you'll be the best big sister in the world to your little brother."
"Don't talk like that. You'll be around to raise him and force me to babysit."
"I would like that."
Her mum's eyes closed and one of the monitors went to a flat line. Her dad cried out the same time Sid barked, "Out," and then listed off a series of orders to Ginny and the other nurse.
Brenna and her dad were pushed out of the way. Ginny pointed toward the door. "Leave so we can try to save her."
After another second of staring at her mother's still face, Brenna took a deep breath and guided her dad out the door.
The instant they were in the hallway, she hugged her dad and a strangled sob escaped his throat. Hugging him even tighter, she willed for her mother to be okay.
She had no idea how long they stood there, but at some point, Killian's voice filled her ear. "Come, love. Let's wait in the private waiting room. Sid and Ginny will tell us as soon as possible what's going on."
Her dad slowly handed her over to Killian and she clung to her mate. Her dad murmured, "I'll wait here. You two go."
She glanced at her dad. "But Papa…"
"No, Brenna. All of us can't stay or we'll congest the hallway, but I want to be here in case your mother needs me." He touched her cheek. "I'll let you know if anything changes."
Opening her mouth to protest, Killian murmured, "Come, love."
Emotionally exhausted, Brenna allowed Killian to guide her away. Once they reached the private waiting room, they sat and she snuggled into his side. She fought her tears, but when Killian whispered, "Let them out, love. I'm here," she let go and cried.
Suddenly, all the years of petty arguments and resentments melted away. Brenna would trade anything to keep her mother around so that she could actually get to know her better.
~~~
As Killian soothed his mate, he kept a tight rein on his emotions. From what he'd gleaned from a nurse, Brenna's mother's heart had stopped beating and the doctors had to make a choice—the mother or the baby.
However, if Brenna's mum had given the order to save the baby above all else, the doctors would have to follow it.
Dragon-shifters didn't handle anesthetics well, which made C-sections difficult. Occasionally a dragonman or woman could survive the drugs, but the chances were slim. If Brenna's mother had indeed wanted the child saved, Sid would use anesthesia to deliver her child.
That almost certainly rang the death knell for Brenna's mother, given how fragile she was.
Blue spoke up. I don't like this. After everything, Brenna deserves a happy ending.
Killian replied, I wish that, too. But life doesn't always work out that way. Black remained silent, so Killian probed, Are you okay?
Black grunted. I don't like this situation. It only reminds me of what could happen if we ever have a young with Brenna.
Killian quickly pushed away any visions of Brenna dying on a hospital bed. We'll cross that bridge when we come to it. For now, we merely need to be here for Brenna. And I do mean all of us. She'll know if something's bothering one of you two.
Both mumbled their assent.
He had no idea how long he sat on the sofa with Brenna, holding her close and rubbing her back in slow movements. But eventually the nurse named Ginny knocked and entered with an unreadable expression.
Sitting up, Brenna asked, "Well?"
"You have a lovely little brother."
Killian held his breath as Brenna asked, "And my mother?"
Ginny's eyes turned sympathetic. "I'm sorry, Brenna. Sid and Gregor did everything they could, but she didn't make it."
He glanced at his mate, who sat unnaturally still beside him. Killian cupped her cheek. "Brenna?"
As the seconds ticked by, he started to worry.
Then she stood and turned toward Ginny. "I want to see my brother. He needs to know I'll protect him."
He stood. "I'll go with you."
"No, I need to do this alone, Killian. I'll find you afterward."
As Brenna left the room with the nurse, Killian clenched a fist. Maybe his love for Brenna wasn't enough. With her mother gone, her brother needed her, which meant she might not have time for a messed up male like himself.
His dragons protested, but he quickly constructed a mental cage to keep them contained.
All he could do was wait and see if Brenna came back.
He needed to think of a way to convince her he could help and wouldn't be a burden. The trick would be in proving it.
Taking out his mobile phone, he contacted the third doctor working on his case, Dr. Trahern Lewis. Trahern was originally from Clan Snowridge in Wales, but had transferred to Stonefire.
He also spoke the truth without any cushions or platitudes.
