And yet, his mind kept drifting to Cassidy Jackson. Tristan had been with her for nearly two hours and only through sheer restraint had Gregor kept from barging into Cassidy’s room.
His dragon sighed. As I keep saying, he’s helping her. If there’s trouble, the English dragonman will let us know. Smothering Cassidy will only push her away.
Aye, I know that. Still, I’m afraid something will happen, her dragon will wake up, and we’ll lose the human half of her forever.
Stop being so pessimistic. It’s not our way.
Gregor looked back to the computer screen. If I could only figure out the mysterious compound that coated the small sliver found in both the child and Cassidy, I might find a way to help her. And not just for selfish reasons, but if too many dragon-shifters get this drug in their system, things won’t turn out well.
Then reach out to Layla. She has a stronger background in chemistry than us.
A knock on the door interrupted his conversation. “Come in.”
Bram appeared in the doorway with a stranger behind him. “Your help has arrived.”
“What help?”
Bram stepped to the side, and a young dragonman in his midtwenties with black hair and brown eyes moved to stand next to him. When he spoke, it was with a North Welsh accent. “Hello. I’m Dr. Trahern Lewis from Clan Snowridge.”
Gregor moved a little more in front of his computer screen. He didn’t need a stranger knowing what he was doing. “While normally I’d welcome you and get you up to speed on my patient list, Nurse Ginny can do that. I have something important to work on.”
Bram raised his brows. “Is it to do with Sid? Trahern knows about that.”
Gregor eyed the Welsh dragonman and then met Bram’s gaze again. “Can I speak to you alone?”
Bram said to Trahern, “While I talk with Innes, find the nurse we met a few minutes ago. She’ll help you get settled. I’ll find you once I’m done here.”
Curiosity burned in the male’s eyes, but he merely nodded and exited the room. Once the door clicked shut, Bram demanded, “Tell me why you’re dismissing him. Trahern came a few weeks early to help ease your burden so you can help with Sid.”
“I appreciate the help, but I don’t know him. Unless you want him seeing the recent information we received from the Irish clan?”
“I imagine that’s not all you’re doing, but I’ll play innocent for now. Still, you’re going to get Trahern up to speed with your patients, and Ginny will keep an eye on him. While my head Protector was thorough, we all need to watch him to make sure he’s not hiding anything.”
“I’m surprised you’re including me in on this.”
Bram shrugged. “Sid has a high opinion of you and I admire your dedication. You’re well on your way to earning my trust, so remember that and don’t fuck up.”
Gregor’s dragon preened in the back of his mind. Before his beast could gloat, Gregor nodded. “Thanks, Bram. I have no plan of fucking things up.” He hesitated a second but decided honesty with Bram would be best. “Cassidy is my true mate. While neither one of us intends to see the frenzy through, my dragon alone will do anything to help her.”
Bram stared at him a second before answering, “Will you tell me why you’re so hell-bent on not embracing the gift of a mate?”
Gregor stood to his full height and was happy to notice his gaze was level with Bram’s. “I mean no disrespect, but it’s none of your fucking business.”
For one long second, Gregor wondered if he’d just earned himself a one-way ticket back to Scotland. But when Bram smiled, he relaxed a fraction as the Stonefire leader said, “Aye, I understand that. All I ask is to keep an open mind. While you bloody Scots are always causing me trouble, if keeping you around means Sid can be happy, I’m open to the idea. Don’t let my judgment stand in the way.”
Before Gregor could say anything, Bram opened the door. “Talk to Trahern. There were several applicants to come to Stonefire, but Sid chose him. Find out why.”
The door clicked shut and Gregor turned back to his computer. He would test out the waters with Dr. Lewis, but he wasn’t about to trust the bloody man. No matter how much it pained him to delay finding anything that could help Cassidy, Gregor would have to work on the files later.
