Her dragon grunted in approval.
Her beast’s mood swings were giving her whiplash.
Careful to keep that thought to herself, Sid returned to the boy’s side. Taking his hand, she hummed a tune her mother used to hum when she was a child. To her surprise, her dragon soon joined in.
As Sid and her dragon hummed the old lullaby, she tried not to read too much into her dragon’s actions. But maybe, just maybe, helping this child would bring them closer together to the point where her beast didn’t hate her outright.
However, before Sid could think of ways to do that, the boy’s eyes opened. His pupils were slitted and he hissed. “Free me.”
As the boy wiggled in the bed and tried to sit up, Sid pinned his shoulders and managed to keep him down with one arm as she hit the call button. Then she leaned down until she was a few inches from Brendan’s face. Putting every bit of dominance she possessed into her voice, she ordered, “Look at me.” Brendan’s gaze shot to hers and she continued, “If the dragon half takes control and you shift inside this surgery, others could die. Not only that, I won’t be able to try to save you both if you fly away. The DDA will go after you. Even if you survive their capture, you’ll spend your life trapped inside a prison. Is that what you want?”
Some might say her direct manner was too much for a young boy, but Sid was trying to reach the dragon half, which would need the straightforward manner. That was one of the first things a dragon-shifter doctor learned during their training.
The boy’s voice was gravelly as he replied, “I will fly free.” One of Brendan’s fingers turned into a talon. “No one will stop me.”
Sid moved out of the way of Brendan’s talon. “The DDA has powerful weapons to shoot you out of the sky. However, if you work with me, then I might be able to save you both.”
“I don’t need saving.”
She raised her brows. “What about your human half? Are you going to imprison him for the rest of your life and never let him out?” Dragon-possessed Brendan’s confidence faded a fraction. Sid pushed on. “He’s your best friend. You’ll miss him when he’s gone.”
Brendan’s pupils flashed again. Sid continued, “Let Brendan come out for just a little while. He’s probably scared and missing your parents. Don’t you want to help him? Dragons treasure children. Even you should know that and want to take care of your own human.”
Indecision filled the boy’s eyes. Sid might’ve convinced him.
Brendan’s dragon finally answered, “Only for a little while. I won’t let him always be in control. There’s too much to do and he always holds me back.”
“Just a little while.”
Sid held her breath and waited.
Brendan’s pupils finally turned round and stayed that way. “Who are you? Where’s my mam?”
Stroking the boy’s forehead, Sid answered gently, “My name’s Dr. Sid. As for your mum, she’s back home. We’re trying to get you well so you can go back to her.”
Brendan looked around. “I want Dr. O’Brien.”
Her dragon spoke up. Calm him. I don’t like him scared.
“Dr. O’Brien will be back as soon as he can. He’s trying to find a medicine to make you better.”
The boy stared for a few seconds before replying, “Why is my dragon so angry?”
She released her arm that had been pinning him down and touched his bicep. “He isn’t truly angry with you. He’s just been given a strange drug and it changed his behavior.”
“Why would someone do that?”
“I wish I knew, Brendan. I wish I knew.” Noticing the tension in Brendan’s body, Sid needed to do something or the dragon may try to take advantage of the boy’s weakness. “How about we play a game while we wait?”
“What game?”
She searched his eyes as she undid the straps restraining him to the bed. “I used to love charades as a child, but I’m not sure you’re up for it.”
As soon as the last strap came free, Brendan sat up in his bed. “I like guessing. You act something and I can guess.”
With a smile, Sid stood up. “Okay, although I’m a bit rusty. Hopefully you can guess.”
As she tried to think of what to do, her dragon chimed in. Pick a children’s movie. It will be easy for him.
Taking a chance, she asked, What do you suggest?
I like Pixar movies. Use one of those.
Sid barely resisted blinking at her dragon’s comment. Sid had seen maybe two Pixar movies in her life, both times with one of her patients. However, if her beast remembered them enough to name them, it might be a way to win her dragon’s good graces later to watch a few more.
