Chapter Eighteen
Ivy Passmore sat huddled on the soggy ground, hoping the summer rain would stop soon. She'd never been much of a rambler, and yet here she was, who the hell knew where in the Lake District, trying her best to reach the gates of Clan Stonefire.
Pulling the hood of her jacket further over her head, she remembered why she was lost in the wilderness, risking everything to reach a group of dragon-shifters.
For retribution.
Not against the dragon-shifters, but rather the human bastards who'd forced her into working for them. As soon as she'd learned that they'd killed her brother and his partner, she'd made her escape.
Her eyes watered thinking of her brother, Richard. He was her only sibling and she'd never hear his jokes again, let alone tease him about his dream of doing stand-up comedy one day at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
In retrospect, she should've supported him more and maybe he would've reached that dream before his death.
If that weren't enough to tear her heart in two, she'd loved her brother's partner, David, of ten years like a second brother.
She'd never see her brother or David ever again.
And it was all her fault.
No. She wasn't going down that road of thinking. The thumb drive in her pocket, protected in several plastic bags, was her only chance at getting back at the bastards for what they'd done. And to do that, she needed Stonefire's help.
If she could ever find their blasted gates. How could a fully enclosed settlement with nothing surrounding it but nature be so difficult to find?
Glancing at the sky, the amount of light peeking through the clouds told her it would be evening soon. Rain or no rain, Ivy needed to keep going because she wasn't sure if she could survive another night in the wilderness with no shelter and no food.
Standing up, she ignored the gnawing ache in her belly and her protesting muscles. Putting one foot in front of the other, she tried her best to use the mountains as a guide. Before her mobile phone's battery had died early in the morning, she'd had sat-nav and had been paying close attention to where the hills and mountains were in relation to her position. It was the only clue she had to ensure she wasn't traveling in circles. Not exactly precise, but she'd take it.
Ivy had no idea how long she'd trekked before she came to a clearing nestled between two large copses of trees. Not that she took in the landscape. Her eyes focused on the three dragons swooping and hovering in the sky. They had to be with Stonefire. She couldn't imagine other dragons venturing this close to another clan.
With her head pounding and how difficult it was to put one foot in front of the other, Ivy knew this could be her last chance at redemption. The last chance to make up for everything she'd done.
So gathering up the last of her energy, she yelled, "Help me!" several times before her vision swam and she fainted.
~~~
Brenna had spent most of her first few days back at work flying over every inch of Stonefire's land and had narrowed down her list of possible locations for the safe meeting place to three.
She'd saved the most promising area for last, and she currently hovered in place over the large clearing nestled between two copses of trees. While placing the building in the open might seem a poor choice, she thought the thick trees to either side would provide ample opportunities for escape routes and even hidden tunnels. Besides, the building in the open would act as a decoy of sorts, with the real meeting place hidden further inside the woods or possibly underground.
Just as she was about to signal the two Protectors with her that they should head back, she heard a female's voice shout, "Help me!"
Even with the wind and rain, Brenna easily pinpointed the source. She watched as the female promptly fell to the ground and didn't get up again.
The female could be a trick, so Brenna signaled to her compatriots to stay in the air and keep an eye out. She'd investigate the stranger alone.
Diving down, she landed gently next to the female. She listened for any unusual rumbling in the underbrush or talking nearby, but heard none. If the female were part of a trap that involved others, the danger from the stranger's companions wasn't immediate. Especially since Blake had rigged a safety zone near her three sites, to prevent any sort of drone from flying and attacking.
Brenna imagined her wings shrinking to her back, her snout shrinking back into her nose, and her arms and legs morphing into human ones. As soon as she finished, Brenna barely paid attention to the rain as she knelt next to the female.
Her red hair was matted, her face smudged with dirt, and her clothes were soaked with rain and mud. Brenna had no idea who the female was, although she could tell she was human from her scent and shorter stature.
Her dragon spoke up. We should take her back to the clan. If she dies, we'll never learn why she's here.
I'm not sure we can risk that, but I won't let her die. Brenna motioned for the red dragon to land and ordered, "Zain, bring one of the doctors to the abandoned cottage near the lake. I'll take the human there and wait for you."
The red dragon bobbed his head, jumped into the sky, and sped away.
After Brenna signaled again, the remaining dragon, a black one, came to land next to her. Brenna stood. "Sebastian, I need you to carry me and the female to the abandoned cottage near the lake. I want to remain in human form in case she wakes up en route, to try and explain what's going on."
