Got it babe, hang on, he isn’t too far.He straightened out and headed due north, slowly gaining speed as he became more comfortable in his new body. Concentrating on keeping his mate safe, Logan flew low, just above the trees, always keeping an eye out for a place he could set down in case Kieran was in trouble. Luckily, they encountered no problems and soon were circling another clearing, checking it out before landing in front of an opening in a mountain.
Kieran’s pink cheeks reflected his excitement at his first dragon ride. Now he knew what Oracle meant when she told them they should have some fun. Once they got back home, there was definitely going to be more fun in the future. Scrambling off Logan, Kieran stopped and listened to see if anyone was close by.Babe, I’m going in to get Fionn, I want you to wait here and stand guard. Let me know if you can feel any other dragons.
I can shift and go in with you.
No, Fionn is shackled and weak. I’ll be okay. If his father shows up, it would be better if you’re already in your dragon form. Now don’t forget the spells you can use, macushla. If he does show up, try not to kill him until I can get to the bottom of this.
I can’t promise that babe because if he attacks you and our unborn pup, I will take whatever action I feel is necessary to protect you.
I know. I love you,macushla.
Ditto.Logan kept his eyes on Kieran entering the cave until he could no longer see his mate then, turning his back to the cave, cast a shield spell, hoping the invisible energy wall would keep them both safe.
Once Kieran was far enough into the cave and daylight gone, he turned on his phone’s flashlight. He had no idea how deep Fionn was in the cave, but hopefully, he’d find him before his battery gave out.
Gingerly stepping around loose rocks, Kieran stopped every so often, listening to see if he could hear Fionn. Deeper and deeper he went, a shiver going up his spine as he thought back to Arald’s and the cave that eventually gave him and his friends their freedom. He hoped his luck would hold in helping Fionn find his freedom.
It had been at least half an hour since he entered the cave and still no sign of the boy, but Kieran continued, trusting his mate that this was the right place. Suddenly he could hear the faint sound of water ahead and wondered if Fionn was close enough to drink it. If he was, that could explain why he was still alive. Picking up his pace, he raised his voice and yelled Fionn’s name several times, before pausing to hear if there was a response.
Kieran kept walking, the sound of trickling water louder now, but still no answer to his calls. His concern was rising, wondering what he was going to find, when suddenly his wolf hearing picked up a faint voice. Kieran walked as fast as the uneven ground would allow, knowing the last thing he needed was to injure himself. Looking down and carefully stepping around a small pile of rocks, he looked up, startled as he came face to face with not one, but two shifters—a dragon and a wolf.
“Thank goodness you found us. The boy is in bad shape and needs a doctor. I can help if you free me. The keys are on the far wall. Please hurry! I don’t think he has much time left.”
Chapter 39
Grabbing the keys, Kieran freed the wolf shifter, then went to work on removing all of Fionn’s restraints including a muzzle and a contraption circling his neck that connected to a metal strap of pointed cones running down his back and ending at his ankles, where it was locked, keeping him from standing up. Horrified at the torture a father could inflict on his son, Kieran quickly removed the ancient hardware imprisoning the young man.
While he worked on Fionn, Kieran sensed the wolf shifter going through a shift to help heal his silver burns before joining in. Finally, Fionn was free but unconscious. Lying there, not moving, barely breathing, he was close to death and if he was going to be saved, Kieran knew he had to get him to Ian. Wetting his hands and placing them on Fionn’s lips, he gave hope and love to him, hoping it was enough to keep him alive.
Glancing at the wolf shifter, Kieran said, “Are you strong enough to carry Fionn out of here? I can lead the way but it’s about an hour’s walk.”
“Yes, move aside so I can lift him.”
When the wolf shifter was steady on his feet and had placed Fionn over his shoulders, he turned, following Kieran. It was slow going, with stops along the way to allow Kieran time to touch the young dragon and the wolf shifter who carried him, helping to save one and encourage the other.
Emerging from the cave into daylight, Kieran blinked several times before his eyes focused on the magnificent Gold Dragon standing guard.Hey babe, Fionn needs a doctor right away. I’m calling Ian to see if he’s ready for him.
Go ahead. Who’s the wolf?
I don’t know, I found him shackled up with the dragon…which was a lucky break because he carried Fionn out of there. Gimme a minute.
While calling Ian, Kieran looked at Fionn again, relieved to see a faint, pink color returning to his face.
“Hello?”
“Hi Doc, it’s Kieran.”
“Kieran, is Logan okay? My mate is going crazy about Logan not having backup.”
Kieran giggled, looking at the sixteen-foot-tall Gold Dragon in front of him. “I don’t think Colton has annyytthiinnnggg to worry about. Listen, we have the young dragon, but he needs help. Where are you?”
“After Brian told us what you two were doing, I called Steel and he arranged for us to use the facilities of a private medical clinic outside of Fort Williams, which is where you went, I believe?”
“Wow, you guys are good. We can be back there in about thirty minutes. Oh, and Doc, we have a wolf shifter with us who also might need your help.”
“We’ll be ready. Here’s the address. Let me know when you’re about five minutes out.”
Hanging up, Kieran called their driver and told him to meet them in twenty minutes at the spot where they’d been dropped off. Then turning to the wolf shifter, Kieran said, “I’m climbing up first and I’ll pull Fionn up while you push. Once you climb up, we’ll place him between us. Okay?”
