by Julia Mills
He could have kicked himself for not recognizing the good doctor as a shifter. For the second time in the same day, Devon had let his concern for his mate override his senses. It was a mistake he wouldn’t make again. All at once everything fell into place and Devon filled in the blanks, “Ernesto has been checking in on her. It didn’t even occur to me that he would tell Max. I’ll have to call the King and thank him.”
“Ernesto just happens to be my brother. Our parents were both Pride Healers. I am part of the pride, but travel so much that I rarely see any of them in person. However, that does not stop our Leo from calling me when the need arises and I believe this is such an occasion,” Jane said, and Devon could feel the affection she had for her brother and her King.
Dr. Lawrence was so much more relaxed and approachable that Devon began asking questions. “Have you seen anything like this before, Doctor?”
Dr. Lawrence moved away from the door and came to his mate’s bedside, picking up her hand as she answered, “Please call me Jane.” She looked at him and grinned. “I have. I understand you have a very skilled healer in your clan and a powerful white witch, as well. Is that right?”
Both Devon and Sam nodded as she continued, “I have very little magical knowledge or ability to sense its use, that is one of the reasons I became a doctor instead of a healer, but I would say that your girl here is a casualty of a powerful sorcerous accident.”
She paused, looking at both of them for emphasis. When she spoke again it was with a bit more conviction, “It is really the only explanation. She has no wounds, bruises, or contusions. All her tests, scans, and x-rays are normal, and she continues to thrive although unresponsive. Lastly, her overall health is not declining like we typically see in coma patients.”
Silence filled the room as Devon and Sam absorbed Jane’s words. Dr. Lawrence finally broke the silence, speaking directly to Devon, “I would get your healer to assess your mate as soon as possible.”
He grinned, and then hurried to explain as Jane frowned. “The healer is my mom and she’s here in the hospital with others from our clan, eating ice cream as we speak.”
All three laughed as Jane moved towards the door. “Then I’ll leave you to it. I have to be south of the border for another consultation early tomorrow morning.”
She reached in her pocket and handed him her card, “Please don’t hesitate to call if you have any questions or need me for anything.”
“Thank you very much, Dr. Lawrence,” he and Sam answered in unison.
“Jane, please, and it was my pleasure.” She waved goodbye and disappeared into the hall right before a bouncing Sydney entered with balloons tied to each wrist.
“Look, Mommy! Look, Devon! They had balloons in the gift shop,” Sydney squealed.
Before either could answer, Lance appeared with a pink stuffed cat under one arm and a purple unicorn under the other. Devon burst out laughing as Sam commented, “And it looks like they had stuffed animals, too.”
Sydney nodded, making her blonde curls bounce. “They sure did. Aren’t they cute?”
“They really are,” Devon laughed and shook his head at his friend, who proceeded to punch him in the arm as he walked by.
“Just wait until you have kids of your own, dude. Paybacks are a bitch and I have a long memory,” Lance smirked and raised his eyebrows, letting Devon know his brethren was looking forward to the day he could return the favor.
“Enough you two,” Siobhan interjected. “I want to know what the doctor said.”
A quick glance at Sam and Devon knew it was up to him to explain. “Well, Dr. Lawrence is a werepanther as well as being the leading neurosurgeon in the country. Max sent her to help us out. She believes we are dealing with something magical, not physical, which goes along with the black fog Syd told us about.”
He continued as his mother nodded, “She knew of you and Kyra by reputation, and felt your expertise was just what we needed.”
For the first time in what seemed like hours he looked at his mate. It was the longest he had been in the same room without touching her since recognizing her as his own. He moved to her side, immediately threading his fingers through hers. His mother spoke, breaking the spell that just being near her created. “Then close that door and let’s see what we can find out. If what Max’s doctor said is correct, then we are going to need Kyra as soon as possible.”
Turning to her trainees she instructed, “Please set up the candles and incense again. We will perform the Discovery Ritual as soon as you are ready. Lance, since you are the closest, can you please close the door?”
The Guardsman obliged, quietly closing the door. It was then that Devon realized somewhere along the way Aaron had disappeared. “Hey, has anyone seen Aaron?”
