Craved by the Dragon Read online

  Contents

  Title

  Stonefire Dragons Series

  Overall Dragon Reading Order

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Epilogue One

  Epilogue Two

  Author's Note

  The Dragon Family

  The Conquest

  Books by Jessie Donovan

  About the Author

  Copyright

  Craved by the Dragon

  (Stonefire Dragons #11)

  Jessie Donovan

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  Books in this series:

  Stonefire Dragons

  Sacrificed to the Dragon (SD #1)

  Seducing the Dragon (SD #2)

  Revealing the Dragons (SD #3)

  Healed by the Dragon (SD #4)

  Reawakening the Dragon (SD #5)

  Loved by the Dragon (SD #6)

  Surrendering to the Dragon (SD #7)

  Cured by the Dragon (SD #8)

  Aiding the Dragon (SD #9)

  Finding the Dragon (SD #10)

  Craved by the Dragon (SD #11)

  Persuading the Dragon / Zain and Ivy (SD #12 / March 2019)

  Craved by the Dragon Synopsis:

  All non-Irish dragon-shifters are being banished from Ireland, and Brenna Rossi’s only chance to stay with the clan she’s grown to love is to mate one of the Irish dragons—Killian O’Shea. Even though he’s lost his memory and his dragon, she’s drawn to him and looks forward to some no-strings-attached heat between the sheets. However, the more time she spends with him, the more she realizes that maybe she does want a future with Killian. The only question is whether or not there will be one.

  Killian O’Shea lost his dragon and his memory. He has no idea who he is or why everyone keeps asking him to remember them. The only person who doesn’t try to change him is Brenna Rossi, which is why he agreed to mate her. But just as he starts to enjoy his new bride, Killian learns that whatever drug had been used on him isn’t finished yet and that maybe there are worse things in the world than losing your memory.

  As things deteriorate, Brenna tries to do everything she can to keep Killian whole and sane. But the more she helps him, the more she starts to wonder if she’ll lose the man she’s falling for. Will Brenna and Killian find a way to bring back his memories and dragon? Or, will they forge a new path to be together?

  The Stonefire and Lochguard series intertwine with one another. Since so many readers ask for the overall reading order, I’ve included it with this book. (This list is as of March 2018. Future release dates are subject to change.)

  Sacrificed to the Dragon (Stonefire Dragons #1)

  Seducing the Dragon (Stonefire Dragons #2)

  Revealing the Dragons (Stonefire Dragons #3)

  Healed by the Dragon (Stonefire Dragons #4)

  Reawakening the Dragon (Stonefire Dragons #5)

  The Dragon's Dilemma (Lochguard Highland Dragons #1)

  Loved by the Dragon (Stonefire Dragons #6)

  The Dragon Guardian (Lochguard Highland Dragons #2)

  Surrendering to the Dragon (Stonefire Dragons #7)

  The Dragon’s Heart (Lochguard Highland Dragons #3)

  Cured by the Dragon (Stonefire Dragons #8)

  The Dragon Warrior (Lochguard Highland Dragons #4)

  Aiding the Dragon (Stonefire Dragons #9)

  Finding the Dragon (Stonefire Dragons #10 )

  Craved by the Dragon (Stonefire Dragons #11)

  The Dragon Family (Lochguard Highland Dragons #5 / May 15, 2018)

  The Dragon’s Discovery (Lochguard Highland Dragons #6 / Fall 2018)

  Persuading the Dragon (Stonefire Dragons #12 / March 2019)

  Chapter One

  Brenna Rossi readjusted the red strap of material over her shoulder for the fifteenth time.

  Her mating ceremony should've started by now.

  Maybe her intended, Killian O'Shea—the Clan Glenlough Irish dragon-shifter male who'd lost his dragon and his memory—had had a change of heart. After all, it had been over a week since she'd last seen him and their agreement to mate had been one of convenience rather than of love. If Killian didn't mate her, then Brenna would have to return to her clan, Stonefire, in Northern England; all non-Irish dragon-shifters were being banished from the Republic of Ireland for the foreseeable future.

  And Brenna wanted to stay in Ireland more than anything.

  Her inner dragon spoke up. There are any number of reasons for the delay. Remember, Teagan is using this as an opportunity to unite the clan and release some of their stress over recent events.

  All Killian gains from this mating is a guard he doesn't hate. The scales are tipped in my favor, and he could easily back out.

  Given how he looked at us the last time we saw him, I think Killian has other reasons for agreeing.

  The memory of Killian slowly perusing her body before meeting her gaze, his eyes full of heat, flashed into her mind. I haven't agreed to sex. It's not part of our deal.

  Her beast huffed. There's nothing wrong with gaining a little experience and enjoying ourselves in the process. Not all males are like Cedric.

  No, don't bring up Cedric. He doesn't deserve our time.

  I agree. But his actions still affect you today.

  Not wanting to tarnish the present with the dragon male from three years ago, Brenna inhaled deeply and straightened her shoulders. No matter. I'll kiss Killian once, as it's expected. Then we can each live our own lives.

