Rather than let it ruin her precious time with Gregor, Sid continued her walk around Gregor’s dragon until she was once again in front of him. “Hello, dragon. You’re a fine beast.”
The dragon stood a little taller before lowering his head and offering his ear. Smiling, Sid scratched behind it and said, “Maybe next time I can bring some oil to ease the dryness behind your ears. If you’re not careful, you’ll have the equivalent of dragon dandruff.”
The black dragon grunted and lightly bumped her chest. She added, “If you want someone to merely compliment you on how magnificent you are, then you clearly haven’t been paying attention, dragon.” The beast grunted again and she chuckled. “But it has a positive side. When I say something, it’s the truth. And you are one of the finest dragons I’ve seen in a long while, especially considering you’re just a doctor.”
Irritation flashed in the dragon’s eyes, and Sid couldn’t resist teasing some more. “Maybe we can hold some contests amongst the dragon-shifter doctors, if we succeed in bringing them together. Then you can see who’s the strongest.”
The dragon backed up a few feet before his body glowed faintly and began to shrink. A few seconds later, Gregor’s human self stood in the clearing.
He rushed her and pulled her close. “I think you want to make my life difficult on purpose, don’t you? He won’t stop pestering me to become stronger now.”
She tilted her head. “It just gives me the excuse to watch your dragon more often.”
His expression softened. “You’re okay with it, then, love? For a second, I was afraid you’d bolt.”
She shook her head. “It was just a memory, but it faded. I loved studying your dragon form. However, what’s more important is that my dragon took notice of yours.”
He cupped her cheek. “I guess from your expression it didn’t end with an embrace and rejoicing.”
“No, but I didn’t expect her to love me overnight.”
“We’ll bring her round, I promise.”
“That’s a pretty tall order.”
He kissed her. “Nothing is too much for my mate.” He kissed her again. “I would ask you to mate me now, but I know you’ll make up some bullshit about protecting my feelings. So, I’m not going to ask you until your dragon cooperates. Once she does, prepare yourself for a grand surprise.”
Sid wanted nothing more than to mate the clever, determined, and teasing man in front of her. And yet, she couldn’t until she knew Gregor wouldn’t have to experience losing his mate yet again. “You know me too well already.”
He traced her cheek. “I’m a doctor. Reading people is part of my job requirement.” He nuzzled her cheek. “And since I’m your doctor, my next order is to find you some food before you step foot back into the surgery. Even if I have to strap you to a chair and force feed you, I’ll do it.” He moved a hand to her lower abdomen. “You can’t neglect your most important patient.”
Laying her head on Gregor’s chest, she murmured, “It still hasn’t completely sunk in, you know. About the baby. Once in a while I’ll remember, but then I get busy and forget. It makes me wonder if I’ll be a good mother or will I always forget about him or her as the hours tick by at the surgery.”
Gregor rubbed up and down her back. “Right now, the bairn is a tiny speck. However, once he or she starts kicking and making a fuss, it will become real to you. That’s also when I’m going to be more protective because I refuse to lose either of you.”
She looked up at the certainty in his voice. “The risk of a dragon-shifter dying in childbirth is small, Gregor.” He opened his mouth, but she cut him off. “However, I promise now that if I need bed rest—as dictated by a second opinion so as to prevent you from just being protective—I’ll do it. But we have many more months until then. For now, I can handle you cooking or buying food for me. It’s almost like I have a servant.”
He raised his brows. “Oh, aye? Glad to see my years of medical school and practice are being put to good use.”
She leaned back to meet his eyes and tried not to smile. “Oh, don’t worry, I’ll let you out to play doctor once in a while.”
“Cheeky lass,” he murmured before he tickled her ribcage. Sid laughed until her sides hurt and she asked him to stop. Gregor relented, then added, “Maybe I’ll ask you to be my servant in bed sometimes. That will even things out.”
“Well, my years of medical school will come in handy then. I know a lot about anatomy and how a male dragon-shifter responds.”
