Chapter Three
Brenna couldn't help but smile as Bram Moore-Llewellyn's dark hair, blue eyes, and friendly face appeared on the screen, with Dr. Sid Jackson and Dr. Gregor Innes at his side. As much as she loved Glenlough, she missed many of the people from her home clan of Stonefire.
True to the leader of Stonefire's character, Bram didn't waste time on small talk. "Brenna. What's so urgent, lass?"
Since she knew that Bram wouldn't answer an urgent summons without securing the line, she quickly explained Killian's outburst and subsequent unconsciousness before asking, "Have you found out anything new, related to Delia's recovery from the drug injections?"
Sid spoke up. "She's awake, but her dragon is acting as a young, shy child, as if they were strangers and meeting for the first time. The doctors in Wales are running their own series of tests and will share the information later. In the meantime, Gregor and I have been running tests here with Trahern's help on both Delia's blood and some of the chemicals recently recovered from the farm near the Welsh clan." A group of humans had been manufacturing and selling the dragon-harming drug via the dark channels of the internet. "But it's going to take time to pinpoint what chemical or combinations of chemicals caused the dragon's regression. And even longer to find a cure, if it exists."
Gregor, Sid's Scottish mate, added, "Once Glenlough's doctor finishes his own series of tests, have him send the information to us. We received the initial data, but is there anything else about Killian's behavior that you can share? Has he experienced any sort of pounding or other signs of communication from his dragon? Even the smallest detail could help us find a cure."
"I don't think his dragon has made a sound," Brenna said. "To be honest, everyone has avoided talking with him about inner dragons, even me."
"Right, then when he regains consciousness, start asking questions," Sid stated. "I know it won't be easy, as losing your dragon is hard enough without the additional tragedy of losing your memory, but if we've any chance of bringing his dragon back, we need to look for the smallest sign that his inner beast still survives."
Brenna said what everyone else had to be thinking. "It's possible that the drugs killed his dragon and he'll never return."
Sid answered with hesitation. "Yes. But I'm not about to give up so easily. Remember, it took twenty years for me to find mine again. I hope it won't take as long with Killian, but it's far too soon to make any sort of foregone conclusion about his inner beast."
Sid had lost her inner dragon as a teenager, after an overdose of the dragon slumber drug. Only once she found her true mate and went through the frenzy had her beast returned.
That gave Brenna an idea. "What if I try to find his true mate? Do you think that could help?"
Gregor frowned. "Maybe, maybe not. Although, it couldn't hurt to locate her and try."
Bram spoke again. "Do you know who it is?"
"It's not me," she stated simply.
Concern flashed in Bram's eyes, but it was quickly replaced by a neutral expression. "While finding his true mate could help, lass, the odds of finding her are low."
She shook her head. "His grandmother once mentioned to me that his true mate had come and gone years ago. I'll talk with her and see if it's possible to locate the female. Even though she probably doesn't want him, we can restrain Killian for as long as needed, if her kiss does indeed work, and then move the female to someplace safe."
Her dragon growled. I don't like the idea of giving him to a female who overlooked his worth.
We don't know the full story, dragon. So don't judge so harshly.
Bram's voice prevented her beast from replying. "Let me know if you need any help. We might not be able to set foot in Ireland just now, but if the female in question is somewhere in the UK, we'll do whatever we can to locate her."
Sid jumped in. "But just know that kissing his true mate may have no effect, Brenna. There are old tales of dragon-shifters losing their inner dragons through poisoning in times long past. While I don't have the scientific evidence to substantiate any of it, some of the old stories have kernels of truth to them. We'll even ask some of the teachers and historians to helps us locate any pertinent information."
Gregor added, "And one more thing—if you can't locate his true mate, there is another option. I've been studying how the human and dragon halves interact with one another. Since Killian is now mated to you, he is allowed to come to Stonefire. I'm not saying Dr. O'Brien isn't skilled, but thanks to Cassidy in my life, I've made this study one of my top priorities."
She smiled. Gregor was the only one who called Sid by her full name. "I'll keep that in mind. I'd love nothing more than to give Bram more paperwork to fill out for the transfer."
