Craved by the Dragon (Stonefire Dragons 8)

I don't know where that came from. But somehow I know that if he escapes the mirror lake and comes here, things will change.

Bram's voice interrupted his conversation. "Kai will take you to Tristan's right now."

Killian didn't stand. "What about my mother and sister? Can I talk to them soon? And no, I don't remember them. But Caitlin O'Shea gave up her freedom to help me. The least I can do is check up on her."

"You can have a video conference later, provided the Northcastle leader approves." Bram waved a hand in dismissal. "Take him away, Kai, and assign a guard."

Kai nodded his head and grunted. "Let's go, O'Shea."

Not wanting to risk the few privileges he'd won, Killian stood and followed Kai out of the cottage in silence.

As they walked past various clan members, they each paused to look at Killian. Some even whispered to their companions so low he couldn't make it out.

For the first time, he realized how lucky he'd been back on Glenlough. True, he may have had some restrictions but at least most people hadn't eyed him with suspicion or skepticism.

His beast chimed in. But didn't you hate how they tried to force memories on you? You are never happy.

I would be happy if I had Brenna by my side and we fled to some rural location where no one would bother us.

And Mum? What about her?

She has a new life to follow. An amnesiac son would only add complications and sorrow to it.

I wish you'd stop thinking we're a bother to everyone. People care about us. Why push them away?

He mentally grunted. And how can a baby dragon be such a philosopher?

I'm not a baby. And I'm clever. His dragon paused before adding, If they allow it, we could try shifting.

I think that requires knowledge and practice.

So you aren't ruling it out? his beast asked eagerly.

I suppose not. But shifting can be dangerous. I don't want to chance it.

And how do you know that? We've never tried.

I have no bloody idea. I just know.

So, you have more knowledge out of nowhere. Maybe the shadow dragon is slowly seeping into our mind.

Kai stopped at the doorstep of a cottage and Killian quickly said, We'll talk more about this later.

With a huff, his beast sat down and remained quiet.

Kai had barely knocked when the door opened to reveal a short, curvy female with a smile. A boy not much older than a year or so sat on her hip. The female looked at Kai and then Killian. "So this is Killian O'Shea."

The female's American accent made him blink. "You're American."

"Well, half American. I'm Melanie Hall-MacLeod." She jostled the boy at her hip and he giggled. "This is my son, Jack. Tristan is around somewhere. Once he catches Annabel, he'll find us." She stepped back and motioned with her head. "Come in."

The fact the female trusted a stranger into her home and around her children either made her stupid or extremely kind.

He had barely stepped inside the cottage before a tall dragonman carrying a little girl about the same age as Jack strode down the hall. He growled, "You weren't supposed to let them in yet, Mel."

Melanie shrugged one shoulder. "Kai's here, and I wasn't about to let them linger on the doorstep. After all, Killian's having a hard enough day as it is."

Tristan glared at Killian. "Harm anyone in this house and you'll pay with blood."