Sebastian lightly jumped up and hovered a few feet from the ground. Brenna scooped up the small female and helped place her into Sebastian's left talons. He then gently wrapped his other set of talons around Brenna's middle.
As he ascended, she barely noticed the change in altitude or the wind. While chilly, she was more concerned with the mysterious female. Humans sometimes showed up at a dragon clan's gates, but the only question was whether the woman was friend or foe. After the recent betrayals back in Ireland, Brenna was wary of trusting anyone she didn't know.
In a matter of minutes, Sebastian had placed Brenna down next to the cottage. Once on the ground again, Brenna took the woman into her arms.
The cottage was surrounded by overgrown brush and broken furniture on purpose, to appear abandoned. But there was always a cot set up inside, as well as supplies hidden within a secret cache in the floor.
As soon as she had the female on the cot, Brenna turned toward the fireplace. Grateful to find wood and kindling to the side even though it was summer, Brenna quickly had a fire roaring.
Staring down at the human, she wondered where she'd come from. Unlike dragon lovers or the media, she was disheveled and dirty. Brenna guessed she'd been walking around the surroundings for quite some time.
She searched the human and found a thumb drive wrapped in several layers of plastic, as well as a purse. Her driver's license said her name was Ivy Passmore and that she lived in Brighton.
What Brenna didn't understand was if Ivy had a driver's license, why hadn't she driven to Stonefire. The only explanation was that the female hadn't wanted to be followed, but why?
So many questions and so few answers.
Her dragon spoke up. And I have another question: why is she here? Brighton is quite far from the Lake District. Even dismissing Skyhunter since the clan is unstable, Snowridge in Wales is closer.
Brighton was a city along the southern coast of England. I don't know, but she went to great lengths to protect this thumb drive. I bet it will tell us more.
Brenna heard a dragon return outside and shortly after, Dr. Gregor Innes walked into the cottage with a medical bag in his hand. Since he was fully clothed and drenched, he must've opted to be carried.
Kneeling next to the cot, he asked, "Has she woken up?"
"No. If I knew how she'd react, I would've stripped her and wrapped her in blankets. But given how humans are overly concerned with nudity and I didn't want her to go mental, the best I could do was start a fire."
Gregor did a quick examination and reached into his medical bag. "My initial diagnosis is that she's exhausted and dehydrated. I would say take her to a human hospital, but given her state and where you found her, I'd say she doesn't want to be found."
"I agree. Can you treat her here?"
"It's not the best situation, but until we can question her, I'm wary of bringing her inside the clan's gates. For all we know, it could be a dragon hunter or Knight trying to trick us."
She nodded. "I'll leave Zain and Sebastian here to watch over her whilst I report back to Kai. If she wakes up, Zain can interrogate her."
Gregor glanced at her. "Gently, I hope. She's weak and might be ill. I don't want him to make it worse."
"Zain knows what he's doing and has never pushed to the point of endangering someone's health." Brenna stepped closer and held up the thumb drive. "I'm most concerned with what's on this."
"Explain the situation to Cassidy and mention that I need fluids for a dehydrated patient. She'll know what to assemble and send to me. Just make sure she doesn't try to come here herself."
"Her pregnancy's not that far along, Gregor."
"I know, but she was a target once, and until we know who this lass is, I'm not risking my mate again."
Since every second she argued with Gregor was time she could be spending finding out the details of the thumb drive, she went to the door. "I'll talk with Kai, contact Sid, and be back as soon as possible."
After giving Zain and Sebastian her instructions, Brenna tucked the thumb drive into the weather resistant bag she carried in her dragon form and shifted. Within seconds she was in the sky and flying back to Stonefire.
Her dragon grunted. That human had better be friend and not foe. As it is, she's making us wait to see Killian.
Killian has plenty going on. His interview with the DDA inspector is tomorrow.
Still, he has to take a break to eat. We can cuddle a little. Maybe even finally have sex, which he keeps putting off for some reason.
If Brenna were in human form, she would've smiled. Someone's not only impatient, but getting attached.
And you're not?
The landing area came into view, giving her an excuse to avoid answering the question.
As soon as she touched down, she noticed Bram and Kai off to the side, waiting for her. Quickly shifting back into her human form, Brenna rushed over to them.
Bram raised his brows. "What's going on?"
"I'm not sure, but this may tell us." She took out the thumb drive still encased in plastic bags and held it up.