Bram grunted. "It's worth it if it means we can save your mate."
Stonefire's leader was one of the few who knew the truth of her mating to Killian. So the fact he was willing to go to such lengths to help her made Brenna slightly homesick.
Her dragon huffed. Of course he'd help us. We have two families now, both here and in England. Taking Killian to Stonefire might be better in the short run. No one knows him there and would accept him as is.
Maybe. But let's see if we can locate his true mate first. That will probably be more helpful.
Her beast growled. I don't like how easily you want to hand him over to another female.
I never said that. But we need to look at all the options. She paused and added, And remember, he's not ours. Not really.
Believe that if you wish.
Brenna focused back on Bram and the doctors. "I'll call again tomorrow, if possible. I can't thank you all enough for your help."
Bram frowned. "Of course we'd bloody help you. Just because Teagan O'Shea has charmed you into staying doesn't make me care any less about you, lass. Not to mention your parents are back from Italy for the foreseeable future and anxious to talk with you."
Brenna's father was from an Italian dragon clan, but her mother was originally from Stonefire. She hadn't spoken to them since she'd run away to join the army at eighteen.
She had her reasons, although she had and still missed her dad.
Pushing aside her regret, she cleared her throat. "Once things calm down, I'll call them, I promise."
"See that you do. Evie's maternal instincts have kicked up a thousand-fold as of late, and she's determined to reunite all the families she can."
Evie was Bram's human mate. "I sense you aren't telling me something, Bram."
When he remained silent, Sid rolled her eyes. "Evie is pregnant again and Bram is terrified despite the fact a lot of progress has been made studying Gina MacDonald's blood."
Gina MacDonald was a human female who lived on Clan Lochguard, in the Scottish Highlands. She'd given birth to a half-dragon-shifter baby without any complications, which was rare for humans to do. A blood test had revealed that she'd been given a dragon's blood infusion at some point, to cure an illness. Dr. Sid and Gregor believed it could work for other human females and they had been testing out small injections on any pregnant humans on Stonefire.
Brenna nodded. "Trust the doctors, Bram. Besides, Evie is as stubborn as they come. All will work out in the end."
"I hope so," he murmured. He sat taller. "However, we're talking about you right now. You'll hear more from me soon."
After everyone said their goodbyes, the screen went dark.
And of course her bloody dragon decided to talk again. Taking him to Stonefire might be the best idea yet.
Right, and then I give up my hard-earned position here to go back to the lower ranks of Protectors on Stonefire?
That's a weak excuse and you know it. Nikki Gray is now second-in-command of the Protectors, and she and Kai will give us a worthy position. I think you're more concerned about avoiding Mum and Dad.
As she debated how to reply to that, her mobile beeped. Checking her messages, she had one from Dr. O'Brien:
Killian is awake and asking for you.
Dashing out of the room, Brenna made her way to the surgery. Seeing Killian would ease her own worries a fraction, but she also needed to start asking him the difficult questions. Sid never would've suggested she do so unless it was important.
She only hoped Killian didn't resent her for bringing up the male he used to be.
~~~
Killian could do nothing but lay there as Orla, Caitlin, and Dr. O'Brien all hovered around his bed. He felt akin to a bug trapped under glass, simply there for observation.
Dr. O'Brien frowned at him. "I can't help you if you don't tell me what you remember. You muttered something whilst unconscious. Did you dream?"
Killian repeated his request. "I want to see Brenna."
Orla leaned forward. "Can't you do something to make him talk?"
Dr. O'Brien sighed. "For the last time, no. Truth-telling serums have been outlawed for over fifty years and you know that."
"Hmph. Special circumstances call for extreme measures," Orla stated.
Caitlin, the woman who claimed to be his mother, stepped between him and Orla. "No, Mother. Killian is my son and I won't allow you to harm him."
"My, my, the soft-hearted one has claws after all," Orla drawled.
Caitlin stood tall. "There is nothing wrong with being kind. But even if he doesn't remember me, I will do whatever it takes to protect Killian."
As he studied the back of Caitlin O'Shea, he willed for a memory to come forth. The female seemed to care for him and guilt threaded his heart that he was causing her pain.
