Seeing that the traffic was hardly moving, she reached down to grab the cup for a sip, easing forward with the traffic, but then a big bang rang through her head as her body jerked forward. Pain shot through her as the airbag deployed, and she spilled coffee down the front of her shirt and into her lap.
In shock and disoriented, she glanced in her mirrors to see there was a car behind her, practically on top of the bumper of her little Ford. She set her coffee down as the man got out of the car, looking shocked as if he didn't expect to hit her. He must have been as distracted as she was, and she was more than annoyed at this point. She would have to find someone else to open the store. Pulling out her cell, she got out of the car, dialing her sister’s number. Kathy, her younger sister, lived close to the store and had a spare key. She was also a homemaker, so there was a good chance she could just plop her two little ones in the car and head over real fast. As she was leaving a message, the man approached her as her head started to feel like it would split open. From going forward like that she might have a concussion, and the fact that she had a nervous system disorder did not help anything.
“I am so sorry, are you okay? I am not used to heavy traffic.” Evette looked up at the panicked man, noticing his features for the first time. He was hot, the kind that made Evette blush just looking at him, but he was too young for her to be noticing him; possibly a decade younger than herself. His abs were obvious through his tight black T-shirt, and there was a hint of a tattoo peeking out from his left shoulder. His dark eyes and hair gave him a sort of goth appearance. She might have been drooling expect for the fact that she remembered the idiot hit the back of her car with one twice its size while they should have been going about five miles an hour. There was nothing sexy about an idiot.
"I'm fine, other than being late for work and having to take my car to get repaired tonight. Driving in a place like Phoenix shouldn’t be done if you can't handle it. There are buses, you know?" she came off snappy, and she didn’t like it. She grabbed her head, the searing pain getting worse as her hand began to quiver and shake. No, not now, this was not the time, in the middle of the road with a stranger like this.
"Maybe I should call a tow truck and give you a ride to the hospital. You don’t look so good. I will happily pay the bill," he offered, coming close and placing his hand on her shoulder. His warmth was like she was sitting in front of a fire, and it shocked her, temporarily removing her pain.
"I will be fine. Just give me your insurance information, and we can move on." He nodded, though his dark eyes looked at her first with concern before he reached into his pocket, producing a folded-up piece of paper with his insurance information on it.
It took some effort to get the paper from him, her hand still shaking. It was embarrassing to be so helpless sometimes.
Really, Evette knew she should be more concerned about her symptoms. She had not had a seizure yet, but she knew it was a possibility. All signs were pointing to it after the traumatic jarring the wreck had given her, but she was quite the stubborn woman.
She went to take a photo of the i.d. card when she saw the name on it, Valen A. Drake. Evette looked up, narrowing her eyes at him. Looking back at her was the man she had just hired to work in her shop.
She was about to give him the what for and fire him right there. She didn’t need someone so incompetent working under her, but she didn’t get a chance to say anything. Her vision threatened to close in on her, and she slid down the side of her car, making an awful squeaking noise that grated on her nerves. Close to passing out, she felt her breathing labored.
Valen came to her, scooping her up into his arms. She did not have the strength to protest in any way as he put her in his back seat, more gently than she would have expected from such a large man.
"What are you doing?" she breathed out as he started his engine again.
"Taking you to the hospital. We can worry about everything else later." The last thing she saw was a glimpse of those dark pools she had to see within the rearview mirror looking back at her. Then, she was out.
*****
Valen knew he had screwed up in more ways than one. He had been living in the human world for only six months, and he had just come to the city. He had discovered that cities, full of people and cars and buildings, were easier to hide in than the countryside. Phoenix was the perfect city for him because he could still escape to the solitude of the mountains if he so wished, but he could become anyone and hide anywhere in this maze of human beings.
The problem was that he was not yet accustomed to the ways of humans, including, apparently, operating a motor vehicle. The cruel joke of the whole thing, though, was that as he was looking through her purse, which he had taken the liberty to remove from her car, in order for the hospital to have her correct information, he had discovered her name was Evette Summers. He didn't know much about the way magic or anything played a part in the human existence, but he doubted there were two Evette Summers and that it was a coincidence they were headed the same direction. This abrasive blonde who he had rammed right into the back of was his new boss.
As he had watched her get wheeled away on a stretcher into the emergency department, leaving him to handle any paperwork he could, not knowing her too well, he couldn’t help but feel both guilty and worried. Humans’ lives were so fragile, much more so than his own. He had wanted to avoid the closeness of such knowledge when he left his home for the human world; forsaking everything and putting on the binding necklace that he had been gifted by a witch he once had an affair with. The necklace still clung to his neck now as a reminder that he was somewhere he did not belong but that he could not go back unless he wanted to be strapped down to a life of duty and no choices or adventure. Freedom had its price, but it was worth every proverbial penny.