Bram took it. "The human was carrying this?"
"Yes. Given her state, she went to great lengths to ensure it remained dry. I think it's important."
Kai jumped in. "Then let's take it to Nathan."
Nathan was in charge of the Protectors' technology-related matters.
All three of them jogged to the Protectors' central command, which was only about three minutes away from the landing area.
Kai wasted no time pushing his way inside. A foot past the door, Brenna plucked one of the spare robes they left there for those who had to shift quickly and tossed it on. She'd just tied the knot as they reached the main tech center.
Nathan sat at a series of computer screens. Kai spoke up. "I need to know what's on this."
Turning toward them, Nathan's brown eyes met Kai's before glancing at the thumb drive in Bram's fingers. "Where did that come from?"
Bram handed it over. "From a human that Brenna found in the outer perimeter."
Nathan turned back to his computer terminals. "Let me quickly check for viruses first."
Since Nathan had been in charge of the Protectors' technology for years, no one questioned his decision or barked for him to hurry up.
Brenna tapped her hand against her thigh as Nathan's long fingers danced across the keyboard. After what seemed like years, he murmured, "Bloody hell."
Bram leaned forward. "What is it?"
"I'll have to confirm some of the data with Dr. Sid, but I'm fairly certain this is a stolen cache of files from the Dragon Knights."
Brenna tried to make out what was on the screen, but the text moved too quickly. "Are you sure?"
Nathan stopped scrolling and motioned toward a blueprint. "This is one of their meeting houses." He exited the screen and brought up another. "And this is some sort of chemical formula."
"Maybe it's related to what was used on my sister," Kai said.
"Or even Killian," Brenna added.
Bram took out his mobile, pressed someone's number, and put it to his ear. "Sid? I need you at central command."
Since Brenna had supersensitive hearing, she heard Sid's reply, "What about Gregor? What happened?"
"Brenna's here and can pass on any of Gregor's messages. Come to central command and we'll fill you in on everything." Bram ended the call. "Nathan, make sure you copy all of this data somewhere safe. I want you to comb through it and create a summary of what you find. If anything important sticks out, then let me know."
Nathan bobbed his blond head. "I'm already backing it up, but it may take a while to sort through it all."
"Aye, I know. You can bring in Lucien to help you." Bram looked at Brenna. "Until we know more about this human and what she's doing here, I'm going to put your current project on hold."
"I suspected as much," Brenna replied. "I can fly back straight away and share what we know with the others. That way, once Ivy is awake, Zain knows what to ask her."
Kai jumped in. "I'm going to increase patrols as well. I'm not going to let down my guard until we know exactly what's going on."
Brenna remembered something. "What about the DDA inspector? She's here a few more days and will probably notice the extra patrols."
"She's only here until Killian passes his interview and Lorcan either leaves or agrees to a treaty. Do you think Killian's ready to do his interview with the inspector this evening?"
Shrugging, she answered, "While having more time to prepare is better, I think he should be fine. After all, his dragons have been behaving the majority of the time." She glanced at the clock on the wall. "He should be attempting his first full shift right about now."
Bram raised his mobile phone again. "Then I'm going to see what I can do about Lorcan. With any luck, Ms. Day will be leaving tomorrow morning, allowing us to discover who this Ivy Passmore is and what she's up to without the DDA's interference. If the human is the key to destroying the Dragon Knights in the UK, then I'll do whatever it takes to make that happen." Bram looked at Kai. "Deliver the news to Zain and Sebastian yourself, freeing up Brenna to tell Killian of the change and provide the necessary support."
Some might take offense at the change in duties, but Brenna considered helping Killian as important as any other duty on Stonefire.
They all split up to do their respective tasks. As Brenna rushed out of central command, she only hoped Killian had already completed his first full shift. It was the one thing that had been rocky with his inner beasts, and yet it was the most important. An out-of-control two-headed dragon would cause a panic like no other.
~~~
Killian watched his talons return to fingers for the fifth time as Black tried to console Blue. I know you want to be in control for this, but trust me. I can guide you through it.
Blue huffed. I think I know what I'm doing.
Not enough. If we don't get the shift right, it could end badly.
Tristan MacLeod approached him. "What happened this time?"
"They're still arguing."
"If you don't sort it out, you'll never be cleared by the DDA."
"You think I don't know that?" Killian bit out.
"Look, I know it usually takes months if not years to get a young dragon comfortable and informed enough to shift. But we have hours left, a day at most. So, sort it out."