He tilted his head. “Do you, now? Are you ready to give me my free consultation?”
She hit his chest. “No, we’re not having sex against a tree. There’s no time for that.”
“Maybe not now, but I have a few ideas of how to make the most of our bed this evening.”
The image of Gregor licking between her thighs as she moaned his name flashed into her mind. Even to her own ears, her voice was rough. “I look forward to your suggestions.”
He chuckled. “There’s no need for the formality, lass. I plan to make you scream my name a few times and I’m not going to be shy about it.”
Her dragon lifted her head. I want him.
Those three words brought Sid crashing back to reality. She’d put off sleeping with Gregor again since the frenzy to remain in control. She might be good at hiding it, but she wanted him with each breath.
Her Scot’s voice rumbled. “What’s wrong, Cassidy?”
She shook her head. “Just my dragon. But I’m determined to win her over.”
“And I’ll help you in any way I can, love. Just ask.”
Touching Gregor’s cheek, Sid wanted to tell him how she felt. She’d never had someone care so much for her welfare or stand by her side whilst knowing all of her faults. Bram had her back, but not even he knew all of her secrets.
Gregor did and he supported her anyway.
Not wanting to cry about nearly having what she wanted but not being able to grasp it, she cleared her throat. “Right now, I want food. Preferably something greasy and unhealthy.”
After gently kissing her, he stepped back to pick up his trousers. “I would run to the nearest restaurant right this second, but then I’d be sharing this glorious body with the entire clan.”
“Which isn’t going to happen.”
He raised his brows as he zipped up his fly. “As a doctor, and dragon-shifter to boot, I didn’t think nudity would bother you.”
She took a step toward the path out of the clearing. “It doesn’t. But I don’t want to scare the others.”
Gregor growled and Sid dashed down the path. Her years of running paid off as she stayed ahead of Gregor for a few minutes before his long legs finally caught her from behind. He whispered into her ear. “Caught you, which means I can demand my prize tonight.”
She looked over her shoulder. “We’ll see, Doctor. We’ll see.”
He took her lips in a rough kiss. As she reveled in the heat and taste of her mate, Sid only hoped Gregor had time to see through his claim later in the evening. No matter if she burned out from fighting her dragon, Sid wanted to make love with the male she cared about more than any other.
For once, she wanted to do something for herself and she wanted Gregor Innes.
Chapter Twenty
After lunch, Gregor walked with Cassidy into the surgery and headed straight for the laboratory.
He usually loved returning to work, but a small part of him wanted more time with his female. Spending an hour with Cassidy had shown Gregor a glimpse of what he’d missed out on since his first mate died.
His dragon spoke up. Then learn to delegate better. I want her to scratch my ears again.
Before I allow that, I want her naked and in bed. Then we’ll see about your ears.
His beast perked up. Yes, yes, I want a turn in bed, too. I want to be in control next time.
No, Cassidy is mine for at least one night.
At the steel in his voice, his dragon sulked and remained silent. Grego
r rarely ordered his dragon around with such force, but he wouldn’t be denied in this.
All too soon they reached the laboratory’s door. Opening it, he found Aaron conferring with Emily and Trahern.
They stopped talking and looked at him. Gregor asked, “What’s going on?”
Aaron answered, “The boy on Glenlough’s condition has worsened and O’Shea wants us to take care of him. Kai and a few others are bringing the boy to Stonefire. Since you two were gone, I was just conveying Bram’s orders.”
Cassidy jumped in. “What’s wrong with the boy?”
“He’s tenuously close to losing control and going rogue. Nothing Glenlough has tried has helped. Once the O’Sheas heard we might have a solution, the boy’s parents volunteered him.”
Gregor frowned. “Wait a second. We still don’t know all of the ill effects. The previous patient was nearly an adult and the boy is only eight years old.”