After dialing the number, Trahern's voice came over the line, "Hello?"
"Dr. Lewis, this is Killian O'Shea. I'm currently at the surgery and want to talk with you. Where are you?"
"What did you want to talk about? I'm a bit busy."
"About the formulas. I want to know what you've found and if they can help."
"I don't know why I have to meet in person for that. I can discuss this over the phone. Emily and I have made progress. And if you're willing, we'll have a test serum ready by tomorrow."
Dr. Emily Davies was a human scientist who was currently working with the Stonefire Dragons.
"Just to be clear—it won't affect my dragons, correct?"
"As far as we know, it won't. But I can't guarantee it."
His beasts thrashed in their cages, protesting the best they could. "Can you give me a few hours to think about it?"
"Of course."
Trahern ended the call and Killian stared at his phone. He could either take the serum and maybe have a stable, sane future, but possibly lose one or both of his dragons. Or, he could refuse it and risk another episode down the line that could take his life.
Neither was the future Brenna deserved, but the question was which one would he choose?
~~~
Ginny led Brenna to a small room used for newly born infants. Stopping outside the door, she thanked the nurse and watched her father through the small window in the door.
His eyes were red and puffy, but he held his new son in his arms, singing some tune she couldn't make out due to the soundproofed walls.
Tears formed in her eyes at the scene. She needed to be strong for her father and brother, but all she wanted to do was crawl back into Killian's arms and cry.
Her dragon spoke up. It's okay to show weakness in front of family.
But Papa needs us.
I'm sure he'll understand.
Her father noticed her through the window and motioned for her to come inside with his head.
Taking a deep breath, she turned the knob and entered.
As soon as she reached his side, her father whispered, "Brenna, say hello to your brother, Ethan."
Looking down at the small bundle in her father's arms, she smiled at the tiny slack face lost in sleep. "Mum always loved that name. She often told me that if I'd been a boy, that's what she would've called me."
Her dad croaked, "Yes."
Never taking her gaze from her brother, she hugged one arm around her father's side and leaned against him. "I'll help you any way I can, Papa. I hope you know that."
His reply was so low she nearly didn't hear it. "I know, cara." He cleared his throat and continued, "When your mother and I left Clan LupoForesta, one of your cousins, Serafina, offered to come with us. At the time, we thought it best for her to stay in Italy. But she's continually asked us to invite her here, so I may do so. She can help when you can't, since you must continue your Protector duties."
In all the rush of events, Brenna hadn't even thought of that. "I can take some time off to help you settle Ethan, though. Bram would understand."
Her dad shook his head. "No, work will help you just as taking care of Ethan will help me. Your mother would've wanted you to keep doing your job. She was against it at first, but she admired you because you did something she never would've had the fortitude to do."
"She said that?"
"Yes, she did. She was proud of you, Brenna. Always remember that."
"I—" She paused and continued, "I wish she were here."
"Me too, love, me too."
Unable to restrain herself, Brenna turned her head into her dad's shoulder and let the tears fall.
She'd been an idiot, plain and simple. All those years she could've reached out to her mother, she hadn't. And now, she would never have the chance.
Her dragon spoke up. STOP. We made up in the end, and she knew we loved her. We have Killian and Ethan, now. And we can't overlook them to wonder what if.
Sometimes, you're too pragmatic. We just lost our mother. I want to cry.
Then cry. But Mum always focused on what needed to be done. We must do the same.
Her father started singing an original tune he'd composed for her as a child. As she listened to his deep voice, Brenna laid a hand on the top of Ethan's head and vowed to protect her brother with her life.
~~~
Caitlin Todd nearly ran down the surgery's corridor, to the third room on the right. She trusted that Lorcan would be on her heels. All she could think about was getting to her son and daughter-in-law's side.
Reaching the correct room, Caitlin peeked through the small window in the door and willed herself not to cry.
Brenna, Killian, and Brenna's father—Gabriele Rossi—stood next to a bed containing the still form of Sharon Rossi.
Sharon had been almost fifteen years younger than her, with a new baby to boot, and yet she lay in the stillness of death.
It seemed unfair.