“Oh shit, yeah. He went back to the lair. Something about making sure Jace sent a package to Kyra. But dude, he was acting really weird and when I asked what was up, he just ignored me and left,” Lance shrugged, heading back to his wife and daughter.
“Well, okay then. I guess I’ll catch up with him later,” Devon said right before his mother announced they were ready to begin.
“Are you able to stay for the ritual, Samantha?” Siobhan asked.
“Yes, ma’am. I’m officially off duty, so I’m all yours,” Sam responded as she cuddled closer into her mate’s chest and Sydney hugged her leg. “We’ll all be right here.”
“Good. Now, if everyone will please form a circle around Devon’s mate and hold hands,” the Elder Healer instructed. “And Sydney, if you will stand next to me?”
“Yes ma’am, Ms. Siobhan,” the child answered, pulling her mom along.
As soon as all the candles were lit and the circle complete, Siobhan began to pray, “Dear Universe, Heavens and Elders of Olde, we come to you, humbly seeking answers that only your infinite wisdom can provide. Your child, mate of Devon, is suffering. We ask for your guidance in putting an end to her torment. Please direct our actions and fill our hearts and minds with the knowledge essential to bring this child back into the light of your grace. We thank you for all you have given us and strive to honor you in all that we do. Your humble servants.”
When the prayer concluded, Siobhan, along with the other healers, began the healing chant Devon had learned as a child. Their low, reverent tones filled the room with hope, love, and healing. He felt the energy of each person in their circle flow through him, and if he concentrated hard enough could actually identify each person. Sydney’s was as bright as the sun and filled with such an unbridled joy that he took a few extra seconds just to enjoy the feeling. Sam and Lance’s combined and burst at the seams with so much love he felt honored they chose to lend it to his mate. His mother’s was bold and confident and led the way for all the other healers, but the underlying tone of a mother’s love was evident and made him smile.
He had no idea how much time passed as the chant of the healers grew in intensity and volume. The feelings he had been admiring became an entity in and of themselves. It was then that he realized Siobhan, Sam, and Lance had opened the link to all their kin and each dragon shifter was lending strength to their cause. In a rush, he felt the strong immovable force of his old friend, Royce, and the fire and determination of Kyra, Royce’s mate. Right behind that was the support of the Blue Thunder clan, Royce’s clan of birth. The sheer rush of power threatened to drive Devon to his knees. He would be forever indebted to each and every person for their unwavering support.
The chant swelled to an unprecedented crescendo in their hearts and minds. Then, as if a switch had been flipped, all was quiet, only the sound of hundreds of heartbeats beating as one, breaking the silence. Siobhan thanked the Universe, the Heavens and the Elders of Olde, as well as every dragon shifter for their help. Devon was just about to speak when the phone in his pocket vibrated. Letting go of his mother’s hand and that of a younger healer, he retrieved it, recognized the number as Royce’s and answered, “Hey, Old Man, thank you for your help. What’s up?”
<
br /> “Kyra needs to talk to you…hang on a sec.”
He heard the phone change hands and then the unmistakable southern accent of Royce’s mate rang loud and clear. Kyra was practically screaming, almost out of breath and definitely upset. “It’s magic, Dev! Fucking magic that’s keeping your girl asleep! I can feel it like I feel the wind on my face. I can’t tell the origin without being right there, but I can tell that it’s a mixture of at least two different types and more than one practitioner.”
She paused to breathe and Devon asked, “What can we do to find out who and what it is?”
“You can’t do anything but I damn sure can! We’re packing to head back right this minute. It’s almost dark here, so Roy can go all dragony and we’ll be there in no time.”
Devon interrupted, “But what about the search for your mom. I can’t ask you to leave that to come back and help us.”
“Well, see that’s the beauty of family…you don’t have to ask, I’m coming and that’s all there is to it.”
“Seriously, Kyra, she’s your mom.”
“Yeah and you’re Royce’s brother, which makes you my brother, and you need my help more than Calysta does. She’s old and powerful so whatever shit she’s gotten herself into will have to wait until you and your mate are all happy and shit…Capisce?”