Not that it was his bloody fault.
Dr. O'Brien pricked him with a needle and drew more blood. He wanted to tell the doctor enough, but he barely had the strength to do anything but move his head.
Thankfully Brenna's dark-haired form rushed into the room. Her eyes instantly found his and a sense of calmness came over him.
For all that they were near-strangers, she was more familiar than anything else in his life.
She pushed her way to his side and laid a hand on his forehead. The warm, smooth skin of her fingers stroked, and he relaxed a fraction. "What happened?"
"I don't know. I was dreaming, but I can't remember about what."
Searching his gaze, she asked, "Are you still in pain?"
He smiled. "Why? Are you going to nurse me back to health?"
"Killian O'Shea, now is not the time to tease me," she scolded. "Tell me anything you can remember or I'll leave this room and let you deal with Orla."
"Hey," Orla interjected.
Killian ignored the older woman. "The pain is mostly gone, although I'm weak."
Brenna glanced at Dr. O'Brien. "How long before we know the results of your tests?"
The doctor never ceased changing out his blood draw tube. "Several hours, at least. All we can do is give him pain medication and monitor his vital signs. While he was unconscious, his heart rate skyrocketed for about thirty seconds, but it's back to normal now."
She continued to stroke his forehead, her feminine scent invading his nose. When she wasn't angry or irritated, her face was softer somehow. He wished she would lay beside him and lend him some strength.
He nearly frowned at that thought. She was his mate out of necessity. He shouldn't have any expectations about how she'd treat him beyond civility.
She met his gaze again. "I need to talk with Orla briefly. Are you okay with me leaving the room for a few minutes?"
No. "Why wouldn't I be?"
Her brows raised. "Happy mating day to you, too."
Before he could think of how to reply to that, Caitlin stood next to Brenna and said, "I'll watch over him."
He may not remember his mother, but Caitlin's kind eyes, full of concern, added to the calmness caused by Brenna.
Removing her fingers, Brenna turned and exited the room, with Orla on her heels. He debated what to say to the female at his side, but she soon started to sing a song that seemed familiar.
Not that he could place where he knew it from. However, with each verse, his eyes drooped a little more until he fell asleep.
~~~
Brenna guided Orla into the empty patient room across from Killian's and shut the door. Not wanting Orla to beat around the bush, she simply asked, "Where does Killian's true mate live?"
She raised a gray eyebrow. "First, tell me what you're planning, child. Then we'll see if I tell you."
At least Orla wasn't holding a grudge because of Brenna's remarks a few minutes ago.
She decided honesty would speed up the process. "Do you remember me telling you about what happened to Dr. Sid Jackson on Stonefire?"
"Yes, the female who lost and found her dragon."
"Right. Well, her dragon emerged after kissing her true mate. You mentioned once that Killian's true mate had come and gone. I was hoping we could locate her and see if a kiss might help reverse the effects of the drugs used on him."
Orla leaned on her cane. "That female will only bring trouble. She's with Clan Northcastle in Northern Ireland."
She may end up needing Bram's help after all since Clan Northcastle was in the UK. "Did she know about her and Killian's true mate connection?"
"I'm not sure. Male dragons always sense it first, but instinct and love don't always go hand-in-hand."
"True enough, but surely we can reach out to Northcastle and at least ask for a meeting along the border. Not even the DDA would consider that breaking the rules, as the border is open between the UK and Ireland anyway."
Orla harrumphed. "The DDA might not care, but Lorcan Todd would."
She frowned. "The leader of Northcastle? I know relations are tentative at best, but surely he'd be open to negotiation."
"Not in this, child. Killian's true mate is Lorcan Todd's daughter, Georgiana."
Blinking, she blurted, "What?"
"Aye, it's true. She accompanied Lorcan during a visit several years ago. Once Killian's dragon took notice, I helped my grandson to keep his distance from the female. Not even Teagan knew, although I suspect her dragon might've sensed it. However, because of it, Killian became unable to lead the negotiations and Teagan had no choice but to share her secret of being the leader with Lorcan."
