Craved by the Dragon (Stonefire Dragons 8)

Killian quickly pushed away any visions of Brenna dying on a hosp

ital bed. We'll cross that bridge when we come to it. For now, we merely need to be here for Brenna. And I do mean all of us. She'll know if something's bothering one of you two.

Both mumbled their assent.

He had no idea how long he sat on the sofa with Brenna, holding her close and rubbing her back in slow movements. But eventually the nurse named Ginny knocked and entered with an unreadable expression.

Sitting up, Brenna asked, "Well?"

"You have a lovely little brother."

Killian held his breath as Brenna asked, "And my mother?"

Ginny's eyes turned sympathetic. "I'm sorry, Brenna. Sid and Gregor did everything they could, but she didn't make it."

He glanced at his mate, who sat unnaturally still beside him. Killian cupped her cheek. "Brenna?"

As the seconds ticked by, he started to worry.

Then she stood and turned toward Ginny. "I want to see my brother. He needs to know I'll protect him."

He stood. "I'll go with you."

"No, I need to do this alone, Killian. I'll find you afterward."

As Brenna left the room with the nurse, Killian clenched a fist. Maybe his love for Brenna wasn't enough. With her mother gone, her brother needed her, which meant she might not have time for a messed up male like himself.

His dragons protested, but he quickly constructed a mental cage to keep them contained.

All he could do was wait and see if Brenna came back.

He needed to think of a way to convince her he could help and wouldn't be a burden. The trick would be in proving it.

Taking out his mobile phone, he contacted the third doctor working on his case, Dr. Trahern Lewis. Trahern was originally from Clan Snowridge in Wales, but had transferred to Stonefire.

He also spoke the truth without any cushions or platitudes.

After dialing the number, Trahern's voice came over the line, "Hello?"

"Dr. Lewis, this is Killian O'Shea. I'm currently at the surgery and want to talk with you. Where are you?"

"What did you want to talk about? I'm a bit busy."

"About the formulas. I want to know what you've found and if they can help."

"I don't know why I have to meet in person for that. I can discuss this over the phone. Emily and I have made progress. And if you're willing, we'll have a test serum ready by tomorrow."

Dr. Emily Davies was a human scientist who was currently working with the Stonefire Dragons.

"Just to be clear—it won't affect my dragons, correct?"

"As far as we know, it won't. But I can't guarantee it."

His beasts thrashed in their cages, protesting the best they could. "Can you give me a few hours to think about it?"

"Of course."

Trahern ended the call and Killian stared at his phone. He could either take the serum and maybe have a stable, sane future, but possibly lose one or both of his dragons. Or, he could refuse it and risk another episode down the line that could take his life.