Devon laughed out loud, “Capisce. I don’t know how I‘ll ever thank you. Know that I appreciate it from the bottom of my heart.”
“Just have a jumbo bottle of wine ready to celebrate when we get her awake and we’ll call it square,” the little witch chuckled before continuing. “Roy wants to talk to you. See ya soon, Dev.”
“Thank you again, Kyra.”
Once again he listened as the phone passed from one to the other then Royce’s low, rumbly voice came on the line. “We’ll be there by first light. You still at the hospital?”
“Yep, I am,” he answered and then quickly added, “Royce…thanks, man.”
“Not a problem, Dev. Just returning the favor for all the times you watched over Kyra. See ya soon.”
“Fly safe.”
“You know it,” was the older dragon’s response before the line went dead.
Smiling from ear to ear at the prospect of finally knowing the cause of his mate’s condition, Devon turned, only to be greeted by eight pairs of eyes full of questions. “That was Royce and Kyra. When we were praying, Kyra felt the magic that’s keeping her from waking.”
He reached out and touched his mate as he spoke. “They are headed back as we speak. Kyra couldn’t get a lock on what kind of magic or who had worked the original spell, but she could feel its power. Royce said they’ll be here before daybreak.”
Everyone smiled and congratulated him, but it was Sam’s expression that gave him pause. Her brow was furrowed as she worried her bottom lip with her teeth. Unease slithered down his spine, forcing him to ask, “What is it, Sam? What’s wrong? Do you think Kyra’s mistaken?”
Samantha jumped as if he had scared her and hurriedly answered, “Oh! Crap! No! I’m sorry, Devon. I was just thinking…there’s no way we can do what needs to be done to help your mate here in this room, or even in the hospital, without causing suspicion and running the risk of people asking questions we can’t answer. Physically, I’m sure she can be moved, but I’m not sure how to get around the legal mumbo jumbo to get her out of here. Having you on the chart as a ‘relative’ was fairly easy, but faking discharge paperwork could cost me my license, not to mention it is really illegal.”
“So what do we do now,” Lance asked pulling his mate to his side.
Devon thought for a moment before asking, “What exactly does the hospital need to make her discharge legal and keep you out of trouble?”
“You’d need to be made her health care surrogate and that requires a legal document,” Sam answered, worry still evident in her voice.
Devon grinned and chuckled, “Well, I happen to know an awesome attorney that I bet can help out.”
“Oh shit, I didn’t think of Grace,” Lance said as he continued to comfort his mate and then quickly added, “Don’t you dare tell her…she’ll kick my ass.”
The room erupted in laughter as Devon dialed Aidan’s number, with all the different conversations taking place, he excused himself to complete his call. He leaned down, kissed his mate on the forehead, and headed into the hall. After a few rings, Aidan answered, “Hey, dude, we were just talking about you. Powerful ceremony. Did it help? How’s she doing?”
“Pretty much the same thanks, but we did learn something that might help and I need Grace’s help. But, I wanted to make sure she was feeling okay before I bothered her.”
His friend sighed heavily into the phone and when he finally answered, Devon had to work hard not to laugh. “Yeah, she’s fine. Hell, she’s better than I am and she’s the one that’s pregnant. I keep telling her to take it easy and she keeps telling me to shut the hell up. So yeah, she’s good. Whatcha need?”
“During the ritual Kyra felt the magic that’s keeping my mate in a coma, but without being in close contact she can’t identify the type or the user. She and Royce are headed back so she can work her magic. Until now hanging at the hospital was okay, but with this new information, there’s no way we can do what has to be done without drawing attention to the fact that we’re different. We need to move her to the lair and that’s where Grace comes in. Sam says we need a legal document giving me permission to make decisions to keep everything on the up and up and most importantly, to make sure our fine doctor stays out of trouble.”
“Okay, hang on, let me take Grace the phone,” Aidan answered.
A second later, Devon heard his brethren curse, “Shit, Babe. Where the hell did you come from? I thought you were resting.”
