Craved by the Dragon (Stonefire Dragons 8)

Shrugging, she said, "Just a tune I made up years ago. I've always loved music, but I was never good enough to make a living with it. So, I contented myself with singing to my children and these days, to the children in my daycare."

She felt Brenna's eyes on her face. "I somehow think it's less to do with a lack of talent and more to do with singing in front of a large group of people."

Meeting Brenna's gaze, she asked, "Why would you say that?"

The female smiled warmly. "Believe it or not, my father is somewhat shy. He loves to play the guitar and sing, but standing up in front of a crowd bigger than five people sends him into a panic attack."

"So, you must take after your mother."

Brenna laughed. "Mostly. It's probably why we butted heads so many times over the years."

Longing flashed in Brenna's gaze, but promptly disappeared. The poor female was in a strange land, and dealing with her temperamental son couldn't be easy. "I know your mother can't be here right now, what with the Irish DDA's restrictions, but I'm sure we'll find a way to reunite you."

"Maybe." Brenna focused back on Killian's face. "All that matters right now is helping Killian."

As she watched Brenna's face, Caitlin's theory was all but proven. The mating may be a sham, but Brenna fancied her son, amnesia and all.

Brenna continued, "I may have a plan to help bring your son back to you."

Tamping down her initial shock, she asked slowly, "Are you sure that's what you want?"

The younger female's eyes widened as they met her gaze. "Why would you ask me that?"

"Just because I'm much quieter than my mother or offspring doesn't mean I'm not a keen observer. I've never seen Killian so consumed with a female, like he was with you on the stage in the great hall."

Brenna flicked an imaginary speck of dirt off her top. "It was a kiss, nothing more."

"I know you want to do everything you can to bring Killian's memories back, but maybe that's not what's best for him. After all, he was a reclusive workaholic before. He may be angrier now, but he's much more relaxed."

Brenna shook her head. "That doesn't matter. A dragon-shifter without a dragon is only half a person. He deserves to have his other half back."

"Dedicating yourself to a cause is noble, but don't let it get to the point of being stupid."

That's what had happened with Kieran and his noble idea to end the fighting amongst the humans in nearby Derry.

In the end, both sides had found something to work together on—ridding their city of any dragons.

Not wanting to think of her mate's death, Caitlin sang one of the songs she'd written. The gentle tones made her forget about her past and what could've been.

And as if understanding her intent, Brenna kept quiet and merely listened.

Chapter Four

The next day, Brenna sat in Killian's hospital room as he slept, leafing through the stack of information on Lorcan Todd, hoping she'd missed something about him and his daughter.

Her dragon spoke up. There's nothing else. Lorcan's mate died in childbirth, he raised his daughter alone, and he came into the leadership position almost ten years ago.

You forgot his time with the British Army and stint as head Protector.

Those are positive traits and not worth noting.

Brenna set down the papers. If only Teagan would give me leave to contact Bram again. That way, Lochguard might be able to set up some kind of meeting.

Yes, because healing the rift between Glenlough and Northcastle will be as simple as having one meeting, her beast said dryly.

Just stop. The first civil meeting between enemies is the most important.

Killian grunted and reached out a hand into the air above him. He murmured, "Stay."