Craved by the Dragon (Stonefire Dragons 8)

Neither was the future Brenna deserved, but the question was which one would he choose?

~~~

Ginny led Brenna to a small room used for newly born infants. Stopping outside the door, she thanked the nurse and watched her father through the small window in the door.

His eyes were red and puffy, but he held his new son in his arms, singing some tune she couldn't make out due to the soundproofed walls.

Tears formed in her eyes at the scene. She needed to be strong for her father and brother, but all she wanted to do was crawl back into Killian's arms and cry.

Her dragon spoke up. It's okay to show weakness in front of family.

But Papa needs us.

I'm sure he'll understand.

Her father noticed her through the window and motioned for her to come inside with his head.

Taking a deep breath, she turned the knob and entered.

As soon as she reached his side, her father whispered, "Brenna, say hello to your brother, Ethan."

Looking down at the small bundle in her father's arms, she smiled at the tiny slack face lost in sleep. "Mum always loved that name. She often told me that if I'd been a boy, that's what she would've called me."

Her dad croaked, "Yes."

Never taking her gaze from her brother, she hugged one arm around her father's side and leaned against him. "I'll help you any way I can, Papa. I hope you know that."

His reply was so low she nearly didn't hear it. "I know, cara." He cleared his throat and continued, "When your mother and I left Clan LupoForesta, one of your cousins, Serafina, offered to come with us. At the time, we thought it best for her to stay in Italy. But she's continually asked us to invite her here, so I may do so. She can help when you can't, since you must continue your Protector duties."

In all the rush of events, Brenna hadn't even thought of that. "I can take some time off to help you settle Ethan, though. Bram would understand."

Her dad shook his head. "No, work will help you just as taking care of Ethan will help me. Your mother would've wanted you to keep doing your job. She was against it at first, but she admired you because you did something she never would've had the fortitude to do."

"She said that?"

"Yes, she did. She was proud of you, Brenna. Always remember that."

"I—" She paused and continued, "I wish she were here."

"Me too, love, me too."

Unable to restrain herself, Brenna turned her head into her dad's shoulder and let the tears fall.

She'd been an idiot, plain and simple. All those years she could've reached out to her mother, she hadn't. And now, she would never have the chance.

Her dragon spoke up. STOP. We made up in the end, and she knew we loved her. We have Killian and Ethan, now. And we can't overlook them to wonder what if.

Sometimes, you're too pragmatic. We just lost our mother. I want to cry.

Then cry. But Mum always focused on what needed to be done. We must do the same.

Her father started singing an original tune he'd composed for her as a child. As she listened to his deep voice, Brenna laid a hand on the top of Ethan's head and vowed to protect her brother with her life.

~~~

Caitlin Todd nearly ran down the surgery's corridor, to the third room on the right. She trusted that Lorcan would be on her heels. All she could think about was getting to her son and daughter-in-law's side.

Reaching the correct room, Caitlin peeked through the small window in the door and willed herself not to cry.