Taking a deep breath, Killian spoke to his dragons. Enough. At the dominance in his tone, they quieted. Only then did he continue, Blue, I know you want to prove you're as skilled as Black. And one day, I'm confident that you'll take the lead. However, for now, your main focus is working with him and ensuring your own head grows as it should.
The young dragon hesitated. I don't know. Giving in to Black only convinces him he should always be in charge.
Killian spoke up before Black could. I am ultimately in charge, at least until you two learn to work together. I promise you'll have your turn once you're ready. With more practice, I'm sure you can master it. Don't you think so, too, Black?
For a few seconds, Black remained quiet. But he eventually sighed. I think Blue has promise, yes. Even if he is incessantly optimistic about everything. And far too nice.
Ignoring the insults, Killian focused on the blue dragon head. So, let's try one more time, okay?
Okay, Blue mumbled.
Killian blanked his mind and was about to step back to allow his beasts to take control when Brenna's voice stopped him. "Killian, I need to talk with you."
Tristan spoke up. "We're busy, Brenna, Come back later."
Brenna rushed to Killian side. "I can't. Something's happened, and Killian's interview should be happening any time now."
He wrapped an arm around Brenna's waist. "Tell me what's going on."
As she explained about the human and the initial findings on the thumb drive, Killian's frowned deepened. When she finished, he asked, "So it's possible the information on that thumb drive is related to what was used on me?"
Brenna nodded. "Yes, although we won't know for certain until Sid and the other doctors take a closer look."
"However, if it is related…"
She finished, "Then we might be able to return you to normal." Placing a hand on his cheek, she asked, "But is that what you want?'
He should scream yes, he'd love to go back to only having one dragon inside his head.
But as Black and Blue waited to see what he'd say, he couldn't imagine picking between the two of them, let alone banishing one of them from existence.
Brenna's voice garnered his attention again. "I thought so. You're attached to both of them, aren't you?"
"I have no bloody idea why, but yes."
"Then you need to pass the interview with the DDA inspector. Please tell me that you're ready."
He spoke to his beasts. What do you think? In order to keep both of you, we need to pass the test. Can you work together to shift?
Black rose his head taller. I'm ready to try.
Blue nodded his head a few times. Me, too.
Then let's try quickly before the real test.
Killian quickly kissed Brenna. "Step back. I'm going to attempt my first full shift."
She gave him a quick kiss and moved to stand next to Tristan, at the edge of the space.
Retreating to the back of his mind, he watched his dragons. Black said, I'm going to start. Once we start changing forms, focus on bringing out your head. That part I can't do.
Black imagined their wings sprouting from their back, arms and legs changing into limbs with talons, and their nose elongating into a black snout. Probably because Black was in control, their main dragon hide color was also black.
Even though Black had finished his shift, Blue struggled. Only a tiny, blue bud emerged from their neck.
Killian had never had to deal with this before, but he murmured, Grow long before imagining your head as it is now.
Blue growled, and slowly, a long, blue column emerged from their neck. It took another minute for a snout, ears, and eyes to take shape from the top.
As soon as Killian stood in his dragon form, complete with two dragon heads, Brenna rushed up to them. Both beasts lowered their heads so she could scratch behind an ear each.
Brenna grinned. "You did it!"
Killian spoke to his dragons. Great job, both of you.
Both beasts merely hummed in contentment, leaning more into Brenna's scratches.
Blue was the first to lightly butt his head against Brenna's shoulder. She kissed the dragon's snout. "Nice to meet you, too." She then turned to Black and repeated the gesture. "And it's a been a while since we've last seen each other."
The two heads moved to gently wrap around Brenna and hold her close. She laughed and returned the embrace.
If Killian hadn't been in love with her before, he was now. Not only had she never given up on him, but she also accepted him as he was. He'd never find another female with the same kindness, bravery, and cleverness. It was high time to make their mating a true mating.
Blue spoke up. Then make sure she stays.
Yes, Black said. We love her too.
Right, then let's make sure to pass the interview with the DDA. Then I'll ask Brenna on our first proper date.
Black grunted. And sex. I want sex.
As long as she wants it, too, and Blue can find a way to distract himself, we'll see.
Blue paused a second before saying, It might not be that bad. I love Brenna. That should include kisses and such too.
Killian had had suspicions that Blue was slowly becoming more mature with each accomplishment. Okay, then prove you can shift back without a problem. I have a few things to say to Brenna before our interview.
