Craved by the Dragon (Stonefire Dragons 8)

Her beast spoke up. I don't blame him for wanting to stay away from people. Everyone makes such a fuss over him being a white dragon with a black spot.

Even you were curious when we were children.

Yes, but adults should know better.

She focused on Kai. "Can you spare me two or three Protectors you trust to help with the initial scouting?"

"That should be fine for now," Kai answered. "Although if an emergency pops up, all of you will report back immediately, no questions asked."

A hum of excitement coursed through her body. "Sounds good to me." She paused and asked, "Can I tell Killian about this?"

Bram and Kai shared a look before Bram spoke again. "Not just yet. I want to trust him. He's your mate after all. However, until he's stable, I don't want to risk anything." Her excitement tamped down a fraction. It must've shown on her face because Bram added, "As soon as Sid and Gregor clear him and deem him stable, you can share the assignment with him. I should also add that I don't want to share this with any other clan, apart from a select few on Lochguard."

"Teagan is worth your trust, Bram," Brenna pointed out.

"Aaron selecting her as his mate tells me that, but given the number of leaks and disgruntled clan members the world over, I can't risk it right now. Otherwise, we'll never be a step ahead of the dragon hunter or Knights. I don't want them getting information about our security plans ahead of time, or the whole project will be for nothing."

Brenna frowned. "Can't they just monitor us with video drones?"

"Blake's already worked on a temporary f

ix for that, creating a sort of moveable field to block out feeds and networks. He can explain it better than I."

Nikki chimed in. "It does mean that you'll have to rely on older forms of communication, such as runners and the emergency landline telephones posted around the clan's lands, to regularly check in."

Brenna sensed she was about to be dismissed. And as anxious as she was to get back to work, she needed to ask something and spit out, "Before I start, I have a request, Bram." He raised his brows in question and she continued, "I want to test Killian's ability to shift in a controlled situation. However, it'll obviously have to be out of the jail cell since the small space is fortified against shifting dragons. Will you allow him out to try?"

"I will think on it." Bram leaned back in his chair. "Now, take the rest of the day off to spend with your mate. Report to the Protectors tomorrow morning, as soon as Tristan arrives to help Killian with his studies."

Some might push for a more concrete answer about Killian shifting, but Brenna knew Bram well enough to know that he wouldn't budge until everything was in place and safe for everyone.

She looked at each person in turn. "Thank you for this. I wasn't sure if you'd trust me again, after all that's happened."

Nikki waved a hand. "What happened to Killian wasn't your fault. And yes, you spent some time with Glenlough, but I think fostering is useful. It's why I keep pestering Bram about finally taking a foster from Lochguard, as he promised Finn ages ago."

Bram sighed. "It's on my list of things to do, but it's not a priority."

Nikki whispered loudly, "He just doesn't want to chance the foster candidate being someone like Finn or his cousins."

Kai grunted. "Regardless, it's necessary and overdue."

Not wanting to get in the middle of it, Brenna took a step back. "I should probably go check on Killian. I'll report tomorrow morning for work."

As soon as Nikki motioned with her head for Brenna to leave, the three dragon-shifters in the room started to argue.

Brenna exited the cottage and breathed a sigh of relief. She'd never understood Bram's hesitance regarding a Lochguard foster, but if anyone could persuade him, it would be Kai Sutherland.

Her dragon spoke up. I'm excited about our new job.

Me, too, although I wish Killian could be a part of it. He's brilliant with security.

Give it time. He's not ready to return to duty yet. Besides, you'll never be able to concentrate fully if you're always worrying about Killian falling unconscious at your side.

I know. Brenna picked up her pace. But I'm anxious to see him again.

And to think you wasted so much time avoiding him in recent weeks. You should listen to me. I have great instincts.

Not wanting to argue with her dragon, Brenna jogged the rest of the way to where Killian should be waiting for her.