Trahern replied, “The boy’s parents are still willing to try. It’s the only option left, apart from keeping him continually sedated.”
“Which is no way to live,” Cassidy murmured.
Gregor squeezed her hand in his and looked to Aaron. “When will they arrive?”
“This evening. Bram wants all of you working on this together,” Aaron stated.
So much for spending time with Cassidy later in the evening.
His dragon growled. The child is more important and you know it.
Of course I do, but I wish life was a little less exciting. At least for a few months, anyway.
Cassidy jumped in. “Right, then I want Trahern and Emily to keep working on the moss and its side effects. The more information we have, the better the boy’s chances. Gregor and I will keep an eye on the other patients and get as much work as possible finished before the boy’s arrival.” She moved her gaze to Aaron. “Keep in contact. Not just for the boy, but also in case your mother wakes up. We have no idea what will happen and we might need your decision straight away.”
Aaron nodded. “Of course.”
“Good,” Sid said. “Now, everyone back to work. We don’t have much time and a lot needs to be done.”
His female was bloody fantastic. Some males might resent a female taking charge, but Cassidy knew her clan better than he. Only an idiot would allow their ego to get in the way of brilliance and efficiency.
Everyone murmured their assent before Sid tugged his hand toward the exit. Once in the hall, she sighed. “At one point, things were fairly quiet on Stonefire, if you can believe it.”
“I do, as it was the same on Lochguard. But things will eventually calm down.” He leaned down to her ear and whispered, “My only regret is that I’ll have to wait to hear you scream my name. I don’t think either of us is going to have the energy tonight.”
Cassidy placed a hand on his chest and her touch seared through his shirt. “I’m slowly learning that I need to embrace what time I have and not put things off.” She nuzzled his cheek. “When we have a little down time, you’re mine, dragonman.”
He moved to look into Cassidy’s eyes and was surprised to find her pupils flashing. He only hoped her dragon wasn’t going to make a fuss. “Then that’s an added incentive for me to work as hard as possible.”
~~~
Sid’s dragon paced inside her mind and finally said, I want to embrace things. Nine months is too long to wait.
Even though Gregor was staring at her, Sid focused on her beast. There are many things we can try together, if you give me a chance. That way you won’t have to wait.
Her dragon remained silent for a few beats before she replied, Why do you want to share anything with me when I told you I’m taking control of our body and our child after he or she is born.
Because I think you remember our time before, when we were teenagers and worked together. It could be that way again. Her dragon grunted and Sid continued, Think about it. After we save the Irish child, we can try something, if you like.
I won’t interfere while you try to save the child, but I won’t make any promises about the rest.
Her beast retreated to the back of her mind again and Sid sighed. At Gregor’s inquisitive look, she murmured, “We shouldn’t have any distractions while working on our latest assignment. Even my dragon wants to help the boy.”
“That’s progress.”
“I suppose.” Sid started walking and Gregor followed. “Let’s check on Molly Caruso and make the rounds from there since Ginny said no one had an appointment for another hour.”
They made their way down the hall and entered Molly’s room. The dragonwoman was tossing and turning on the bed.
Sid let go of Gregor’s hand and rushed to the woman’s side. She was still asleep, but the change in her behavior might mean the female was ready to wake up.
Taking hold of Molly’s shoulders, Sid asked, “Can you hear me, Molly? If so, I need you to wake up so I can help you.”
Gregor was on the other side and checked Molly’s pupils. They flashed between slits and round ones. She hoped the change was a good sign.
Her mate ordered, “Molly, fight your dragon. We need you awake. Now.”
The older female muttered something unintelligible. Sid found a specially formulated vial of smelling salts and held them under Molly’s nose. The female turned her head away, but Sid followed her. After a few more seconds, the female shot straight up in bed. “What’s going on? Where am I?”
Molly’s pupils were round.
Gregor checked her vitals as Sid said, “You’re in the surgery, Molly. Do you remember what you were doing before?”