“And I thought you were going to leave the mothering to me?” Grace responded, making Devon laugh.
“Grace, honey…”
“Don’t you ‘Grace, honey’ me, Aidan O’Brien. Give me the phone.” Grace’s tone was priceless and one Devon recognized as her ‘lawyer voice’. His poor friend was completely outmatched and obviously loved every damn minute of it, even though Devon was sure Aidan would never admit it.
“Hey, Devon, how are you?” Grace’s sweet, concerned voice was such a contrast to how she had just spoken to her mate that Devon hoped she didn’t hear the laughter in his voice.
“I’m good. How are you and those babies?”
“Oh, we’re fine. Thanks for asking. I’m only a little over six weeks and not even showing yet. Mostly, I’m tired of your brethren and his constant hovering.”
Devon chuckled, “I’m sure it’s a pain in the ass but it’s only because he loves you. Remember how Rayne was with Kyndel?”
“Oh, crap, don’t remind me. I’ll go stark raving mad if Aidan gets that bad.”
“I hate to tell ya, but you better get ready. Your boy’s got an extra dose of protectiveness when it comes to you.”
“Thanks, Dev…thanks a lot,” Grace giggled. “Now, I caught most of what you said. I’m guessing you need a health care surrogate form, which will be a little tricky since we don’t know her name, but I’m sure Judge Walton will give us a hand, considering Aidan and I helped him find the thief in his office. Give me a few hours and I’ll get back to you. I’m assuming we need this like yesterday?”
He grinned at the way Grace asked her rhetorical question. “Yep, sure do. Sorry for the rush.” Devon answered, truly sorry for asking for such a huge favor and in a hurry to boot.
“Not to worry. Now take care of your girl and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.”
He could tell that his friend’s mate was already deep in thought, but he wanted to convey his appreciation for her help. “Thanks Grace. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
“Remember that when I need a babysitter,” she laughed. “Talk to you soon.”
“Talk to ya”, and with that he hung up and headed back to his mate and family.
&nb
sp; Lance immediately asked, “What next, Bro?”
“Well, it looks like we wait to hear back from Grace. You guys can head out if you want. Thanks for everything. I’ll let you know as soon as I hear anything at all.” He knew he was giving them the bum’s rush, but it felt like forever since he’d been alone with his mate. Although she still slept, he felt the unwavering need to tell her what was going on and to just be with her…alone.
The knowing smile on his mother’s face told him she knew exactly what he was feeling, but it was Sydney’s yawn that sealed the deal. Sam picked her daughter up and motioned to her mate as she spoke, “Miss Priss here needs to get home, have a hot meal and a bath, and then a good night’s sleep. Whatcha say there, Syd?”
The sweet child nodded, laid her head on her mom’s shoulder, and then answered, “Can I have chicken tenders and watermelon?”
Lance laughed as he joined his family, “Yes, Sweetpea, you sure can. Now, let’s get outta here and let Devon get some rest. Sounds like tomorrow’s gonna be a helluva day.”
Sydney squirmed in her mother’s arms until Sam set her on the floor. She ran over and hugged Devon’s leg until he lifted her to eye level. She kissed his cheek and whispered, “Sweet dreams, Devon. Tomorrow you get to meet your mate.”
He answered, “Sweet dreams to you too, Punkin. From your mouth to Heaven’s ears.”
As Sydney climbed down and returned to her parents, Devon looked into the faces of his family and friends and saw the same hope he felt reflected back at him. He felt compelled to speak, “Thank you all again for all your help. I couldn’t have done any of this without you. I owe you a debt I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to repay, but I’ll damn sure try.”
Lance stepped forward with his signature shit-eating grin plastered across his face and Devon prepared for whatever his pain-in-the ass brethren was about to say. As usual Lance did not disappoint. “Now, don’t go getting all teary eyed on us, Dev. I’d hate for your mate to wake up and think she was stuck with a crybaby.”
Quicker than Devon could answer, Sam was beside her mate, smacking him on the arm and chuckling, “Leave Dev alone or I might just have to tell him about your less than manly response to ‘Finding Nemo’ the other night.”