Shale all out laughed.
“Yes,” he pushed the word out between gritted teeth. Great, he was already regretting his decision of taking on this assignment. As the healer walked towards the door, Shale’s gaze dropped to the female’s ass. Meghan might be annoying, but she was important to his people. He’d do his job and he’d make damned certain that she stayed focused on hers. Shale could go to hell. Tide had to bite back a growl.
Chapter 8
“Unpack please,” George pleaded. “Let me help you.” He walked over to her suitcase which was still closed at the foot of the bed.
“No!” She folded her arms. “I’m not staying.”
“Megs, babe, you’re being unreasonable.”
“Do. Not. Megs babe. Me!” She knew she was being a tad unreasonable but she couldn’t seem to get herself under control. She’d never been so humiliated in her whole life.
George swallowed hard. He took a seat on the edge of her bed. “I’m sorry.”
He did look sorry but she knew he couldn’t possibly mean it. “You’re not sorry. You think this is hilarious.”
“No, I don’t.” There was a pleading edge to his voice.
“You do too.” She stomped to the other side of the room before heading back. “As soon as that door closed,” she gestured to the front door, “you laughed so hard you were crying. Real tears and all.”
“Some of this is pretty funny. Come on!”
“There was nothing funny about being humiliated like that.” She felt her lip wobble.
“Oh, hun … don’t cry.” George jumped up. “I’m such a cow, I’m sorry. I mean it this time.” Sincerity shone in his eyes. “I didn’t realize you had taken it so hard. The way you handled that Tide guy, in the end, was brilliant. I’m so darned sorry. Look at you all teary-eyed.”
“Teary-eyed my ass.” She sniffed. “Don’t you worry. I won’t be crying over that asshole. We had a one-night stand, that was all. It’s over and done with. I cannot believe he said those things.” She shook her head.
“He’s a big ole ass,” George tutted. “At least he’s a gorgeous ass though. Did you see his eyes? Oh,” his lips twitched, “I’m forgetting, you’ve seen way more than his eyes.” He bobbed his brows.
“Don’t. I want to forget that night ever happened. He’s an ass, full stop.” She said it with venom.
“Was he at least good in bed?” George’s eyes brightened and his back straightened. “Please tell me he was good.”
“It doesn’t matter.”
“Of course it matters. He seems like quite the intense type and those normally make the best lovers. It’s just that you’re not one for casual hook-ups.”
George looked at her like he was sizing her up or something. Like maybe he didn’t know her as well as he thought he did.
“No.” She shook her head. “It wasn’t like me to invite him back to my place. I don’t normally do things like that … no.” She shook her head again. Why did she feel the need to defend herself? “We don’t live in the dark ages. Women can be sexual as well, you know.”
“Absolutely! There’s nothing wrong with a bit of good, clean fun. Thing is, it’s not something you would normally do …?” Again, his eyes narrowed and he seemed to size her up.”
She shook her head.
“So, it’s a hope it was at least good for you, right?”
She didn’t answer. She didn’t want to think about Tide or the night they had spent together. She certainly didn’t want to be reminded of how good it was. “It doesn’t matter,” she mumbled. “I don’t want to stay anymore, George. We can figure something else out.”
“Why? Because your assigned guard is someone from your past? How long ago was your little tryst?”
She sighed. “Going on two months ago.”
He raised his brows. “So recent then. Understandable that you might be a bit sensitive about it. You need to think carefully about this, Meghan. You’re going to blow this opportunity because you’re pissed at Tide. Talk about cutting your nose off to spite your face. You need to do as he says and completely ignore him. Tide is as arrogant as they come, he’ll hate it if you do.”
Meghan frowned. “Doubtful, since he’s the one who suggested it.”
“You saw the way he reacted, he couldn’t believe your being here was a coincidence. Why? Because the guy has an ego as big as this mountain. Maybe bigger.”
“That’s for sure.” Asshole!
“Guys like that expect women to fall at their feet. They expect to be chased. I’m sure he’s had it happen before. The chasing, the stalking, the begging. All of it. It’s what he’s used to.”
