Cured by the Dragon (Stonefire British Dragons Book 8)

by Jessie Donovan

  Trahern tilted his head. “You barely know me. Why are you so trusting?”

  “I did my research before selecting you, Dr. Lewis. You and I share similar goals about the future of dragon-shifter medicine. I also know that you love research above all else and I’m confident that you won’t do anything to jeopardize your chance of living your dream. Am I right?” He bobbed his head and Sid continued, “Good. Now, reach out to your colleague with a vague offer and send me and Gregor her details as well as her suggested partner. Stonefire will have to run an extensive background check on them and the sooner Kai can do it, in addition to Gregor and my own check, the sooner we can ask for Evie’s help.”

  “You lot do things differently here than back on Snowridge,” Trahern mumbled.

  “Stonefire has been pushing boundaries for nearly two years now. I see no reason why we can’t keep doing it. Integrating with humans is important, but finding ways to better ensure the health of our own kind is just as important in my book.”

  “I’ll contact her within the hour. She should be coming off shift soon,” Trahern stated.

  Trahern knowing the human’s schedule told Sid volumes. “Okay. Gregor and I need to check in with Bram. After that, we’ll check back.”

  Trahern studied her. “Are you well enough for all of this work? You just completed a long frenzy and are newly pregnant. You should rest.”

  Gregor grunted his approval. Sid merely raised her chin. “I can handle a few hours of work without falling over, just as generations of dragon-shifters have done before me.”

  For the first time since meeting him, Trahern smiled. “I like your dedication. We should get along famously, Dr. Jackson.”

  “Call me Sid. And I hope so. Just don’t fuck up with your recommendation and everything should be fine.”

  “Yes, Doctor,” Trahern answered.

  Gregor touched her lower back and Sid looked up at him as he said, “Let’s talk with Bram. Given all that we need to discuss, it’s going to be a long meeting. Thank goodness I’ve stored up my charm for the occasion.”

  Sid smiled. “Then let’s see if it works, because this meeting should be interesting.”

  Chapter Fifteen

  Twenty minutes later, Gregor tried not to laugh at Bram’s expression as Stonefire’s leader asked, “You want to do what, Sid?”

  Cassidy crossed her arms over her chest. “You heard me, Bram. Or, do you not care about the health and welfare of our clan?”

  “Just wait a bloody minute. Why would you even ask me that? There’s caring for the clan and then being reckless. This walks that line, Sid,” Bram growled out.

  Cassidy shook her head. “It’s not reckless, Bram. Our medical practices are outdated, especially when it comes to sharing information. If anything, I think the DDA would appreciate us being more open and transparent with a human. You also already agreed to have an observer come to the clan, so what’s one more? This will foster trust with the DDA’s new director as well as fulfill your obligation.”

  Bram sighed. “If, and it’s a big if, I decide to green light this, it still may not happen.”

  “We won’t know until we try,” Cassidy pointed out.

  Bram looked to Gregor. “And I assume you agree with her?”

  Gregor and Cassidy had decided on the walk to Bram’s cottage that they would need to divulge all of their secrets. Gregor spoke up. “Of course. After reviewing some files I obtained from other clans, I already know too many things aren’t being shared with the dragon-shifter medical community at large. There are probably hundreds, if not thousands, of dragon-shifters who could’ve been cured over the years if only their clan doctor had had access to the files from other clans. We need to make the first move if we’re ever to change the practice.”

  “I’m going to pretend I don’t know how you received these ‘files’ without my knowledge, as Arabella probably had something to do with it. Still, stealing information on a large-scale basis won’t make anyone happy. What’s your plan to get other doctors to contribute voluntarily?” Bram asked.

  Cassidy answered, “I’m working on that part. What’s more important right now is figuring out that substance from the drone attack. Just because another one hasn’t happened again to us or our allies doesn’t mean it won’t or hasn’t. We need to be prepared.”

  “I will on one condition, Sid,” Bram replied.

  “What?” She demanded.

