Chapter Nine
After the long visit with Killian after he'd regained consciousness, Brenna had found excuses to stay away from him for the three days they'd remained on Northcastle. Talking and joking with Killian about her clan members had made her forget, albeit briefly, about everything that loomed over their heads. Namely, Killian could still return to his former self and she'd lose the male she was growing attached to.
The only good thing about those three days was that she'd learned about Cedric Templeton and his fate. After a string of offenses, he'd been court-martialed and sent to a DDA prison since the army didn't handle dragon-shifter internments.
His imprisonment should make her happy, but she'd rather have had the chance to confront the male who had used her in the past. Maybe she'd get the chance to do it someday.
Not that she didn't have enough on her plate already.
Stepping out onto the deck of the ferry on its way to Liverpool, England, she closed her eyes and allowed the wind to caress her face. The ferry was large enough to keep her distance from Killian. The trick would be doing so for the entire eight-hour journey from Belfast.
Yes, she was being a coward. But she suspected the shadow dragon Killian had described was his former self. She had a feeling if it escaped its current prison, it would merge with Killian, changing him.
Her dragon grunted. There's no harm in talking with him. Especially since Adrian and Cal are his constant companions.
He seems to get along with Calvin the nurse. I'd rather Killian enjoy himself than me sit there and create tension.
So all of this is for his benefit?
Not exactly. Besides, we'll see Mum and Dad soon and I need to prepare myself for that.
Bram had said her parents would greet her as soon as she arrived on Stonefire. Only because of the various restrictions placed on dragon-shifters in or near big cities in England kept them from greeting her near the ferry terminal.
However, Jane and Rafe Hartley—a sibling pair of humans who'd each mated a Stonefire dragon-shifter—would be waiting for them in Liverpool. Brenna hadn't interacted much with either one, but if Bram trusted them, she did, too.
A male with a Northern Irish accent appeared at her side. "It's a fine summer day to be outside."
Glancing over, the male in his twenties had dark hair and glasses. He was young, but handsome enough.
Another male's face with dark hair flashed into her mind. One of an older male who wasn't afraid to show his emotions and whose kisses made her forget about anything else.
Pushing Killian out of her mind, she smiled at the human male. "I'm surprised more people aren't out here to enjoy it, if I'm honest."
He shrugged. "People tend to love their mobile phones and tablets on journeys."
"But not you?"
He motioned toward the retreating shoreline of Northern Ireland. "How often can you see such a view?"
Her dragon yawned. He's boring.
Ignoring her beast, she opened her mouth to reply when a familiar Irish accent came from behind her. "There you are, darling."
Killian.
The human male's smile faltered when his gaze moved over her shoulder, and he hurried off. Brenna swung around to face Killian. She ignored the fierceness of his gaze. "You shouldn't be alone. Where are your guards?"
"I'm looking at one of them right now."
Sighing, she looked back out at the sea. "What do you want?"
"You keep avoiding me. That's not going to play well on Stonefire since we're mated."
"Not all mates are glued to each other's side. I cast adoring looks when needed."
Taking her shoulders, he gently turned her to face him. "Just talk to me and stop making things complicated."
"Me talking isn't going to make things any easier and you know it."
Leaning his face closer to hers, his hot breath danced against her cheek. "Georgiana meant nothing to me and I'm on my way to your clan. What else am I supposed to do?"
"It's not what you can or can't do, Killian. You have a dragon now, yes, but who's to say everything else won't come back, too? The male I want is the one right in front of me and if he disappears, it'll crush me."
Killian's pupils flashed before he gently murmured, "You want me."
"Of course I do. But I can't risk the pain that could follow."
"So you're going to live your life cautiously forever? Some risks are worth it, Brenna. Isn't this one of them?"
As she stared into his green eyes, she tried to think of another point to argue.
Her dragon chimed in. Stop making excuses. Kiss him and enjoy the moment. Otherwise, you might regret it forever.
Closing the distance between them until there was only an inch separating their lips, Killian whispered, "Kiss me, Brenna, and then tell me if you want to keep playing it safe."
She swallowed. "A kiss can't change my mind."
"Then do it and tell me that again. I'll walk away and keep my distance, as you wish."
Killian's scent surrounded her, making it hard to concentrate. Her heart pounded in her chest, as heat radiated through her body.
Staring at his warm, inviting lips, she already knew his kisses drove her crazy. The only question was whether she'd be able to stop with just a kiss or not. They may not be true mates, but desire was powerful in its own right.
Placing a hand on her lower back, Killian caressed the area in slow circles. Before she could change her mind, she closed the distance between their lips.