While Glenlough had a history of female leaders, they had always ruled in secret, with a male to act as the public face of the clan. Otherwise, the other clans would've seen a female in charge as a weakness and attacked. Teagan's secret had only become known to the world in the last month or so.
"It couldn't hurt to ask Lorcan for help," Brenna suggested.
Orla tapped her cane. "He'll say no, the bastard. After all, in exchange for keeping Teagan's secret, he'd wanted my daughter Caitlin as his mate so that Glenlough would never attack or antagonize Northcastle again. Not to mention he'd hold dual citizenship and could come and go as he pleased between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, without DDA interference."
Brenna wondered why no one had thought to brief her more on the history between the two clans. "Since Caitlin's still here, the offer was plainly refused. And yet, Lorcan wasn't the one to reveal Teagan's secret."
The older female shook her head. "No. We ended up giving him resources and a few clan members to keep him quiet. Teagan eventually gathered evidence of Lorcan stealing sheep from local human farmers, and they came to a stalemate of sorts. The DDA would've taken Lorcan from his leadership role, if they knew of the theft."
Her frown deepened. "I think I'm missing another piece of information. Teagan's secret is out now, so she holds the cards. Why won't she put pressure on Lorcan?"
Orla sighed. "One of our clan members named Sadie ran off with a Northcastle bloke. Teagan is negotiating for Sadie and her lad to live here. Until that's done, she won't risk alienating the Northern Irish dragon clan."
"Right, then we need to do something else. While it's a big if, I can reach out to Bram and see if he has any suggestions. Northcastle and Stonefire aren't close, but Northcastle doesn't mind the Scottish dragon clan. Perhaps something can be done through them."
"I'll talk with Teagan about it. For now, just take care of Killian. He's a little less of a bastard when you're around. Who knows, maybe you're the key to his recovery."
"I'm not his true mate, Orla. The entire clan saw us kiss, and my dragon didn't go into a frenzy."
Orla thumped her cane again. "So? Teagan and Aaron aren't true mates, but they fit quite well together. Fate and instinct might have been necessary in the days of old to keep us alive, what with all the violence and mistrust, but I'm thinking it's no longer imperative for a dragon's happiness."
"You're somewhat forward-thinking for your age."
Orla shrugged a shoulder. "Change is necessary to survive." She tapped her cane harder. "Now, go back to Killian's room and maybe chat with my daughter. Caitlin takes after my late mate and is shy. Fake mating or not, she wants to know the female paired with her son. Killian losing his memory hasn't been easy for her."
She sensed there was more to the story, but instinctively knew that it wasn't Orla's to tell.
Brenna nodded. "I will, but I have a request."
"Aye?"
"I want all the information Glenlough has on Lorcan Todd and his daughter. I don't want to throw up any red flags about my possible plans, and I'm sure you know how to covertly get the files without getting caught."
"At least you don't underestimate me. I knew there's a reason I like you."
She winked. "You just want someone to sneak in weapons on demand."
"Hmph. I've been warned that my cane is too dangerous. Otherwise, I wouldn't need your help."
"Of course not." Brenna moved to the door. "Talk with Teagan as soon as possible, Orla. I know there are many ways to help Killian, but the more options we have available at our fingertips, the better."
Her dragon spoke up. You want to do everything in your power to get him to kiss the other female.
Look, Killian returning to his old self will make a lot of people happy. That's all that matters.
It won't make you happy. After all, he never looked twice at us before he lost his memory.
That doesn't matter. I'm not going to be selfish in this. As it is, I have no wish to have a real mate for many years to come.
Her beast fell silent. Brenna pushed aside any worry at her usually forceful dragon, pasted on a smile, and entered Killian's room.
~~~
Caitlin O'Shea watched her son's chest rise and fall in a steady rhythm and tried not to feel guilty.
After all, if she hadn't been so afraid several years ago, she would've taken Lorcan as her mate and he could've helped protect Glenlough. The attacks may never have come, to either her daughter or her son.
Her dragon huffed. You are assuming more blame than is necessary.
Not true. The alliance would've kept the other Irish clans at bay. Northcastle is stronger than most.
But not Glenlough.
Cockiness won't help anything. Strong as we are, we couldn't save Kieran.