  “You take it easy for a few days.” Cassidy opened her mouth to protest, but Bram beat her to it. “You and your Scot can easily work from home. Not only do you need to regain your strength from the frenzy, but we don’t know what’ll happen when your dragon wakes up. I don’t want to put you, the baby, or anyone else in danger.”

  Gregor took Cassidy’s hand in his. “I’ll make sure she rests. And if she has trouble with her dragon, I expect Cassidy to tell me.”

  “Gee, thanks for letting me answer for myself,” his doctor mumbled.

  Gregor winked. “It’s more fun this way.”

  Bram cleared his throat and garnered his attention again. “I want to be kept informed of anything that happens. You’ll also continue meeting with Tristan for lessons. If you agree to these two points, in addition to not overtiring yourself, I’ll ask Kai to run the background check on Emily Davies and the social scientist she finds. Do we have a deal?”

  “Fine, Bram. We have a deal. Just make sure the background check doesn’t take too long. We need the female’s help as soon as possible,” Cassidy stated.

  “Kai will be as efficient as always. However, I won’t risk the clan by rushing things just because you asked. You’ll just have to live with that.” Cassidy nodded, and Bram looked to Gregor. “As for you, I need to talk with Finn. I assume you’re going to want to mate Sid and stay? Because there’s no bloody way I’m letting Lochguard take another of my clan members away.”

  Gregor wanted to shout that Cassidy was already his, but since he hadn’t asked his dragonwoman yet, Gregor tapped his chin and said, “My staying depends on how Cassidy asks me to stay. I need something to make up for the grumpiness of your clan.”

  “We’re not grumpy,” Bram growled out.

  “I see you’re still in denial,” Gregor answered.

  Cassidy jumped in. “Can we talk of matings later, Bram? Our plate is quite full as it is, what with the research, the frenzy, and my dragon.”

  Bram met her eyes. “If Gregor can’t handle you, Sid, then I will always have your back.”

  Gregor leaned forward. “Watch it, Bram. Clan leader or not, I’m about to challenge you over that remark.”

  Cassidy stood up. “Let’s go, Gregor. The last thing we need right now is you and Bram fighting. There’s too much to do and I’m hungry.”

  Gregor’s dragon perked up at that remark. Our mate should never be hungry.

  I’m not going to bother responding to that.

  You just did.

  Ignoring his beast, he turned toward the door. “You’re saved by a hungry female, Bram. You may not be so lucky next time.”

  Before Bram could reply, Cassidy tugged him out of Bram’s office and quickly out of the cottage. She frowned up at him. “Can you at least try not to rile him up?”

  He shrugged. “I don’t see the point. It’s not like he’s going to send me away.”

  Cassidy sighed. “Males.”

  Her stomach rumbled and he said, “You can sigh and shake your head all you like, lass. But first, we need to get you some food.”

  “We’ll get a takeaway from the main restaurant. That way we can work from home.”

  “And keep a watch on your dragon in case she wakes up.”

  Uncertainty flashed in Cassidy’s eyes. Gregor looked forward to the day when his female didn’t have to worry about something that should be as natural as breathing, such as her inner dragon.

  Taking his hand, she answered, “Yes. I should probably contact Tristan as well. His tips were helpful, but I’m mature enough to ad
mit I need a lot more help.”

  “I’ll help with anything you need, love. Just ask.”

  “I will, Gregor. Believe me, I will.”

  As she leaned against him, he wished he could snap his fingers and make everything easy from here on out. But fighting for what someone wanted was never easy. What Gregor wanted was to make the English dragonwoman his mate and watch their child grow inside her. With each passing day, he hoped to see happiness and light replace her pessimism and caution.

  It was a dream worth fighting for.

  He hoped Trahern’s contact would pull through. If the unknown substance had delayed side effects, Gregor may never have the chance to make Cassidy happy.

  His dragon spoke up again. Has anyone contacted the Irish clan again? The child was attacked several weeks before Cassidy. We might have a better idea of what is to come, if anything.