Picking an easy one, she said, “Kid’s movie.”
Holding up one finger, the boy said, “One word.” She nodded and put her hands up as if holding a steering wheel. Turning this way and that, she made her way around the room with over-the-top movements. Brendan clapped his hands. “I know! Cars!”
Sid grinned. “Yes. Shall we try another one?” Brendan nodded enthusiastically. The happiness in his eyes reminded her of why she loved helping people.
Her dragon spoke up again. I have another idea. Let’s do the pyramids of Egypt. I always wanted to see them.
Me, too. Maybe one day we can go.
She waited to see if her dragon would huff and turn her back, but she merely said, We’ll see.
Those two words sent a tendril of hope through her body. However, not wanting to break the spell, she said to Brendan, “Famous place.”
As she went through the motions, Sid forgot about everything but making the little boy smile and laugh at her silly antics. She might be cheering up the boy, but Sid couldn’t remember the last time she’d had so much fun.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Opening the door to Brendan’s room, Gregor grinned at the sight in front of him.
Cassidy was making motions with her body and the boy was guessing. Not wanting to disturb the fun, he merely hung back and watched.
His dragon spoke up. Maybe we don’t need a special medicine to help the boy. His pupils are round and he’s laughing.
Aye, but we’ll see how long it lasts.
The boy shouted, “Cat in the Hat!”
Cassidy nodded. “Five in a row. Are you sure you’ve only played this twice before?”
Brendan opened his mouth, but then caught sight of Gregor. “The other doctor is here.”
Cassidy turned around. Between the flush on her cheeks and joy in her eyes, she was the most beautiful thing he’d seen in a long time. And one he wanted to see every day for the rest of his life.
Placing a hand on her hip, Cassidy demanded, “How long were you standing there?”
He shrugged. “Long enough. I love watching you move about and play charades.”
As he gave her a slow once over, her cheeks turned pinker. “Well, I’m nearly out of ideas. So maybe you can take a turn for a bit?”
He walked up to her and gently touched her cheek. “Later, love.” He moved his gaze to Brendan. “One of the nurses is bringing you some soup.”
The boy scrunched up his nose. “I don’t like soup.”
He moved closer and lowered his voice. “This soup is different. It’ll make you strong, which means you can be out of that bed sooner.”
Brendan searched his eyes. “Is that the truth or is it just a lie to make me feel better?”
He blinked. “Why would I lie to you?”
“Adults sometimes lie to make children do things.”
He placed a hand over his heart. “I swear on my life that I’m not lying to you. There’s some medicine to help you in the soup. If you eat it all, you should be well soon.”
The boy hesitated. “What about my dragon?”
Gregor gripped the boy’s shoulder. “It will help him, too.”
Cassidy spoke up. “If Dr. Innes says it’ll help, then believe him.”
Brendan looked between them. “You have to say that as he’s your mate. You
smell of him.”
Gregor chuckled and Cassidy shot him a look before turning back to Brendan. “Your parents are mates, right?” The boy nodded. “Does your mum always do what your dad says?”
He shook his head. “No. She sometimes calls him an eejit and Dad backs off.”
Gregor bit his lip to keep from laughing. The lad was observant. No doubt, Cassidy would call him an idiot many times in the future, too.
“Well, I’m the same way,” Cassidy replied. “If I didn’t like Dr. Innes’s idea, I’d say so. But I trust him. Will you give him a chance?”
Brendan studied Gregor for a few seconds before replying, “Okay. But if the soup doesn’t help me, I won’t eat any more.”
“Fair enough. I also want you to tell me the truth when I visit again later, okay?” Sid said.
Brendan gripped the sheets. “You’re leaving?”
His mate was probably wondering what was going on with regards to the soup, but obviously wanted to stay. Gregor chimed in. “How about I talk to Dr. Sid for a few minutes out in the hall once the nurse gets here? That way she’ll be close by in case anything goes wrong. Won’t you, Doctor?”
Cassidy bobbed her head. “Yes. And I’ll come back in as soon as we’re done talking.”