Kieran O'Shea had been her mate and father to her children. He'd been killed during a skirmish with the Northern Irish humans decades ago.
Circumstances have changed. Dragons aren't fighting humans. Rather, we're trying to get along with them. We don't need Northcastle.
Caitlin hated to give up, but when her dragon formed an opinion, it was hard to shift it.
Instead, she picked up a wet cloth and wiped Killian's forehead. Her son was handsome, but Caitlin wished at least one of her children had inherited the blond hair of her late mate, to give her one more piece of her former love to cherish.
Her dragon sighed. Kieran is gone. We loved him, but it's time to move on. Stop ignoring every male that comes our way.
It's more complicated than that, dragon. Teagan is clan leader. I don't want to cause any problems, and taking a male could do that.
You never cause problems. After fifty-five years, maybe you should take a chance and live a little.
Why do you keep trying to change me?
I'm not. I'm trying to get you to accept who you are instead of being the shadow of our mother.
Caitlin leaned back. That's not fair.
It is entirely fair.
She wanted to growl and toss her dragon into a mental maze, but a knock at the door garnered her attention. Brenna entered with a smile. "Any changes?"
"No. But now that you're here, I'm sure you want to spend some time with Killian. I can leave."
She made to stand, but Brenna placed a hand on her shoulder. "Stay for a bit."
Brenna sat next to her, and Caitlin looked back at her son. Starting a conversation had never been her strong point, and it was even harder with an alpha personality such as Brenna's, even though she knew the female had a good heart and had been kind to Killian.
Used to her ways, her dragon merely curled up at the back of her mind and watched to see how things would play out.
Content to pluck at her trousers, Caitlin hummed a tune. After a few minutes, Brenna's voice interrupted the song. "I haven't heard that one before. What is it?"
Shrugging, she said, "Just a tune I made up years ago. I've always loved music, but I was never good enough to make a living with it. So, I contented myself with singing to my children and these days, to the children in my daycare."
She felt Brenna's eyes on her face. "I somehow think it's less to do with a lack of talent and more to do with singing in front of a large group of people."
Meeting Brenna's gaze, she asked, "Why would you say that?"
The female smiled warmly. "Believe it or not, my father is somewhat shy. He loves to play the guitar and sing, but standing up in front of a crowd bigger than five people sends him into a panic attack."
"So, you must take after your mother."
Brenna laughed. "Mostly. It's probably why we butted heads so many times over the years."
Longing flashed in Brenna's gaze, but promptly disappeared. The poor female was in a strange land, and dealing with her temperamental son couldn't be easy. "I know your mother can't be here right now, what with the Irish DDA's restrictions, but I'm sure we'll find a way to reunite you."
"Maybe." Brenna focused back on Killian's face. "All that matters right now is helping Killian."
As she watched Brenna's face, Caitlin's theory was all but proven. The mating may be a sham, but Brenna fancied her son, amnesia and all.
Brenna continued, "I may have a plan to help bring your son back to you."
Tamping down her initial shock, she asked slowly, "Are you sure that's what you want?"
The younger female's eyes widened as they met her gaze. "Why would you ask me that?"
"Just because I'm much quieter than my mother or offspring doesn't mean I'm not a keen observer. I've never seen Killian so consumed with a female, like he was with you on the stage in the great hall."
Brenna flicked an imaginary speck of dirt off her top. "It was a kiss, nothing more."
"I know you want to do everything you can to bring Killian's memories back, but maybe that's not what's best for him. After all, he was a reclusive workaholic before. He may be angrier now, but he's much more relaxed."
Brenna shook her head. "That doesn't matter. A dragon-shifter without a dragon is only half a person. He deserves to have his other half back."
"Dedicating yourself to a cause is noble, but don't let it get to the point of being stupid."
That's what had happened with Kieran and his noble idea to end the fighting amongst the humans in nearby Derry.
In the end, both sides had found something to work together on—ridding their city of any dragons.
Not wanting to think of her mate's death, Caitlin sang one of the songs she'd written. The gentle tones made her forget about her past and what could've been.
And as if understanding her intent, Brenna kept quiet and merely listened.