Chapter Eleven
Several hours later, when Tristan closed the door behind him, Sid sighed and collapsed back on her bed. Looking for cracks in mental prisons and repairing them had sapped her mental energy. Despite her previous determination, Sid wasn’t sure she could control her beast when she woke up. Even if she managed to patch any visible cracks, her dragon could be stronger and still break free. She was starting to see why the children needed several years of practice to perfect it. At one time, Sid had been quite adept, but too much time had lapsed. Like with any skill, if a person didn’t use it, it tended to fade.
There was always Tristan’s other suggestion—to embrace the frenzy and see if it calmed her dragon. After all, the facts pointed toward her beast being mostly contained, at least until Gregor showed up. Of course, if he did say yes and they went through with it, Sid ran the risk of causing Gregor even more heartache in the process.
Growling, Sid punched one of her pillows. She’d known what to expect a few weeks ago. She almost missed the certainty.
But then the thought of never kissing Gregor and knowing what it was like to be desired would also never have happened.
“Why is life so complicated?” she asked aloud.
The handle turned and a familiar Scottish brogue filled the room. “Because it would be boring otherwise.”
She glared at the handsome, blond-haired Scot. “I never understand why people say that. I like making plans and hitting goals. Not being able to do that not only irritates me but also stresses me out.”
“I think you need a hobby, then.”
“I have one—running.”
He made a face. “And that is something I don’t understand. Running is not a hobby. It’s something you do out of necessity.”
“Is there a reason you’re here? Otherwise, you should just go carve another naked statue.”
“Of you? Then I need you to model.” He looked her up and down. “Strip if you’re offering.”
“Gregor,” Sid growled out.
He grinned and took her hand. “I love when you growl my name like that. It sounds so primal.”
Despite herself, Sid snorted. “So much for the civilized doctor.”
“Even civilized doctors need a little wildness.”
At the huskiness of his voice, Sid resisted a shiver. All of her reasons for denying the frenzy seemed to fade away when Gregor was near.
Then she remembered the look in his eyes as he told her about his dead mate and Sid sobered. “Did you find anything while I was training?”
Gregor’s lips pressed together. “No, although part of it was because of your new doctor.”
“So Trahern came early?”
“Dr. Lewis is here, aye.”
“Then why didn’t you bring him?”
“I wasn’t sure how much he knew or how much you wanted to tell him.”
Gregor caressed the back of her hand with his thumb. Her Scottish dragonman was protecting her.
Sid could get used to someone watching her back. “I should meet him and then decide. I’ve only ever talked to him via video conferences and it’s easier to read people in person.”
“Are you sure you’re strong enough to do that? You look exhausted, Cassidy.”
“Gee, thanks.”
He winked. “I’ll always be honest, even if you don’t like what I have to say.”
She softened. “I want to be honest with you, too. However, what I’m about to tell you might scare you off. Brace yourself.”
Gregor raised an eyebrow. “Now I’m intrigued.”
For a split second, Sid doubted her decision. But she quickly pushed it aside. Gregor had gone above and beyond to help her. If what she revealed scared him awa
y, then so be it. “Tristan suggested something during our session that might be a last resort to taming my dragon.”
He raised his brows. “Oh, aye? What is it?”
The easy way would be to avert her gaze, but she resisted. “He said that giving in to the mate-claim frenzy might calm my beast long enough for me to learn to contain her.”
Gregor’s thumb stilled on her hand. Sid held her breath to see how her dragonman would react.
~~~
The image of Cassidy round with Gregor’s child flashed inside his head before his dragon spoke up. We can have it all and start over.
Ignoring his beast, he finally answered his doctor, “But what about the bairn? Frenzies result in pregnancy and I know you’d never forgive yourself if the dragon ended up harming you and by extension our child.”
More than he liked to admit, Gregor wanted to say “our child” again.
Cassidy’s reply garnered his attention. “While there’s no guarantee, Tristan thinks even my dragon would want to protect a child.” She paused and then added, “I’m not trying to pressure you, Gregor. I know how much you fear childbirth. I just wanted to reciprocate your honesty.”
