He doesn't love him. He just wants to keep him under his control and Cage him forever
Yup, he doesnt love ian. Seems like he's in love with the idea of "having a pet that follows his commands and is completely loyal/devoted to him only" but also of having someone that he sees as closer to him in terms of powers and habits. In this case we known Lorkan prior the events of the story is a "world maker" kind of dragon so seeing Brian being able to change/revolutionize and thus create new possibilities and it also someone with whom Lorkan can talk on the same level (Brian doesn't cower in fear etc), might have contributed to Lorkan unhealthy fixation and delusion that no one else can be like Brian. So he steal Brian from Sol. Lorkan never seems to be interested in romance, or intimate touches. The guy probably doesn't even know "love" until (now) he noticed that Ian is slipping away. So it would explain why he never took the initial bc he doesn't really understand and know that intimacy is pleasant.
He seems pretty cool having Ian remain as his knights only and was never interested in engaging intimacy with Ian until now too.
Lorkan most prob just want a completely loyal capable slave that is Brian. Bro is too closed minded to even think that other humans can be as loyal and innovative/daring as Brian is.
if the 2nd ml loved Ian when why didn't he make a move before? he had the chance FOR YEARS can someone explain why