Her dragon said softly, We can't bring her back to life. All we can do is love Brenna as if she were our own and help her any way we can.
Lorcan stopped behind her and wrapped an arm around her waist. He said nothing, but she leaned against him for support.
They stood there watching the family in the room when Bram's voice said from behind her, "I think it's time we enter and console them."
Stonefire's leader hadn't blinked twice at postponing negotiations with Lorcan. He truly cared for his clan.
Lorcan pulled her to the side to allow Bram to enter first, and then they followed.
Bram placed a hand on Gabriele's shoulder. "If there's anything I can do, Gabriele, tell me. You're clan and we look out for each other."
Gabriele nodded. "Thank you, Bram."
Bram spoke again. "Evie and I insist you stay with us for at least a few days. We can help take care of wee Ethan while you handle the mourning arrangements."
Gabriele swallowed, but didn't cry. Brenna, on the other hand, was pale as a sheet, the poor dear.
Caitlin lightly touched Lorcan's side and he released her. She went to Brenna. "My condolences, Brenna. I know that means little, but you will always have me, if you need a motherlike figure to talk to."
Turning, Brenna gave a small smile. "Thanks, Caitlin."
She hugged her and Caitlin held her tight. Brenna was at least grown, but glancing at her baby brother, it reminded her too much of her own children losing their father early in life.
Once Brenna released her, Bram took his turn hugging the female.
Killian touched her shoulder and Caitlin embraced her son for a few moments. More than ever, she was determined to make the most of the time she had left on earth, never taking it for granted. It would be her goal to get her children, their mates, and their families all together in one place again. Even if she had to reach out to the various dragon clans in Ireland, she would do it to help make her goal a reality.
Her dragon spoke up. Let Teagan handle it.
Killian's voice prevented her from replying, "I hope you understand that we're going to have to cancel our dinner plans for tonight."
She touched his cheek. "Of course I understand. Your mate and her family need you. And you are always there for those who need it." Uncertainty flashed in his eyes. She stood on her tiptoes and whispered into his ear. "You are still reliable, Killian O'Shea. There may be a few obstacles coming, but you love hard and deep. You won't fail any of us."
"She's right," Brenna interjected.
Killian glanced at his mate with guilt. "I can't guarantee it, Brenna. You know that. But I'm thinking of taking up Trahern's offer to act as a test subject."
Anger flashed in Brenna's eyes. "Don't even think about it. I'm not about to lose you as well."
"But—"
"No buts. I love you, Killian O'Shea, and that means any and everything that entails. The question is whether you love me enough to try for a future together, rather than deciding one on your own."
Caitlin had no idea what had transpired recently between her son and Brenna, but she held her breath awaiting his answer. She only hoped he wasn't a fool to be noble and throw his chance at happiness away.
He finally answered, "Together, then."
Brenna nodded. "Good." She sighed and some of the fight ebbed out of her posture. "Then the first thing is for us all to go home and take care of Ethan. We can return to the real world tomorrow." She glanced at Bram. "I hope it's okay we stay with you too?"
He nodded. "Aye, of course." He moved his gaze to Caitlin. "You can come as well, as long as your mate promises not to kill me in my sleep."
Lorcan grunted, but Caitlin beat him to the reply. "I'll hold onto him all night. I'll even lock the door and hide the key, if it helps."
"Right, then let's give Gabriele a little bit more time alone and I'll help Evie get everything prepared." Bram said to Brenna, "Bring the others when they're ready."
Brenna bobbed her head and Bram squeezed Gabriele's shoulder one more time before exiting.
Threading her arm through Killian's, Caitlin turned him toward the door. "I'll take your mate for a short while, Brenna. Take your time and find us when you're ready. We'll be in the private waiting room."
Killian kissed Brenna and Caitlin led her son out the door, Lorcan fast on her heels.
Once in the waiting room, she sat and gestured for Killian and Lorcan to take a seat on either side of her.
Taking a hand of each, she squeezed them and sang a tune, one that spoke to the loss each of them had endured over the years.
However, from that loss, she wanted to forge a better future. Together, she was confident they could.