The instant her lips met his, lust coursed through her body. She needed to strip him, and take him over and over.
Her dragon hummed. Yes, fuck him now. And keep on doing it until we carry his child.
Only because of her years of military training and discipline was she able to break the kiss and push Killian away. He landed on his arse, but she barely paid attention. Instead, she squatted and curled into a ball.
Her dragon roared. Why did you push him away? He is ours and will always be ours. Go to him. Take him. He is ours to claim.
Warning bells rang inside her head. The kiss with Killian had kicked off the mate-claim frenzy. Why now?
No talking. Stop resisting and strip him. You want him as much as I do. He should be ours, always. Don't push him away.
Killian's voice cut through her inner conversation. "What's wrong, Brenna?"
Turn around and strip him. Fuck him with the wind on our bodies.
She gripped her head tighter. "Just go."
"What? Why?"
Another blast of lust shot through her body. Through gritted teeth, she whispered, "Frenzy. Go. Get Adrian."
As she focused on staying in a hunched position so she wouldn't be tempted to give in to her dragon's demands, she tried to construct a prison for her dragon. But every time she came close to finishing the metal contraption, her dragon swung her tail and destroyed it.
Her beast shouted, No, no, NO! I want our true mate. Kiss him. Fuck him. Claim him. He should be ours.
Adrian cursed and said, "Brenna, come with me."
Killian asked, "Is she all right? I've kissed her before, so I don't understand."
Adrian answered, "Probably something to do with the dragon in your head. Go to Cal. I'll make sure Brenna's stowed safely in the car."
Killian growled. "Don't think of touching her, Adrian."
"I'm not a fucking idiot. Her dragon would slice me to bits in this state. Now go, Killian. You sticking around will only cause her more pain."
Her dragon expanded her wings and hissed. Why are you letting him go? Push Adrian overboard and go to Killian. He is our mate and he will give us a young.
No, not with so many humans nearby.
They don't matter. If we let him go, one of the other females will claim him.
Something pricked her skin and Adrian's voice filled her ear. "A sedative. Sorry, Brenna, but it's the best I can do. Now, come. I need to get you to the car so I can give you the second dose and knock you out."
Her dragon thrashed. NO. Our mate is close. I want him. I need him.
Gritting her teeth, Brenna managed to stand. It took every bit of steel she possessed to resist the lust and desire her dragon continually broadcasted inside her body.
Leaning on Adrian, she put one foot in front of the other until they finally arrived at the car. Once in the back seat, Adrian gave her another shot.
As the drug took effect, her eyes grew heavy and she murmured, "Keep me out until we get to Stonefire. Let Bram know."
Adrian nodded as the world faded and she slipped into oblivion.
~~~
Killian paced the length of the side deck, trying his best to figure out what the hell had happened.
A frenzy started when a dragon found their true mate. However, Killian had kissed her before, with no problem. Something had changed.
The young dragon was sitting toward the back of his mind, huddled into a ball. Killian coaxed, It's okay. Come out. I need to talk with you.
I'm scared. Why did Brenna act so strange? Is she okay?
He didn't know much about mate-claim frenzies, but he decided to ask, Do you feel any pull toward her?
She's nice and I like her. But I'm too young to want anyone that way. I had to turn my back when you kissed her, because, well, I'd much rather play.
Running a hand through his hair, he was about to further question his dragon when Cal spoke up. "I suspected your newfound dragon might change things, but I'll admit I didn't see this coming."
He glared at the red-haired male. "That's not helping. Is there anything I can do to ease Brenna's pain?"
"Unless you're going to strip naked and take her in a car, no."
He cursed. "Then at least let me see her. After all, you said she would be unconscious."
Cal crossed his arms over his chest. "No, we can't risk it. Your dragon may not feel the pull now, but it could change at the drop of a hat."
Growling, Killian hit the top of the railing. "It's like I can't win, no matter how hard I try."
"Look, mate, this isn't something you could've controlled. The mate-claim frenzy is instinctual. No matter how much you may or may not want it, it'll hit you."
"Have you gone through it?"
"No, and I doubt I ever will. But I've seen it dozens of times back home, and it's not always for the best."
He scrutinized Cal. "What are you talking about?"
Cal looked toward the water. "My brother went through the frenzy. Not long after, his mate left him and their daughter behind, to go live with another dragon-shifter near Dublin." He met Killian's gaze again. "But there's a difference in your case since you both fancy each other."
He didn't deny it. "Things are complicated."