  And any time we're in public. The clan must believe this is a true mating, or the Irish Department of Dragon Affairs will send us away.

  Only Clan Glenlough's leader, Teagan O'Shea, and a handful of others knew of the farce. Okay, then in public as well. But no more. I don't need to make our lives any more complicated.

  Her beast chuckled. You say that as if you can resist him.

  Of course I can. I'm a Protector, after all. Being able to maintain control is one of the most important requirements for the job.

  Before her beast could argue further, a tap on the door sounded and it opened inward to reveal the gray-haired, slightly wrinkled and stooped form of Orla Kelly—Glenlough's former clan leader and grandmother to both Killian and Teagan O'Shea.

  Entering the room, Orla tapped her cane a few times before saying, "Not sure I care for the red. It'll only remind everyone where you're from."

  Each dragon clan wore a certain color for formal events. Stonefire wore red, whereas Glenlough wore green. "Seeing as my accent already gives me away, the red is negligible."

  "Once this is over, you'll be wearing green, child." Orla paused before adding, "Are you sure this is what you want?"

  During a recent leadership trial that had gone wrong, which had ended with a dragon fight, two dead Irish dragon clan leaders, and another in prison, Brenna had worked closely with Orla. The older dragonwoman was more like the grandmother Brenna had never had. "This is the only way I can stay here, Orla."

  "He's a bit of a bastard without his memories and dragon, you know."

  She raised her brows. "Su
ch love for your grandson you have there."

  Orla waved a hand. "It's because I love him that I'm being honest. His dragon may never return. And if Teagan can't manage to secure alliances with all the dragon clans in Ireland, foreigners may not be allowed to stay here legally for who knows how many years to come. Are you willing to saddle yourself to him for that long?"

  Rather than explain herself, she probed, "Did Teagan send you here to change my mind?"

  Leaning on her cane, Orla replied, "She doesn't know I'm here. I came because you're a rare female, Brenna Rossi. You're talented and unafraid to use your intelligence, no matter what the other males think. However, I know you fancied Killian before he lost his memory, and I don't want you hurt." She tilted her head. "More than that, I don't want to see the fight go out of you. A broken heart can do that, child. I've seen it before."

  She frowned. "Who? Not you, from everything I've heard about your late mate."

  "No, not me, but my predecessor. Even males can have their hearts broken when a true mate denies them."

  Brenna smoothed her skirts. "Well, that shouldn't be a problem. I don't think Killian is my true mate."

  "Aye, well, you're old enough to make your own decisions. After all, in my time, a female would have had several children by your age." Standing tall, Orla thumped her cane. "Come to me if you ever need to, Brenna. There are things I can do that Teagan can't since she's clan leader."

  "Such as?"

  She shrugged a shoulder. "For starters, I can have my grandson tied up and tossed into the dungeon to cool off."

  Smiling, she shook her head. "That shouldn't be necessary. I can look after myself."

  "The offer stands, regardless."

  Another knock sounded, and the green-eyed, dark-haired form of Teagan O'Shea entered the room. Glenlough's leader glanced at her grandmother and narrowed her eyes. "Do I want to know why you're here instead of in the audience as I asked?"

  "It's better for all involved if I say no," Orla replied without hesitation.

  Teagan sighed. "Fine." She looked at Brenna. "Are you ready? Sorry for the delay, but Aaron's been having a bit of a problem getting Killian to follow orders."

  Aaron Caruso was also originally from Stonefire. He was also Brenna's distant cousin and Teagan's mate, although their mating still remained secret from most of the clan for the time being. "Do I want to know?"

  "Something about Killian bringing his own cuff to give you, with something other than his name engraved on it in the old language."

  At a mating ceremony, dragon-shifters exchanged engraved arm cuffs. The custom was to place each other's name on the other, the name being written in the old dragon language of Mersae. "What does Killian's cuff say? Because Aaron would only make a fuss if it was inappropriate."

  "It simply says 'mine' in the Irish language."

  She frowned. "I didn't think you spoke Irish regularly. At least, I've not heard it."

  "We don't as a rule, but we learn it as children. But that's not important. The proclamation will cause a stir. It'll appear as if I endorse changing even more things about the status quo than what is already going on."

  "I don't think he's out to do it purposefully," Brenna stated.

  Teagan raised her brows. "Is that so?"

  Even a few weeks ago, Brenna never would've thought to challenge Teagan so freely. However, after being Glenlough's temporary head Protector, questioning Teagan was part of the job description. "Killian doesn't remember who he is and answers to the name because it's the only one we've given him. 'Mine' is almost simpler for him."

  Teagan tilted her head. "I hadn't thought of it that way."

  She smiled. "You're busy with more than any leader should be saddled with right now. I'll overlook it this once."

  Teagan snorted. "I never thought I'd be listening to someone fourteen years my junior."

  She shrugged. "Age shouldn't matter as long as the advice or information is sound."