  While a small part of him was afraid to think about it, Gregor couldn’t afford to allow his fears to rule his life or he might lose his doctor. I’ll add it to the list.

  Good. I’ll think of other ideas.

  So you’re an expert on biochemistry now?

  I picked up a few things during university. Just because I’m dozing doesn’t mean I’m not listening.

  Then maybe you should doze more often.

  His beast huffed and turned his back to Gregor. He muttered, “Bloody dragon.”

  Cassidy squeezed his hand in hers. “I should meet him properly soon. That might give you a break.”

  “More likely he won’t shift back and demand you scratch his ears into the wee hours of the night.”

  He watched Cassidy’s face closely, but all she did was smile. “You never know, his presence might be a good influence on my own dragon.”

  Leaning down, he kissed her before saying, “We’ll definitely add it to the list of things to try, love. But not quite yet.”

  She kissed him back. “I know. Let’s deal with radically changing a major aspect of dragon-shifter practice first and work on charming your beast later.”

  Gregor’s dragon grunted, but didn’t say anything.

  As they entered the restaurant and placed their order, Gregor took a second to place a hand over Cassidy’s lower abdomen. “With everything that’s going on, we haven’t had much time to address a much bigger milestone.”

  “I know. To be honest, it still hasn’t sunk in.”

  Gregor opened his mouth when Jane Hartley’s voice boomed out, “The doctors are back!”

  ~~~

  Sid had barely had a moment to think about her unborn child when the human female’s voice garnered her attention.

  She was glad for the distraction as the whole motherhood future was still uncertain and brought both good and bad scenarios to mind. Yes, she’d have to deal with it eventually, but it was nice to see her clan members again. Nearly two weeks apart from them was a long time.

  The tall, dark-haired human tugged along her mate, Kai Sutherland, who murmured, “They just finished the frenzy. We should let them be.”

  At one time, Sid would’ve pinned Kai’s reluctance on his own history. But as he gazed lovingly at his human mate, Sid had a feeling it was more out of courtesy than anything else.

  Jane grinned at Sid. “So, it’s done then.”

  Gregor’s voice was dry as he said, “So much for the hotshot reporter.”

  Jane raised her brows. “I already have reports of loud noises and the banging of furniture from some of Sid’s neighbors. Believe me, Dr. Innes, everyone in your section of the clan knows the frenzy is over because of the silence.”

  Gregor scrutinized Jane. “A lass with backbone. I can see why you’re here.”

  Kai grunted. “She’s my ‘lass’ as you put it. If you want help with security issues in the future, you’ll keep that in mind.”

  Sid rolled her eyes and then turned toward Jane. “Do they ever grow out of this phase?”

  Jane leaned in and whispered loudly, “No, although their attitudes come in handy for chasing off unwanted attention.”

  “We could hear you whisper fifty feet away, Ms. Hartley,” Gregor drawled.

  “I know. But it’s fun to make you work for it,” Jane answered.

  Kai moved to stand behind Jane and wrapped his arms around her waist as he laid his chin on her head. “My mate is a little feisty this morning. She had a breakthrough on one of her stories.”

  Sid tilted her head. “I didn’t think you’d launched your videocast yet.”

  “No, not yet. Maybe someday there won’t be an attack, a mating, or some other major event taking precedence and keeping me from doing a proper launch with Gina MacDonald’s help. Still, I write stories about dragon-shifters under a pseudonym and post them occasionally. I like to think it helps,” Jane replied. “But enough about me. How’s Trahern working out?”

  Kai grunted. “Jane, they’re clearly busy and Sid needs her rest. We can ask later.”

  Jane frowned. “You just don’t want to hear bad things about your stepcousin, if it’s not going well.”

  Not wanting them to argue, Sid stepped in. “He’s been quite helpful, actually. And Bram should be contacting you shortly about something, Kai.”

  “Oooh, a new secret,” Jane stated. “I can hardly wait. Even if I can’t share them all, I like knowing them all.”

  Kai ignored his mate and answered Sid, “Whatever it is, I’ll make it my top priority. Anything for you, Sid.”