Brendan looked from Cassidy to Gregor and back again. “Okay. But don’t stay away too long, Dr. Sid. My dragon listens to you and I might need your help again.”
Cassidy ruffled the lad’s hair. “I’ll stay as long as you need me, Brendan. I promise.”
A knock on the door prevented the boy from replying. Ginny’s smiling face came in with a tray. “I have a very special soup for a very special guest.”
As Ginny settled the food on a tray and swung it over Brendan’s bed, Cassidy spoke up. “Ginny will stay with you for a few minutes whilst I talk with Dr. Innes. I’ll be right back, okay?”
Brendan nodded quickly. Ginny took the cue and waxed on about the importance of finishing every last drop.
Gregor pulled Cassidy into the hallway. Before she could open her mouth, he pulled her close and kissed her. While he didn’t have a lot of time, he stroked slowly against her tongue until his female sighed. With great effort, Gregor pulled back and murmured, “I love you.”
Sid blinked. “What?”
He cupped her cheek and stroked her soft skin. “Our time alone is short and I couldn’t wait any longer. Seeing you in there, playing charades with that boy, only strengthened my feelings for you. You’re a rare breed, Cassidy Jackson. You’re kind, determined, devoted, stubborn, and yet tender at times, too. With you at my side, we can accomplish anything.”
Cassidy played with the edges of his lab coat, and Gregor wondered if he’d miscalculated. Not that he’d take his words back as he meant them with every bone in his body.
Just when he was about to ask a question, Cassidy whispered, “I love you, too.”
~~~
When Gregor had said he loved her, Sid had frozen. She’d known he cared for her, but hearing the words made it a reality.
While she should be happy he felt the same as her, Sid waited for her dragon’s response.
At first, her beast merely sat and said nothing. Then after a few more beats, she spoke up. Don’t lose him.
She should play it safe, but Sid was tired of tiptoeing around her dragon. Why?
Her beast stood up. He is good for us.
Us?
Her dragon grunted. You heard me. What’s good for you is good for the baby. Don’t chase him away out of fear.
I’m more concerned about you leaving him, once the baby is born.
I won’t leave him. I like him.
Sid chose her next words carefully. He will only stay if we work together. I thought you wanted to take the child and flee?
Her dragon paused and then murmured, I liked the game. If I go out alone, it will be boring.
So you’re reconsidering?
Maybe, maybe not. Just don’t lose him.
The importance of her dragon’s statement wasn’t lost on Sid. She might actually have a chance.
As she stared into Gregor’s gray eyes, she could tell he was nervous about her reply. While the conversation with her dragon was a huge step, it paled in comparison to how she felt about the dragonman in front of her. Tired of always playing it safe, she took the jump and whispered, “I love you, too.”
The corner of his mouth ticked up. “Are you sure about it, lass? I can give you some more time, if you need it.”
She frowned. “Here I am taking a chance and you’re teasing me.”
He cupped her cheek and his rough fingers against her skin eased some of her tension. “You tensed up as soon as your pupils started flashing. I wanted to help you relax a little. After all, I’m your personal physician.”
“Right now, stop being my doctor and just be the man who loves me. He should be kissing me right about now.”
Gregor leaned down until his lips were a hairsbreadth away from hers. “I wish we had time for more than a kiss, but just know this is a taste of what’s to come.”
He prevented her from replying by pressing his lips to hers. At the contact, her dragon hummed and Sid wrapped her arms around Gregor’s neck. Tilting her head, she opened her mouth to accept his tongue. He teased and stroked and with each pass, Sid melted a little more against her dragonman. The instant her nipples touched his chest, she moaned.
Gregor took her arse and pressed her against him. The feel of his hard cock against her abdomen sent wetness rushing between her legs.
With a growl, Gregor pulled away. Sid blinked a few times before asking, “Why did you stop?”
“Because if I had kissed you any longer, I would’ve carried you to your office, ripped off your clothes and taken you.”
