As Lorcan gazed at Caitlin, a wave of protectiveness flowed through Killian. He wanted to stay and ensure his mother settled in.
His dragon huffed. No need. He likes her. Look at the longing in his eyes.
So now you're an expert on facial expressions?
Just because you don't look isn't my problem.
Brenna's voice cut off his reply. "Thank you, Lorcan. I know you're doing it for Caitlin, but Bram will appreciate it, too."
Lorcan grunted. "Well, I'd better set things in motion." His gaze moved to Caitlin's. "Find me when you're ready, Caity."
His mother nodded, and the Northcastle clan members left him alone with Brenna and his mother.
"Caity?" Killian prompted.
His mother's cheeks turned pink. "It's just a nickname. Now, tell me more about this wee dragon in your head."
"Yes," Brenna interjected. "He seems to make you a nicer person and I'm not sure how I feel about that."
"I'm not about to shout at a child and the easiest way to get him to hush is to give in to his suggestions."
I'm not that young, his dragon said.
Hush.
Brenna's pupils flashed and she laughed. "Be careful, or you'll end up with a spoiled dragon. And mine says that's unacceptable for a strong dragon-shifter."
He harrumphed. "It seems now even your beast wants a say in my behavior."
Rolling her eyes, she sat down on the edge of
his bed. "I'd listen to her in this case. Spoiling your dragon will make your life difficult, especially if you want to do any sort of Protector-like duties in the future. You need to have a partner rather than a spoiled child."
"Is there some sort of manual I need to read?" he asked.
"They exist, but they're for children. It's probably better for you to work with Tristan MacLeod on Stonefire. He has a knack for helping people with their inner dragons. He worked with Dr. Sid when hers came back, and Sid and her beast seem to get along now."
Brenna's eyes lit up as she told him a bit more about her clan members. She had resorted to mating him in order to stay on Glenlough, but it was clear she missed her home clan.
The baby dragon spoke up. Maybe it will be our new home, too. There are mountains near their clan. I'd like to sit atop one and look down.
That would require flying as I've no wish to go hiking and possibly pass out en route.
I might be able to help with the flying. We can try once we get there.
Not wanting to think about changing into a dragon, he focused back on Brenna. "I'll meet with this Tristan, but I can't promise anything."
Snorting, she leaned closer. "I may need to enlist the help of Tristan's mate, Melanie, to ensure you two get along. He used to be as grumpy and angry as you. But Mel has a certain touch with him. That may prevent any sort of fighting."
"I can restrain myself."
From the corner of his eye, he noticed his mother smile. He looked at her. "What?"
Caitlin tilted her head. "You've always had trouble declining a challenge. It took two years in the army to finally tame your temper to a manageable level."
"I'm sure that discipline is somewhere inside of me, especially with my do-good dragon," he muttered.
His dragon huffed. There's nothing wrong with being nice and doing the right thing.