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.
Chapter Ten
The ferry ride to Liverpool had been the longest hours of his life.
Or, so Killian believed, considering he couldn't remember anything beyond a few weeks ago.
Adrian and Cal had taken turns watching Brenna. Several times Killian had gone to the car to see her, but he'd been turned away every time. No one wanted to risk the frenzy erupting inside him, too.
Not that the baby dragon seemed in danger of doing so. He was more concerned with the boat sinking and them having to swim to England than any need to strip Brenna naked and take her.
Still, they didn't have a choice but for everyone to ride in the same car to exit the ferry and meet with the Stonefire humans. Adrian had made Killian sit in the front passenger's seat, but he still gazed over his shoulder at Brenna's unconscious form, leaning against Cal in the backseat. Killian frowned. "It should be me back there."
Adrian replied, "And risk your scent waking her beast? I think not. Besides, we're nearly to the meeting point. Then we can divide you two between this car and theirs, making the journey easier for everyone."
His dragon growled. I don't want to leave her with strangers.
Ignoring his beast, he looked over at Adrian in the driver's seat. "By law, I should have the final say in her care as her mate."
The Northcastle Protector grunted. "Fuck the law. You can't remember how dragon-shifters function. You could harm her without even knowing it."
Killian hated that the tall bastard was right.
Rather than admit it, he looked out the window. Maybe the Stonefire teacher Brenna had mentioned, Tristan MacLeod, would give him a quick course on dragon-shifter basics. Then he'd be able to make decisions and fulfill his duty to take care of Brenna.
His dragon spoke up again. I know more than you, but you never ask.
You're young.
So? I woke up with knowledge, much like you. I could've told you that your scent could wake her dragon.
What else?
That depends. Will you listen to me?
The car disembarked from the ferry. Think of everything you can and tell me when we have a moment. I can't be distracted when sizing up the Stonefire humans.
You need to stop thinking that everyone is the enemy.
It's a precaution. Besides, a weak first impression will probably hurt us later with the English dragon clan.
His beast flapped his wings and rearranged them on his back. How? We aren't fighting them.
It may come to a fight over Brenna, if they don't let us talk with her and send us away. Whether we stay or go should be Brenna's decision. Now, hush until after we meet the humans.
Whether because of Killian's tone or his dragon's curiosity at the upcoming meeting, he didn't know, but the little one fell quiet.
Adrian turned down a street and then another, until they reached a car park garage. Jane and Rafe Hartley should be waiting for them on the top floor.