He glared at the red-haired male. "That's not helping. Is there anything I can do to ease Brenna's pain?"
"Unless you're going to strip naked and take her in a car, no."
He cursed. "Then at least let me see her. After all, you said she would be unconscious."
Cal crossed his arms over his chest. "No, we can't risk it. Your dragon may not feel the pull now, but it could change at the drop of a hat."
Growling, Killian hit the top of the railing. "It's like I can't win, no matter how hard I try."
"Look, mate, this isn't something you could've controlled. The mate-claim frenzy is instinctual. No matter how much you may or may not want it, it'll hit you."
"Have you gone through it?"
"No, and I doubt I ever will. But I've seen it dozens of times back home, and it's not always for the best."
He scrutinized Cal. "What are you talking about?"
Cal looked toward the water. "My brother went through the frenzy. Not long after, his mate left him and their daughter behind, to go live with another dragon-shifter near Dublin." He met Killian's gaze again. "But there's a difference in your case since you both fancy each other."
He didn't deny it. "Things are complicated."
Cal smiled. "Seeing as I was your nurse back on Northcastle, I understand. Still, Brenna may agree to it once you're on her clan's lands."
He grunted and changed the topic. "Shouldn't you be with Brenna? I'm not sure I trust Adrian with the sedatives."
"All Protectors can handle sedative shots. After all, if they're on a mission and something goes wrong, they need to be able to calm one of their brethren." Cal shook his head. "You know, I never thought I'd be having a heart-to-heart with a bloke from Glenlough."
"Let's just say I tend to bring out the unexpected." He sighed. "I just wish it didn't involve hurting Brenna."
"You have two choices with her. One, you both agree to the frenzy and eventually have a child."
"Considering I don't know who the fuck I am, that's probably not the best idea."
"Then your second option is to keep away from Brenna and she drugs herself for weeks or months until the mate-claim frenzy pull fades."
His dragon spoke up. I don't like Brenna in pain.
Me, either. But I'm not sure what else to do.
Placing both hands on the railing, Killian looked out at the water. He'd grown close to Caitlin in a short period and started to think of her as his mother. If only she were there, she might have other suggestions.
His beast chimed in again. We can try calling her when we have the chance. However, Stonefire is Brenna's home clan. They will do whatever they can to help you since it means helping her.
I hope you're right.
Together, we'll find a way. I'm sure of it.
He gave a strangled laugh inside his head. You're one optimistic little dragon.
And you're one grumpy, angry male.
Since his young beast was right, he contented himself by watching the rise and fall of the water around the ferry. He yearned to see Brenna's face, but being near her would only hurt her.
So despite his best intentions, it looked like he was going to have to keep his distance from her. Maybe even for the rest of his life.
~~~
Caitlin O'Shea may never have been clan leader or a Protector, but she'd never been an idle person. First, she'd raised two children and then when they were grown, she'd run Clan Glenlough's daycare. She'd always had a purpose and took joy in taking care of others.