Meghan made a snorting noise. “He can forget it. I’m not chasing or stalking him. He’s not getting even a glance from me.”
“Exactly. Tide isn’t used to being ignored,” George said. “You saw him ‒ he might be a jerk-off but he’s damned hot. Hotter than most.” Then he laughed. “Did you see his face when you told him he had an ugly mug?” He laughed some more. “I doubt anyone has said anything like that to him before.”
She smiled. “He was shocked. I just said the first thing that came into my head. Asshole deserved it.”
“Yes he did, and he’ll flip if you follow through and ignore the hell out of him.”
“I knew he was a bit arrogant when I met him but I didn’t realize the extent of that arrogance. Also, even though he was full of himself, he was pretty sweet. I guess I was wrong about that. He just wanted to get into my pants, that’s all.”
“I hate to break it to you, hun, but a guy like Tide can have almost anyone he wants.”
“Oh gee, thanks.”
“No, I don’t mean it like that. I keep telling you that you’re a catch, but you won’t listen. What I meant was, I doubt he was just being nice to get into your pants. Maybe deep down under all of that macho man exterior is a half decent guy.”
“I highly doubt it,” she blurted.
"Mmmmm …" George raised his eyes in thought. "Then again, maybe you're right. It doesn't matter though, does it? It's not like you actually want to be with him or anything."
“Hell no!” she answered, her voice high-pitched.
“It’s not like you’re going to let him hop back into bed with you?” George raised his brows, clearly waiting for an answer.
“In his dreams.” Her hands actually curled into fists at her side as she said it. Tide could go to hell for all she cared.
Chapter 9
Meghan sucked in a deep breath and walked out of her apartment. She could do this. Screw Tide. She was going to focus on the job at hand, and in so doing, she’d earn enough money over the next year or two to fund her asthma research. She relished the idea of not having to search for funding. Of being in control of her own future.
“Good morning,” a loud voice sounded from a few meters down the hall.
Meghan just about jumped out of her skin. She made a yelping noise and clutched her chest.
“My apologies!” The big dragon shifter looked sheepish. “I didn’t mean to scare you.”
“It’s fine. Just don’t sneak up on me again.”
The guy smiled brightly. “I’m Bay. I was standing here the whole time. In fact, I’ve been here all night.”
“Oh, okay. I didn’t see you there.” She could feel her heart-rate normalizing.
"It looked like you were deep in thought. Don't mind me. Tide assigned me as the backup guard." Bay was smiling broadly. He looked really sweet.
“Good to meet you, I’m Meghan.”
“I’ve been instructed to call you Doctor Roberts, if you don’t mind?” He clasped his hands together behind his back.
“Of course.” She inclined her head.
“Follow me and I’ll take you through to the laboratory.” Bay glanced back at Meghan as he strode ahead. They walked down several passages. All of them wide and high ceilinged. After a couple more twists and turns, Bay opened a door and gestured for her to enter.
&nbs
p; Meghan walked in, finding George already there. “How awesome is this?” He gestured around them.
Meghan gasped. “We got everything.” She swallowed hard. “Every item on our list.” At least it looked that way at a glance.
“Oh yes, and all top of the line.” He spoke quickly, obviously excited.
“Oh my word. An Electrophoresis System.” Meghan gaped at the sleek machine.
“Yep and a Thermal Cycler. It’s a scientist’s wet dream.”
"That's for sure." Meghan walked around the large space. It too had the same high, cave-like ceilings she'd come to expect in the dragon castle. Only, this wasn't like a traditional castle. Not that she'd seen many but heck, she didn't need to have. This one was built into the side of a cliff. The view from the lab was just as spectacular as through any other window. A horse-shoe shaped bay with sheer cliffs. The blue, sparkling ocean and mountains in the backdrop, they went on for as far as the eye could see. She shivered, realizing how distant they were from any kind of civilization. Not that the dragon castle didn't possess all of the modern conveniences. Meghan only had to look around her to know that she lacked for nothing.