At least, it was until others caught up with him, and he had to keep moving, eventually sticking him in the close quarters he was with humans now. This woman, Evette, was so beautiful and had everything going for her, running a successful business he had jumped at the chance to work for since he at least had some knowledge of natural healing. But her life could be snuffed out right in the middle of that. The idea was excruciating, and it was one of the things that set him apart from the rest of his kind, that caring part of him that could not ignore this lesser race that covered the planet almost as numerous as blades of grass in an expansive field. So, to defend himself, he had always lived in small towns, keeping a distance, allowing humans to be afraid or wary of him. Sometimes, he was the town witch doctor or freak according to rumors. But here, in a city, he couldn’t do that. He needed to blend in, get a job, be likable. He had to be one of them, and that meant being dragged into things like this, where he watched a woman in her prime fainting and shaking right before his eyes.
A woman came bursting through the emergency room doors, two children waddling behind her as she went up to the reception desk with a mission. Valen noted her curiously as she asked about Evette in a seeming panic. She must have been the sister they had contacted; Kathy.
“I just want to see my sister.” She sounded frustrated, and he doubted she was getting any answers. That didn't usually happen when a patient was still critical; that was what he was told anyway when he had asked about twenty minutes earlier.
The woman, Kathy, came towards him with a huff, crossing her arms while her children had found a corner with toys and books to occupy themselves with. Valen noticed for the first time the rounded bump on her stomach, indicating she was pregnant with another. It fascinated him how humans overpopulated. His kind never had more than two, and even that was rare.
“Kathy?” he dared to ask her.
Kathy looked at him suspiciously, sizing him up, before a smirk came across her face. “They told me that a man had brought her in. I didn't expect him to look like you.” Valen scoffed, knowing full well the effect he had on women, well, at least most women. Evette had not seemed to be affected, then again, she did faint.
“I
am not sure what you mean by that, but I was wondering if they told you anything. I feel pretty bad for what I did, so I would love to know she’s okay.”
Just then, a doctor came towards them, a kind smile on his face as he shook their hands. “Which one of you is family?” Valen was going to back off and point to Kathy, but she piped up first.
“We both are. How is she?”
“I think we should all talk about it together. She is awake now, if you would like to see her.”
Kathy nodded, gesturing for Valen to follow. He raised his eyebrow at her but went along with it, the two kids not having to be told to follow dutifully behind their mother. Well, she had them well trained. She would make a good mother for his kind if it weren’t for her complete mortality.
They found Evette sitting up and sipping on a cup of water she had been given. She gave Valen a strange look as he came in behind Kathy and leaned against the wall to her right. The rest of them had filed into her left, by her bed, placing their hands on her blanket.
Valen had the decency to tune out whatever the doctor was saying. He knew that it was a private matter. He didn't know why Kathy had thought it appropriate to bring him in there, but he was glad to see he had not killed or seriously injured the woman who would probably no longer be his boss after the day’s events. Finally, the doctor left them alone in the room. On cue, Evette turned her head to snap at her sister. “What is he doing in here?”
“He’s a hero. He brought you here and got you admitted,” Kathy said with a smile.
“Yes, because he is the one that caused the problem to begin with.”
“Details,” Kathy said, the smiling not leaving her features. Valen tried to laugh at the comment. At least, the anger would no longer be directed at him.
“I think she’s right. I should go.” Valen went to leave, having no other real reason to hang around. But Evette stopped him.
“Wait. Don’t think this gets you out of work. I expect you to be there bright and early tomorrow morning for your first day of training.” Valen couldn’t help but smile as he nodded to her. There was something about this woman he was going to like. Hopefully, there would be no more incidents he had to save her from.
Chapter Two
Valen had one hell of a time when it came to finding parking. Apparently, big cities had these things called parking garages. They were concrete structures stuck right in the middle of businesses and hospitals for no other reason than to hold a bunch of cars. He had to go into one of those to find an appropriate spot and then walk to the apothecary where he would begin his training.
The outside of it had an old-world feeling with its rounded displays of glass bottles and gold inscription at the top of the store with its name; Eve’s Cure. It was a smart and catchy name for a place like that. He knew and at least understood a little about the origin story of humans. It would certainly draw the eye. And he had done some research in the place before choosing to apply. It was much more successful than any apothecary in the state with a large supply, returning customers, and a success rate that was unheard of as far as it went for curing humans. Valen suspected it had to do with the lack of understanding of the world around them. Evette probably had a better grip on everything’s purpose than others.
He knocked on the door as it was locked, and the lights inside were dim. He hoped he had not come so early that she wouldn’t be there. For a moment, as he waited for someone to come to the door, he worried that his boss had not recovered so well from whatever had happened the night before and would not be able to train him. Despite the fact that she seemed more than a little stubborn, the human body wasn't always comparable to a person’s spirit.
However, all of that concern was wiped away the moment the door opened to reveal a bright-eyed and bushy-tailed Evette Summers, her hair looking sunny like she had just bleached it, and she was wearing a blue dress that fit the form of her body perfectly. He would have had no idea she had gone to the hospital the day before if he had not been the one to take her there. “Good morning. I see I haven’t scared you off yet,” she teased, closing the door behind them and locking it back. It made one of those dinging noises when it moved. That was going to be a little annoying. “So, we don’t open for about another hour, which is good, because you need to be prepared. This place gets busy for an apothecary.”