The image of her sitting on her desk with her legs wide as Gregor pounded into her made her skin even hotter.
Her dragon spoke up. But the boy.
At the mention of Brendan, ice flushed through her veins. Clearing her throat, she whispered, “We are definitely going to try that later, but not until we sort out our young patient.”
“Exactly, love. Otherwise, not even a thousand dragon hunters at the gates could’ve stopped me from claiming you.”
She raised her brows. “I somehow doubt that’s true, but we’ll discuss better hyperboles later. For now, I need you to tell me what’s so special about that soup.”
Gregor lightly squeezed her arse cheek. “Your dedication to your patients is one of the many reasons I love you.”
“Gregor,” she growled.
“Aye, the soup. Trahern found some information on the dragonsoul plant through some sort of botanical research organization. He’s confident he found the counter agent.”
“So it’s not guaranteed? Will it hurt Brendan?”
Gregor shook his head. “No. Even if it doesn’t counter the drug from the attack, it’s harmless to dragon-shifters.”
“How quickly will it act?”
“He’s not exactly sure.”
“And Trahern said to try anyway?”
He nodded. “Aye, thanks to that human female. His perfectionist tendencies seem to fade when she’s in the room.”
Sid tilted her head. “I have my suspicions about them, but now’s not the time.”
“I agree. I plan to claim you long before we take up time discussing Trahern and his human.” He nuzzled her cheek. “Ginny will also be bringing you a batch of the same soup.”
“But what about the baby?”
“Since it’s used in other formulas, we know it’s harmless,” Gregor stated.
Sid spoke to her dragon. What do you want to do?
I’m surprised you asked me.
The dragon slumber shots and your imprisonment were out of my control, and yours. This time, I want you to have a say.
Her beast paused and Sid wondered if she’d undone all the progress she’d made.
Her dragon finally flicked her tail. Even from my prison, I watched you
go to medical school and then practice medicine. The counter agent should be safe. Try it.
Thank you.
Huffing, her beast settled down and remained quiet.
Sid looked back up to Gregor’s gaze. “We’ll try it.”
Gregor smiled. “Aye, well, then we’d better head back into the room. The sooner Ginny doesn’t have to stand watch, the sooner she can fetch your dose.”
She nodded. She loved the fact Gregor didn’t offer any guarantees or false hope.
Sid was lucky when it came to her true mate.
Gregor looped an arm around her waist and guided her back into Brendan’s room. Her heart pounding, Sid wondered how she would be able to keep the boy’s spirits up until Ginny brought her dose. But then she saw Brendan’s scrunched up nose as he ate a spoonful of soup and she had to bite her lip to keep from laughing.
Ginny said, “Now, now, the soup isn’t that bad. Back when I was a child, our doctor gave us all kinds of foul things to try. You should be grateful.”
Brendan asked, “Just how old are you?”
“Old enough. Now, eat your soup. It tastes better warm than cold.”
Sid added, “She’s right, you know. I’d hurry up and eat it if I were you.”
“You have to say that,” Brendan replied. “But if it’s so good, why don’t you have some?”
“Oh, I will be as soon as Nurse Ginny fetches me some.” Sid nodded at Ginny and the nurse left the room. “Do you want to be friends with your dragon again?” Brendan nodded and Sid continued, “Then each spoonful of that soup should help.”
“Okay,” he muttered before taking a large spoonful.
As Sid stood next to Gregor, watching the little boy, she could easily envision them doing the same with their own child when they were sick.
And for the first time, Sid truly believed she’d be there for her child at Brendan’s age.
~~~
Five hours later, Sid could barely stand up straight. Even though the soup had made her sleepy, she’d carried on to help Brendan and then Molly Caruso. Both patients were stable and reported that their dragons were nearly back to their old selves. While both of them would stay for another few days to ensure the cure was permanent, Sid was confident that they would be okay. She would miss Brendan, but she wasn’t about to keep him from his parents longer than was necessary.
Cured by the Dragon (Stonefire British Dragons Book 8) Page 19