Cal smiled. "Seeing as I was your nurse back on Northcastle, I understand. Still, Brenna may agree to it once you're on her clan's lands."
He grunted and changed the topic. "Shouldn't you be with Brenna? I'm not sure I trust Adrian with the sedatives."
"All Protectors can handle sedative shots. After all, if they're on a mission and something goes wrong, they need to be able to calm one of their brethren." Cal shook his head. "You know, I never thought I'd be having a heart-to-heart with a bloke from Glenlough."
"Let's just say I tend to bring out the unexpected." He sighed. "I just wish it didn't involve hurting Brenna."
"You have two choices with her. One, you both agree to the frenzy and eventually have a child."
"Considering I don't know who the fuck I am, that's probably not the best idea."
"Then your second option is to keep away from Brenna and she drugs herself for weeks or months until the mate-claim frenzy pull fades."
His dragon spoke up. I don't like Brenna in pain.
Me, either. But I'm not sure what else to do.
Placing both hands on the railing, Killian looked out at the water. He'd grown close to Caitlin in a short period and started to think of her as his mother. If only she were there, she might have other suggestions.
His beast chimed in again. We can try calling her when we have the chance. However, Stonefire is Brenna's home clan. They will do whatever they can to help you since it means helping her.
I hope you're right.
Together, we'll find a way. I'm sure of it.
He gave a strangled laugh inside his head. You're one optimistic little dragon.
And you're one grumpy, angry male.
Since his young beast was right, he contented himself by watching the rise and fall of the water around the ferry. He yearned to see Brenna's face, but being near her would only hurt her.
So despite his best intentions, it looked like he was going to have to keep his distance from her. Maybe even for the rest of his life.
~~~
Caitlin O'Shea may never have been clan leader or a Protector, but she'd never been an idle person. First, she'd raised two children and then when they were grown, she'd run Clan Glenlough's daycare. She'd always had a purpose and took joy in taking care of others.
However, as she stared out the window of her temporary residence on Clan Northcastle, she was close to climbing the walls. Killian had left over two hours ago with Brenna and she had nothing to do until Lorcan finished his meeting and visited her.
Her dragon spoke up. There is plenty to do. Read, watch a film, or even bake. You always go on about wanting to bake more.
It's hard to relax when your future is unclear.
You could always call Teagan and see what's going on.
I'd rather talk to her after Lorcan's visit. She has a meeting planned with Clan Seagale later today and needs all the time she can manage to prepare for it.
Seagale, the Irish clan inside Connemara National Park, was Teagan's first target for her Ireland-wide peace treaty. If Teagan didn't get all the clans in Ireland to agree and sign, the Department of Dragon Affairs might never lift the ban on foreign dragon-shifters visiting the Republic of Ireland.
Her dragon huffed. Humans have stupid rules. The DDA should know that a ban won't stop people from finding a way in.
I know, love, but not angering them works to our advantage.
If only we could go back to the days when dragons ruled the island.
Right, and have humans hunt us to near-extinction again? I think not. This is how it must be.
Her dragon harrumphed and fell silent.
With nothing else to do, Caitlin studied the area in front of the terraced housing where she was staying. The attached dwellings were used for single adults. Since Caitlin had yet to mate Lorcan, she qualified.
At the word "mate," she closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Truth be told, she didn't think she'd ever have a mate again after Kieran had died. Getting to know someone had been fun in her late teens, but it was a different story in her mid-fifties.
She knew most of her friends still enjoyed their mates in all ways, including physical. The thought of a male naked and above her caused a wave of longing to crash over her.
Her dragon growled. If you hadn't denied us for so many years, you wouldn't be yearning for him so much. He might use that against us.
Life has been busy. Ever since Teagan became clan leader, she's needed my support. I also couldn't risk a male courting me just to get close to her.
Some might argue Lorcan is doing precisely that.
I disagree.
Regardless, don't wait too long to kiss and claim him. Enjoy life in the moment. Killian's condition should've taught you that.
Opening her eyes, she watched a young couple walking past. The female laughed at something the male said, and he promptly frowned.
Maybe someday she would act the same way with Lorcan.
As if her thoughts summoned him, Northcastle's leader turned the corner and walked up the footpath to her living quarters. The dragonman walked with a straight spine and an ease that said he knew and accepted himself.
In other words, a male with the confidence that came with age.
His gaze found hers, sending a flush to her cheeks. There was something about his confidence that appealed to her.
As he approached the door, she went and opened it. Lorcan smiled. "Waiting for me, I see."
She frowned. "What else do I have to do? My instructions were to not leave this house."