“I was…in the car. That’s the last thing I remember.”
“Good. Now, how is your dragon?” Sid asked.
Molly took a second before replying, “She’s unconscious.” Her eyes met Sid’s. “Why can’t I wake her?”
Keeping her voice cool and collected, Sid answered, “You were given a strange drug that probably affected your dragon. She’s actually been in control for days and is probably just exhausted.”
“Days?”
Sid nodded. “Yes. Now I know this is disorienting for you, but I need you to answer a few questions so I can help you get better. Can you do that?” Molly bobbed her head and Sid continued, “Can you wiggle your toes and fingers?” Molly complied. “Good. Does it hurt anywhere?”
Molly placed a hand on her temple. “I have a massive headache, but that’s it.”
Gregor spoke up. “We’ll take care of that for you, lass. And if you’re up to it, we’ll call your son.”
“Is Aaron all right?” Molly asked.
“He’s fine,” Sid answered. “No one else was attacked.”
Molly sighed. “Thank goodness. Aaron didn’t want me to come back just yet, but I fought him and won. I wouldn’t want anyone else injured because of my stubbornness.”
Gregor’s voice was light as he said, “Stubbornness runs rampant with dragon-shifters. Although I would advise you to stay on Stonefire until further notice. You inhaled a strange substance and we’re not sure what the effects are. No matter how small a change, you tell us everything, aye?”
“Yes, Doctor.”
Gregor smiled. “Good.” Ginny entered and Gregor motioned toward the nurse. “Since all of your vital signs are normal, Ginny will stay with you until your son arrives. She’ll also give you something for the pain.”
Sid shared a look with Ginny and the nursed nodded—she would try to find out more from Molly and keep prodding her gently.
After a few more reassuring pats, Sid and Gregor exited the room and headed for Sid’s office. As soon as they were inside, she said, “I wasn’t expecting that result.”
Gregor shrugged. “Maybe her dragon raged and fought for so long that she passed out? It’s entirely possible.”
“But why then is she okay and the boy is not? Trahern said the differences in the formula weren’t that significant.”
“Even the minutest change could produce a different r
esult, especially if we’re not dealing with an expert.”
An idea flashed into Sid’s mind and she went to her computer. Pulling up Trahern’s notes, she scanned the chemical makeup of the substances found in the Irish boy, Sid, and Molly. All three were different, albeit in minuscule ways.
Gregor stood behind her. “What are you thinking, love?”
Sid tapped each of the chemical recipes. “I don’t think these were made by the same person. While a scientist would change one variable in small amounts for each trial, each of these have differing amounts of the main compounds that are basically a sedative.”
“Aye, I see that.”
Sid turned to look up at Gregor. “I think these were made by three different amateurs.”
“But wouldn’t Trahern have mentioned that?”
“Maybe, maybe not. He’s focused on pinpointing the mysterious element. Given what we know of him so far, he might’ve jotted down the differences somewhere to share later and then moved on to the next test.”
“Say you’re right and amateurs did this—how do we use that to our advantage? Stonefire has a decent list of enemies. The dragon hunters have become a lot more cautious over the last year and I doubt they’d do something so risky.”
“I agree. But the hunters aren’t our only concern.”
Gregor frowned. “The Dragon Knights? But I thought their main force was captured on Lochguard after their last attack.”
“I don’t know all of the particulars, but I know that only some of the knights were taken and all of their leadership escaped unscathed. We need to talk to Bram and maybe even Grant.”
Grant McFarland was Lochguard’s head Protector.
“You go, love. I’ll run the surgery so you as well as Trahern and Emily can do your work,” Gregor said.
Sid stood. “A lot of males would’ve resented babysitting.”
“Aye, but I’m not most males. I believe in you, Cassidy. It’s your theory.” He kissed her quickly. “Now, go. Each minute we spend chatting gives the bastards more time to strike again.”
Cured by the Dragon (Stonefire British Dragons Book 8) Page 17