  "Once this is finished and you've settled in to your new life here, we need to chat about your long-term role within the Protectors." Teagan turned toward the door. "Come out onto the stage in three minutes, unless I come back. Killian should be waiting for you in the great hall by then." She nodded and Teagan switched her gaze to her grandmother. "Let's go, Gran. Mating ceremonies are always between two people. Not even your personality or surplus of stubbornness will change that."

  Orla huffed. "I didn't say I was going to insert myself, did I? I'm starting to think regular sex is addling your brain."

  "Gran," Teagan growled in warning.

  "Don't worry. I'll have a chat with Caruso later," Orla said dismissively.

  "Talking about my sex life with my mate is none of your concern, Gran."

  "If you say so," Orla murmured, although her tone belied a different belief.

  As the pair left, silence fell, and Brenna almost wished for them to come back. Their banter was familiar and she knew what to expect. It was also a fantastic distraction.

  Her beast sighed. It's a mating ceremony, not a hanging.

  She ignored her dragon and glanced at the clock on the wall. All that was left to do was count down the seconds until her life changed forever.

  ~~~

  Killian O'Shea stood on the raised dais in front of several hundred people he didn't know and tried his best not to give a fuck.

  Seeing as he had no memory of them and only recognized a handful from pictures and recent interactions, it was fairly easy to do.

  However, when the female he'd discovered was supposedly his sister returned to the audience and met his gaze, he saw the split second of sadness there.

  Concern he didn't understand flooded his body, but he quickly pushed it back. He may be marrying a woman he didn't know in some sort of strange ceremony, but it was his choice. Given how little of that he'd had in the last week, he wasn't about to allow bloody strangers and their emotions to interfere with his decision.

  Besides, mating Brenna meant she'd have to stop avoiding him. He'd been dreaming of the female all week, wondering what her smaller frame would feel like under him.

  True, he'd agreed to mate her to keep her around. Brenna was the only one who didn't try to force the past on him. He'd long given up cursing clan members who thought yelling or pushing a picture closer to his face would return his memories.

  As bitter as he was, he looked forward to seeing a friendly face every day.

  It was then that he noticed Brenna Rossi emerging from a side entrance, wearing a simple, flowing dress and everyone else faded away. The red material made her olive skin tone more beautiful, if that were possible.

  Perusing her body, he nearly growled at how the material clung to her curves and valleys. Her hips were made to be gripped and held in place as he took her from behind.

  And her tits would fit perfectly into his hands.

  As much as he would enjoy staring at her fine arse every day, the cocking of one eyebrow reminded him of why he'd agreed to this. She didn't hold back with questions or arguments, or try to convince him of who he should be.

  Strange as it was, Brenna accepted him as is. He was angry and lost with everyone else, but not her. With the English woman, he forgot to remember his amnesia and complete lack of memory. He simply lived in the brief moments.

  He resisted a frown. Bloody hell. He was turning into a philosophical idiot.

  Clearing his throat, he raised his own eyebrow and Brenna rolled her eyes. He would goad her further if not for the room of strangers. Her cheeks flushed when she was angry, and it was easier to focus on that than on the rest of the world, let alone his own future.

  She stopped about a meter away from him, on the other side of the stool just behind where they stood, which held the silver arm cuffs in a black box.

  The cuff he'd worked so hard to keep lying there, a reminder that he could occasionally win a battle inside the bloody clan.

  Smiling, she clasped her hands in front of her and Killian quickly rememb
ered his role as doting boyfriend. He did his best to appear smitten as her voice rang out, "Killian O'Shea, our time together has been short, but from the moment you returned to us, something fell into place. You are the male I've been waiting for. And while others see nothing but the harsh exterior and the male you used to be, I see a strong, intelligent male discovering who he is. For whatever reason, you've allowed me to join you on the journey and asked me to be your mate. As I stand in front of all Glenlough, I make my claim. No matter how rough the road is ahead, I will stand at your side." She picked up the silver band with her name supposedly engraved in strange symbols and moved closer so she could gently place it on his bicep, the one all but healed from the tattoo removal. Murmurs whispered through the room, but she paid them zero attention. "Do you accept my claim?"

  He tried his best not to think of her words and merely replied, "I do."

  Taking his cue, Killian took one of Brenna's hands in his. As he rubbed the back of it with his thumb, her pupils flashed several times between round and slitted. He wondered what her dragon was saying. Probably out of kindness, she hadn't mentioned the bloody thing beyond one explanation. But that was one of the many things he hoped to change once they were alone and living together. Learning about the strange voices in dragon-shifters' heads might help him better understand what he used to be.

  Pushing aside all other thoughts, he focused back on the moment. It was time to bring out the charm.

  He raised his voice. "Brenna Rossi, you treat me as a male of worth. As I struggle to learn who I am, you do your best to support me. The thought of you leaving is unbearable. Therefore, I stake my claim in front of the entire gathering. Do you accept it?"

  She searched his gaze for a second before replying, "I do."

  Picking up the cool, silver band of metal, he slid it over her tattoo-free bicep and took a moment to trace the Irish word for mine.