Valen found himself nodding along, just watching her. He wasn't sure if it was out of pure interest or for any sign she might faint on him again.
“You can stop looking at me like that anytime. I am fine,” she chided him, and Valen looked at her sideways but moved on.
“Alright, then, boss, what’s the first thing I need to learn?” Valen asked, looking around at the shop. There were shelves stacked high with various products; some he recognized and others he did not. Behind a long table sat a glass case, a cash register, and one shelf of glass bottles that were obviously restricted for some reason. And then there was a door. Valen could not be sure where it led to, but he could guess it would either be an office or a stock room, or some combination of both.
"You need to get to know this place like the back of your hand. It’s gonna to take a while longer to teach you about what remedies to give, but you will have more success if you know what you're looking at," Evette said, looking like she was completely into it. She lit up, and Valen could tell she loved her job. Even if she turned out to be a hard ass, the idea that she was passionate about that store made him feel like he had chosen the right job. He had loved the idea of healing back home too. But those in his position never got to become healers.
"Okay, so, what am I looking at?" She smiled, looking satisfied that he was showing readiness and interest in learning. Valen got the feeling she didn't get that very often.
Evette began to take him around the shop and show him each section; common remedies for topical issues, the dental and oral section, pain, illness, and then there were even sections for candle and soap making. The shop was comprehensive, and Valen could not help but be impressed. Though, he didn't know if he wanted to admit that to her. As bad as he was with fitting in, he was even worse at being weak. Male dragons, in particular, were meant to be fierce and strong; warriors and kings. They did not give power in any way to others, even though a compliment or showing emotion. Even marriages were often devoid of a lot of emotion. At least, from what he had seen. If there was anything like that it was kept behind closed doors.
“So, where do the special tinctures come from?’ Valen asked as he was finally allowed to rest. The clock read ten minutes until opening time, and he didn't want there to be any awkward silences or too many questions when the first customer came in. He wanted to be a good employee for the sake of making this his home. A lot was riding on this working out. He couldn't just run forever. It was either make this work or go home to all the misery that was waiting for him.
Evette laughed, and Valen was sure he was about to get an answer he didn't expect. Sure enough, she gestured for him to follow her. Valen did, and she led him to the mystery door that was just to the right of the register if you were standing behind it. When she opened it, he could see a small area where there was a microwave, a drawer, and a small table with a laptop on it and some chairs. It looked like it was a very rough office mixed with a break room. But to his left, as he stepped into the room, was a set of stairs that led down into darkness. A cellar perhaps.
Evette looked at him and laughed. “Don’t tell me the man who picked me up like I weighed nothing and took me to the hospital is scared of something,” she teased. Darkness wasn't a problem. He liked caves as much as any dragon. It was more the idea of being trapped, never able to move around, to change and fly in the sky if he wanted. Being collared like he was already so hard. But he sucked it up. It was just the basement of a human apothecary shop.
“Maybe it’s you I am scared of. Isn't this how all those horror movies star?” She laughed and Valen wanted to give himself a pat on the back for that cultural reference. Humans
did like those slasher movies. He had watched a few before, and some of them were so horrifying it made him wonder why anyone would want to see something like that for entertainment, but some were just funny.
As she walked down the stairs she flipped on a light, and Valen went down behind her, looking around as he came to the bottom. Now, he could see what was so funny about this question. It was basically a lab down there. Black tables and supplies were everywhere. It looked more like someone’s kitchen or an experiment than the storeroom of a store, but he kind of liked it. She would know where everything came from. There were even various tinctures and formulas in the process of being made. He knew that it was a process, and some would take weeks to become just right for selling and use. A human tapping into this kind of healing the Earth provided was incredible, but it did make him wonder about whatever ailed her. Was the cure being made in that very room? “How do you have time to mix enough?”
“Well, up until a couple of weeks ago I had an apprentice. I guess that I still have her, but she is also in college, so I only get her two nights a week now. My sister can help out sometimes, but with all those kids and another one on the way, it’s getting harder on her to make it here all the time. So, I will probably be working a lot of overtime,” Evette admitted.
Valen couldn’t help but feel a little bad for her, and he wanted to ask about how her family handled her being away so much, but he could guess she didn't have much of one for whatever reason. Even if he was curious, he wouldn't pry. He had already invaded her privacy enough for a while. She had a sister show up to the hospital, not a husband or children. That meant she was alone. Though, other than her successful career, he couldn't imagine why. Humans were hard to understand sometimes, though. Instead, he smiled, thinking about how he might help her. Even though she was abrasive he could see there is someone worth getting to know underneath her hard exterior. “I don’t suppose you are looking for another apprentice?” Valen asked, raising an eyebrow.
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