  She half expected Gregor to challenge Kai, but her dragonman merely caressed the back of her hand with his thumb as he said, “Good. There’s our food. You can talk with Cassidy more later. Right now, she needs to eat.”

  Jane nodded. “Of course. Congrats, Sid. I’m glad to see you happy.”

  Rather than darken the moment with uncertainties and all the scenarios that could still go wrong, she merely smiled. “Thanks.”

  Gregor picked up their takeaway and guided them out of the restaurant. The smell of curry wafted up to her nose and her stomach rumbled. She wanted nothing more than to curl up at her mate’s side and enjoy a meal together.

  Sid blinked but managed to keep walking. She’d never thought of Gregor as her mate before, but the thought of never seeing him again made her stomach flip. In a short time, he’d become an integral part of her life.

  For the first time in her life, Sid wished for her own happily ever after.

  But all of that could wait until she ate something. Clearly, carrying a large, Scottish doctor’s child meant eating the equivalent of three people’s worth of food on a regular basis.

  A child. Yes, the dragonwoman without a dragon had found her true mate, her dragon, and carried a baby. The trick would be in balancing all three while she continued as Stonefire’s doctor. They were her family and had stood with her even when she hadn’t had a dragon. Trahern may do a good enough job, but Sid wouldn’t abandon her patients.

  Looking up at Gregor, she realized she’d never asked him what he wanted. “Are you sure you want to stay on Stonefire forever? Won’t you miss your clan?”

  “Aye, I will. But once Lewis is settled, we can visit Lochguard every once in a while.”

  “What about your brother-in-law and niece?”

  He shrugged. “Who knows, having them come down here might be good for them. Lochguard is full of memories of my sister and other niece. A fresh start could be the perfect recommendation. I’ll just have to think of a way to convince Finn without making it seem as if Bram is stealing away clan members.”

  “That will be quite the feat.”

  He winked. “Aye, but I’ve known Finn his whole life, which gives me a leg up on how to persuade him.” Gregor searched her eyes and added, “I want to stay with you, Cassidy. Don’t doubt it for a second. Even if your dragon goes crazy and takes time to tame, I’ll still be at your side. Whatever happens, we can face it together.”

  After he leaned down to kiss her, something stirred in the back of her mind. Careful to keep any fear from her voice
, she murmured, “We need to hurry. It’s my dragon.”

  With a nod, Gregor tugged Sid along. Because she trusted him, she barely paid attention to where they were going so she could focus on the cage around her beast. While there was no way Sid could spend her whole life building cages, she needed some time to win over her dragon. Her beast had once trusted Sid and she just needed to think of how to build that trust again.

  She was vaguely aware of arriving at her cottage and Gregor sitting her down in the kitchen. Only when she had everything reinforced and ready to go did she search out his gaze. The determination shining in her mate’s eyes gave her strength.

  Gregor nodded toward the table. “Eat, love. You won’t be able to do anything if you don’t take care of yourself.”

  Since she’d given the same advice many times over to her patients in the past, Sid focused on eating one bite of curry and then another. Before her next bite, she said, “If things become too out of control, then do whatever it takes to keep me in human form and on the ground. If my dragon makes it into the air…”

  He picked up where she trailed off. “I know, the DDA might go after you.” He cupped her cheek. “Just promise me you’ll fight with everything you have, love. If there’s anything I can do to win over your dragon, just say the word, and I will. Even if it requires me to dance naked with scarves, I’ll do it to help you.”

  She smiled. “I don’t think that will help my dragon, but I’m curious to see such a dance.”

  “Aye, well, work with your dragon and I might indulge your scarf fancy.”

  “I never said I had a fancy.”

  His voice turned husky. “You’ve clearly not been using scarves properly in the past.”

  Her cheeks heated at the image of Gregor caressing her neck, her breasts, and then her lower belly with the edge of a silk scarf. No doubt her dragonman would torture her and make her beg.