His thumb stroked the back of her hand again. “I’ll never help with a pregnancy and be at ease, but my fear has lessened around you, lass. And if it’s your only chance at sanity, I’ll do whatever it takes. The more time we have, the greater the chance we can find a way to calm your dragon.” He lowered his voice. “While the frenzy may be part of it, I think part of your dragon’s increased hysteria is a result of the attack. I still haven’t identified the substance that must’ve seeped into your body.”
“Have you talked with Trahern about that?”
He blinked. “I just freely admitted I’m open to the frenzy and you’re concerned about Trahern Lewis?”
Cassidy rolled her eyes. “He has a strong background in biochemistry. It’s one of the reasons I picked him.”
“We can talk about bloody Trahern Lewis later. Just tell me if you want me to let the frenzy run its course if your dragon becomes out of control again. After all, it could happen in a few hours, once she finally wakes up.”
His dragon hissed. You could be nicer about it.
Right, because you’ve been patient this entire time.
Cassidy’s voice filled the room. “I don’t want you to do it out of honor or obligation, Gregor. You deserve better.”
With a growl, Gregor released her hand and cupped her cheeks. “It’s not out of a sense of honor, woman. I care about you and meant what I said earlier about actually envisioning a future with you. That hasn’t happened since Bridget. I want the chance to know you better, Doctor. Because I think we’d be bloody brilliant together.”
“Gregor,” Sid’s voice cracked.
“I hear a whisper of doubt in your voice, lass. Tell me why.”
“I—” Sid swallowed and continued, “Have you considered the fact it could all go wrong? You’ve suffered so much sadness in your life. You shouldn’t have any more.”
“And that right there is why I want to try. You always think of others, Cassidy. Isn’t it time to let someone think of you, too?” He leaned closer. “What do you truly want? Tell me.”
She leaned into one of his hands. “I always thought I would spend my life alone. I dedicated my life to the clan and taking care of them. They all became my children in a way. But now…”
“Now what?”
She searched his eyes. “I’ve allowed the possibility of becoming a true mother into my head and I can’t seem to chase it out again. I keep thinking I’m weak for not being able to push aside my own desires.”
“Stop being bloody ridiculous. It’s okay to want something for yourself, Cassidy. The only question is whether you’re ready to fight for your future? Because if you think I’m going to throw up my hands and walk away a few months from now, you’d be dead wrong. Once I make a decision, I stick with it. And if we go through the frenzy, I’m going to be growly, protective, and bloody unreasonable at times. But I will protect you with my life and do whatever it takes to ensure my future and yours are one and the same.”
“How can you be so certain? You barely know me.”
“I know you well enough. You’re strong, dedicated, stubborn, and clever. You will be my equal in all ways.”
She smiled. “Well, except in the penis department.”
He laughed. “Okay, there will be a few differences. I’d much rather enjoy your breasts than grow my own.”
Cassidy sighed. “You think you’re so clever.”
“Aye, lass, I am. And witty, as well as sarcastic. Get used to it.” He moved until his lips were a whisper away from hers. “Tell me what you want, Cassidy. I’ll make sure to be standing at the ready.”
She lightly swatted his chest. “Stop it.”
He grinned. “It’ll be mighty hard to complete the frenzy if I did.”
She snorted, and both man and beast loved the sound. But Cassidy still hadn’t given him an answer. He was about to ask again when Cassidy spoke. “If I can’t control my beast, then yes, I want to experience the frenzy with you.”
“Don’t sound too enthused about it.”
She rolled her eyes. “Really? You want me to wax on about your glorious penis and its ability to grow?”
“Aye, that’s a start.” She opened her mouth, but he nipped her bottom lip to keep her quiet. “I would kiss you, but don’t want to risk my dragon. However, I’m going to spend as much time next to your bed as possible so I can be here if you need me.”