Lorcan strode past her, and she closed the door. "Now, now, Caity, you know I had no choice. Until we sign the mating documents, you're here illegally. There are some who will always see you as a foe, no matter what I say or do. You staying out of sight is for your own safety."
"And yet, I'm to live here for the rest of my life. I hope that doesn't mean I'm going to be a prisoner forever."
"You won't be a prisoner." He took a step toward her, his nearness making her heart skip a beat. "I'm sure your daughter understands, as her mate is English. As long as the majority of the clan accepts a foreign mate, everything should be fine. No one is ever liked by all, that's just a fact of life."
"Well, if there was more intermingling and inter-mating between the clans, I think there would be less bias and hatred."
"I agree." He glanced to her suitcases in the hallway. "Do those mean you're ready to move in with me?"
She allowed the change of topic. After all, she had the rest of her life to convince Lorcan to open up to her clan. "You said tonight would be the earliest we could mate, so I'm ready."
He studied her a second before reaching out a hand and lightly caressing her jaw with his finger. "Are you truly ready, Caity?"
As he continued to stroke her skin, her dragon spoke up. Kiss him.
Lorcan's whisper filled her ear. "For the moment, talk to me and not your dragon. I can't take care of you if you don't speak your mind."
His words made her want the mating to work even more. Her daughter might make a quip about being taken care of, even if her mate did so sometimes now, but Caitlin missed having someone look after her.
She cleared her throat and replied, "Yes, I'm ready to move in with you. Kiss me again and maybe you'll believe me."
Lorcan's pupils flashed. His voice was gravelly when he answered, "Kissing you alone, in private, is dangerous, love."
"Why?"
"Because I'm not sure I can stop at kissing your lips."
Her heart thundered in her chest. She could easily tell him they could go outside for a quick kiss and play it safe.
But that wasn't what she wanted.
It was time for Caitlin to live a little, so she leaned against him and looped her arms around his neck. She smiled at Lorcan's intake of breath. "This might be the best way to discover if we suit, I think."
Nuzzling her cheek, he murmured, "I like the way you think, woman."
Before she could do more than open her mouth, Lorcan pressed his lips to hers and slipped his tongue inside. She groaned as each stroke wiped away any lingering hesitation.
She wanted Lorcan Todd, and for once, she was going to think of her own needs over anyone else's.
He ran a hand down her back to cup her arse cheek. The second he pulled her even tighter against him, she groaned at the feel of his hardness against her.
She'd been a fool to wait so long to have sex again.
Lorcan soon had both his hands on her bum and lifted. She wrapped her legs around his waist without hesitation, almost desperate to feel his hard muscles under her thighs.
She barely noticed the wall against her back when Lorcan moved one hand around to cup the side of her face and then slid it into her hair.
Just as she was about to guide his hand to her breasts, a mobile phone rang. She'd barely noted that it wasn't hers before Lorcan ended the kiss and cursed. "That's Adrian's ringtone. I need to take it."
Since the news could be about her son, Caitlin nodded and allowed Lorcan to release her to the ground.
Pulling out his phone, Lorcan asked, "What?" He glanced at Caitlin. The worry in his eyes sent a thread of fear through her heart.
Still, she'd worked with enough clan leaders to know waiting was the quickest way to get information. As soon as he clicked off the phone, Lorcan said without preamble, "Killian's kiss stirred Brenna's dragon to a frenzy."
She blinked. "Wait, what? They've kissed before in front of all Glenlough without that happening."
"I don't know. Adrian thinks it might be because Killian wasn't a whole person without an inner dragon. And as soon as the dragon came back, Brenna's beast recognized him."
"Did Killian agree to it?"
Shaking his head, Lorcan headed toward the door. "No, she's sedated and Adrian is keeping them apart." He paused and faced her. "I need to try contacting Stonefire's leader." He leaned over and kissed her quickly. "We'll have to finish this later."
"Of course."
He put out a hand. "But you can come with me, if you like, and see how things work."
"I thought I was to stay out of sight?"
"There shouldn't be many people out and about at this time of day and my Protectors are loyal."
Placing her hand in his, she said, "Then let's go. If for some reason Stonefire won't take your call, then I can call Teagan and contact them that way."
He kissed the top of her hand. "And the grand alliance begins."
They made their way toward the Protectors' central command building. While she was disappointed about the interruption, she quickly brushed it aside. Brenna had done so much for Killian after his memory had vanished. Caitlin would do whatever it took to help her, even if it meant taking Killian back and keeping him away from Brenna forever if she didn't want the frenzy.