“Good morning.” Torrent stepped through the door.
“Morning,” both she and George said.
"And who is this little princess?" asked George, his eyes on the tiny girl in Torrent's arms. Just then a petite blonde entered the room. With big blue eyes, she was beautiful, reminding Meghan a bit of a Barbie doll.
“This is my mate Candy and our daughter, Rain” The little girl buried her head into her father’s chest. She was a carbon copy of her mother. Very pretty with delicate features and blonde hair. The only difference was that her hair was slightly curly where Candy’s hair was perfectly straight.
“It’s lovely to meet you. I’m Doctor Roberts and this is my assistant, George.” He stepped forward and shook the woman’s hand. Meghan went on, “I will be taking care of you during your pregnancy. Congratulations, by the way, I believe you only just found out.”
Candy smiled. “Thank you. We’re very excited. It’s good to meet both of you.”
"Shall we all take a seat and have a chat about what the coming months will entail?" Meghan grabbed her notepad and a pen off of her desk.
Candy nodded. Torrent put a hand to her back, he gave his wife a look that was filled with such affection.
In a similar fashion to Torrent’s office, there was a lounge area. They made their way there, Torrent and his family made themselves comfortable on a love-seat.
“I’ll just take inventory.” George pointed to where all the smaller equipment was kept. “I’ll be over there if you need me.”
Meghan nodded and then turned back to the couple. She opened the notepad and clicked the pen. She still found it hard to believe that they were amongst dragon shifters and Torrent was the king of the Water dragons. It was surreal.
She needed to push those thoughts aside. As well as any lingering notions she had of Tide and what had happened the day before. Maybe he had changed his mind about being her guard. She hoped so. “Right, let’s begin. I have a couple of questions and then I’m going to explain how I foresee this going. We need to remain flexible and acknowledge that changes are going to be made as we go along. Nothing quite like this has ever been attempted. Not to this degree anyway.”
Both Torrent and Candy nodded.
“Okay then. How long is a normal pregnancy?”
“Six months,” Torrent and Candy answered together.
Torrent smiled and gave Candy’s thigh a squeeze. “I’ll leave you to it. Let me know if you want my input.”
Candy nodded and smiled. Her eyes filled with so much love it was sickening, but only because Meghan was a bit jealous. People didn’t often find love like that. It was incredibly rare. Concentrate! Meghan made a note. “Good. How far along are you?”
“I suspect around three weeks. Give or take a day or two.” She beamed.
Meghan noted that down. “And …”
“Oh,” Candy said, “it’s important to note that Rain isn’t Torrent’s biological daughter. We were together when I was pregnant with her and she does have some dragon traits.”
Meghan frowned. “I’m not sure if I follow. If she isn’t his child, then she shouldn’t have any of his traits.”
"That's the thing. When humans mate with non-humans, they slowly take on some of their traits. I can only speak for myself here, but I know it's true of all of the other human women mated to dragon shifters as well. The longer we're mated, the more apparent it is. I can hear better, see better … way better." She lifted her shoulders. "It's incredible. I can't breathe underwater, but—"
“Wait just a minute.” Meghan held up a hand. She frowned. “Breathe under water?”
"Sorry." Candy sucked in a deep breath. "I keep forgetting that you're not from here. Water dragons can breathe underwater."
"We don't have gills. Not on the surface at least." Torrent gestured to the sides of his neck and moved his head to the left and then to the right in an exaggerated fashion. "We believe that they must be built into our lungs. Or that our lungs have the ability to take oxygen out of the water, but yeah, we can breathe underwater."
“Wow, that’s interesting.”
"I can stay underwater much longer than before. Much longer than what is considered normal," Candy said. "Seven or eight minutes at a time."
Meghan made a note. “Okay. That’s amazing. I’ll want to take a look at both your DNA and that of your child.” She looked down at Rain who was playing with a stuffed toy. “More specifically, at how it’s changed.”
Candy nodded.
“Not if it’s going to put our unborn child at risk.” Torrent sounded gruff.