She frowned. “The walls aren’t soundproofed.”
“Then tell your dragon to keep quiet.”
As they stared into each other’s eyes, Gregor smiled at his doctor. Each second in her company made it easier to envision spending his life with her.
And even if the frenzy didn’t calm her beast, Gregor would find a way to help Cassidy. There was no bloody way he was going to lose her without a fight.
~~~
Happiness coursed throughout Sid’s body. It was hard to believe that after so many years of struggle and grief, she might just have a chance at having a mate and family of her own.
Still, she kept most of the happiness bottled deep inside. There was always the possibility everything could go wrong, so she needed to focus on the present.
Reaching out, she lightly touched Gregor’s cheek. “Speaking of my dragon, we need to talk about Trahern again.”
“You sorely need to learn how to enjoy a moment, Cassidy,” Gregor growled out.
“I don’t know how much longer my dragon will remain silent. I need to make sure everything is in place in case we complete the frenzy.”
“Such as?”
“I want Trahern to analyze the mysterious substance. You don’t have to tell him how we procured it, but if he can break down the chemical makeup, then he can try to find a way to neutralize it.”
“Do you trust him that much?” Sid opened her mouth to protest, but Gregor beat her to it. “I’m not asking out of jealousy or irrational protectiveness. I’ve never heard of the male until today, for one. Who is he?”
Sid took one of Gregor’s hands and threaded her fingers through his. “He’s Kai Sutherland’s stepcousin. In other words, he’s the nephew of his stepdad. Trahern supported the mating between Kai’s mom and stepdad when not everyone was keen to do so. From all accounts, he’s clever and hardworking if a little shy.”
“I would hazard a guess that Trahern and Kai were never best friends.”
“No, but Kai trusts his mother implicitly. Even Bram trusts Lily Owens, as Bram knew her as a boy. If Trahern is trying to deceive us, then he would have to have almost spy-like training to do so,” Sid stated.
Gregor fell silent and Sid waited to see if he’d trust her judgment. Because if he couldn’t, she wasn’t sure she could take Gregor up on his offer to participate in the mate-claim frenzy. Sexual attraction was well and good, but she needed a partner in all t
hings more than anything else.
Her Scot finally grunted. “Okay, I’ll ask him to look into the mysterious compound. But until the frenzy is complete, I’m afraid my dragon isn’t going to like him much, or any unattached dragonman for that matter.”
She smiled. “Since I’m more than familiar with dragonmen and their mates, I can live with that. Go talk with him now. I need to rest anyway.”
Gregor kissed her cheek before whispering into her ear, “I’m also going to have a surprise for you when you wake up. Prepare yourself.”
“As long as it’s not your penis tied with a bow, I look forward to it.”
Gregor chuckled. The vibration next to her ear was soothing. “So you’d welcome a naked carving of yourself? I’ll keep that in mind.”
“I didn’t—”
“I’m teasing, love. You need to get used to it.” His pupils flashed. “Oh, and my dragon is impatient to play with you. He says you need to hurry up and get well.”
For years, Sid had always pasted a fake smile on her face when confronted with another dragon-shifter talking about their inner dragons. However, with Gregor, she smiled for real. “I look forward to meeting him, too. At least then I won’t have to worry about sarcasm or teasing since dragons can’t talk.”
Gregor moved a hand to her hip and squeezed. “Such cheek.”
She looked innocent. “What? I thought we could both tease.”
He snorted. “I definitely think all of this is because you’re wearing your hair down. Maybe we should make it mandatory whenever you’re alone with me.”
“Or, I could just cut it off.”
“Don’t.”
Sid shook her head. “I’ve never understood why females should have long hair but males can wear it short. I think males can look handsome, too. You should grow yours out.”
“We can argue that point later. I have a Welsh doctor to talk to.”
Cured by the Dragon (Stonefire British Dragons Book 8) Page 10