Someone gasped, and an unknown female voice stated, "It's true, then."
Both of his dragons moved their gazes to the source. The short, curvy form of Elsie Day stood next to Tristan.
Blue spoke up. Why is she here? I'm not ready yet. I might make a mistake trying to change back.
We can do it, Black said softly. We have to. Just follow my lead.
The dragons released Brenna and Elsie walked toward them. "You're magnificent," Elsie murmured, staring up at both Black and Blue.
Brenna placed a protective hand on his chest. "Yes, they are."
Elsie cleared her throat and adjusted her glasses. "I struck a deal with Bram to conduct this trial and test now rather than later. I can see Killian's tame and successfully shifted in his dragon form. But can he fly safely that way as well?"
Tristan answered, "He will soon enough."
Elsie reached out a hand and waited. Blue slowly bumped his snout against her palm.
Killian snorted. Always the charmer.
It'll help us, you'll see.
Lowering her hand, Elsie looked at each person in turn. "Technically, he should be able to perform well on all dragon-related duties in order to receive approval from me."
"However…?" Brenna prompted.
"However, provided he can shift back safely and you do me a favor, I'll clear him until the follow-up tests a few weeks from now."
"What favor?" Brenna asked slowly.
"Let's see if he can shift back first, and then I'll make my request."
Elsie retreated. Brenna turned and whispered low enough that the human wouldn't be able to hear it. "You can do it. I have faith in all three of you."
She hugged the dragon’s chest as much as she could with her human arms and went to stand next to the DDA inspector.
Black spoke up. Follow my lead again. Can you do that, Blue?
I'll try. Blue paused and added, Thanks for asking first.
As much as Killian wanted to tell his dragons to hurry up, the trial was too important to risk distracting them. So, he merely watched to see if they could manage it or not.
Black grunted. I think it's best if you go first, Blue. I think bringing one dragon head in and then changing our whole form to human will be the best way.
Blue attempted to shift back the same way he'd grown out, but only one ear and eye melded into the rest of his face. He couldn't get the remaining set to budge.
Take your time and do the other side, Black instructed.
After a few deep breaths, Blue tried again. The second ear retreated and then the eye. His snout came next and everything looked to be going fine until the end, when he couldn't put the last blue bump back into the main dragon body.
Blue growled. It's too hard.
Brenna's voice came from the side of the room. "Do it for me, Black and Blue. Do it for me."
I can't upset Brenna. She should think we're strong, Blue said.
Black replied, Then just a bit further and I can do the rest. Imagine hugging me and becoming one.
For a few beats, nothing changed. Then the last bit of blue melded into the main, black dragon body.
With the hardest part done, Black shifted back as he had done thousands of times over the years. Slowly he shrank back into their human form.
The second he finished, Brenna raced over and kissed him. "You're all bloody brilliant."
Both of his dragons preened inside his head.
Before he could say anything in response, Elsie approached. To her credit, the human kept her gaze on his face and ignored his nudity. "Right, while the shift was a bit slower than normal, you've passed for the time being."
"So what's your favor?" Killian probed.
"Here's what I want." Elsie extracted a sealed envelope and held it out. "Deliver this to Adrian Conroy."
Brenna took it slowly. "Is that all?"
She pushed her glasses up the bridge of her nose. "Yes. But remember, when I return in several weeks, you need to pass all aspects with full marks, including flight maneuvers. If you fail, I'll have to report it back to the DDA, which I'd rather not do since I'd hate to see you locked up."
It seemed the DDA inspector had a soft spot for dragons. Given how she wanted to contact Adrian so badly, it made sense.
Killian had barely said, "Thank you," before Elsie waved and left the area.
Tristan growled. "Right, then we're done for the day. Let me know when you're ready for more training."
The dragonman left without another word.
Once they were finally alone, Killian nuzzled Brenna's cheek. "I think it's about time I took you on a proper date to celebrate."
She ran her hands over his chest and around to his back. "I hope we're going to do this date backward because I want you naked and in my bed first, and then we can eat later." Turning his head to meet her gaze, she added, "As long as Blue can handle it."
"He's starting to take an interest." Killian nipped her jaw. "So let's go before he changes his mind."
Not caring about his nudity, Killian picked Brenna up and cradled her in his arms. With her heat and scent surrounding him, it was difficult to keep his cock soft. But he mustered every trick he knew to do so and ran like he was being chased by dragon hunters.