“This type of test is risk-free. I will simply swab the inside of your mouth. So it’s non-evasive.”
“Not everything you have planned will be non-evasive though?” His voice was a rough rasp.
Meghan clasped her hands together on her lap. “No, you are right. We will discuss risk shortly,” she sighed. “I will say right off the bat that what I’m about to propose is not without risk. We will monitor Candy and Sky carefully.” She looked at her watch. “I’m meeting with Sky and Lake after this. I will fill you in on all the details and then you can both decide if this is what you really want to do, given the risks.”
Torrent nodded. He was frowning heavily and looked worried. “I’m not sure this is what we should be doing,” he spoke to Candy.
“It will be for the benefit of our people. We have to try.”
“I don’t know.” Torrent shook his head. “I don’t want to take any risks. Not with you, my love.” He turned to look at Meghan. “You need to understand, healer, that most dragon females do not survive miscarriages. The further along a female is, the more chance she has of dying. Candy is a fragile human. She carries a dragon child, a son and my heir. He is strong. Dragons fight to survive no matter their age. Dragon young, even when still in the womb, will hold on. They hold on, to the detriment of their mother, often ripping them apart from the inside. It is normally the blood loss that ends up being fatal. Even to a fully-fledged dragon female. My Candy would not stand a chance.”
“I see.” She deliberated for a moment. “I propose that we take the least evasive route. I would recommend that any female planning to become pregnant start on my autoimmune therapy as well. It would have been ideal to have had Candy already on the program. Unfortunately, that is not the case.”
“Well then, it’s probably too great a risk—”
“Like I said, we will take every precaution. Did you order the special hypodermic needles like I requested?”
“Yes, they’re in the cupboard with the rest of the supplies.”
“Good.” She nodded. “The questionnaire you filled out previously was very informative.”
Torrent nodded.
“You stated that dragon skin, even when you’re in human form, is practically impenetrable due to the fact
that you heal at such a rapid rate. That the only time it takes longer to heal is when your immune system is compromised, like when you have been injured by silver or if a female is pregnant. This is particularly true if both circumstances occur together.”
“Yes, that’s correct.” Torrent nodded.
"You also mentioned that the only way to successfully breach skin is to use silver, but that high dose contact is toxic to a fetus and can kill the mother too. As you pointed out. Even a healthy dragon shifter will become sick with prolonged contact."
“Yes, That’s right.” Candy looked down at her lap for a few moments.
“Well,” Meghan went on. “Has anyone thought to use a stainless-steel silver mix, or have you always just used a pure silver blade or hypodermic needle?”
“Oh,” Torrent breathed out the word rather than spoke it. “That’s genius,” he went on. When he looked her head on, his eyes were bright with excitement. “That’s why you had me order an array of needles. Two percent silver, four, eight and so forth.”
“Exactly, so, we’re not just going to look at contact time but we’re going to start with the needles that contain the least amount of silver. The idea is to slowly introduce more and more allergens, thus building up a resistance. I need to meet with Doctor Parry. I believe she is with the Earth dragons.”
“That is correct. Doctor Parry is an allergist, she has been treating the males for our allergy affliction and has made some major headway.”
Meghan nodded her head. “Yes, I read her files but have some questions for her.”
“You may meet with her. Doctor Parry had twins a couple of months ago. Another healer has taken her place.”
“I will need to meet with both of them then, if that’s okay?”
Torrent nodded. “As far as I’m concerned, you can have whatever you need to do your job and,” he frowned heavily, “to keep my Candy safe. Sky too of course. You also have Blaze’s blessing, so it won’t be a problem.”
Just then, the door opened and Tide walked in. He wore a pair of dark blue cotton pants. Otherwise, his chest was bare. Not something she would get used to easily. She quickly looked away. She didn't want him thinking that she was interested in any way. She planned on ignoring the hell out of him just as George had recommended. She pulled in a breath and held it for a few moments before continuing. "The plan is to slowly desensitize you during this pregnancy by exposing you to higher levels of the allergen and by increasing the contact time."
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