Cured by the Dragon (Stonefire British Dragons Book 8)

by Jessie Donovan

  ~~~

  Sid knew the topic would come up eventually, but she still couldn’t help but frown. “Gregor’s and my future is our business.”

  Bram replied, “Aye, it may be. However, without a mating ceremony, Gregor’s transfer will be in the hands of the DDA.”

  Gregor growled out, “The DDA shouldn’t rush things.”

  Evie jumped in. “I think you two need to discuss this matter alone. I’m sure Bram can give you a day to figure it out.”

  Bram sighed. “She’s right. I can give you a day, but no longer.”

  Gregor took Sid’s hand. “Are we done here?”

  “Aye, we’re done here,” Bram said. “But I do need to talk with you two again tomorrow.”

  Sid nodded. “Understood.”

  “Then if you’ll excuse us,” Gregor murmured as he tugged Sid out of the room.

  As they made their way to the door, Sid’s dragon spoke up. You should just mate him. He is our true mate.

  I want that more than anything. But I’m not about to make that decision in front of a room full of people.

  Good idea. Gregor should work for it.

  Sid snorted. Since they were outside, Gregor raised his brows and asked, “What?”

  “All I’ll say is that you should be glad I’m in charge and not my dragon.” Gregor guided them away from both the surgery and their cottage. “Where are we going?”

  He grinned. “It’s a surprise.”

  “I never know if I should be happy or worried when it comes to your surprises.”

  “Oh, you’ll like this one. I promise.”

  She half expected him to take her to the clearing where he had showed off his dragon form. However, Gregor headed instead toward one of the practice landing areas used for the children.

  Her stomach flipped. She hoped he wasn’t going to ask her to do what she thought he would.

  Grunting, her dragon stood up tall inside their mind. Why not? We both like flying.

  We haven’t done it in over two decades. I’d rather not make a fool out of myself in front of Gregor.

  He will love us regardless. If anything, he will be our biggest cheerleader.

  Thinking of Gregor with pom-poms and wearing an American cheerleader outfit made her laugh out loud.

  “I’m not sure I want to know what’s going on inside your head at the moment. But I’m glad you’re getting along with your dragon again.”

  Her beast huffed. Once he sees me in all my glory, he will see how mighty and majestic I am. Then he won’t think I’m up to something.

  They turned the corner and Sid stopped in her tracks.

  Various carved wooden statues in shapes ranging from dragons to horses to even lions ringed a large area in the center of the practice area. In the middle of them all was a rectangular block of wood.

  She looked over to Gregor and he explained, “I’m going to carve your dragon form into that block of wood. But in order to do that, I need to see her first.”

  “Gregor.”

  He winked. “After all, it will give me the chance to carve you naked in a respectable way.”

  She shook her head. “And there goes the moment.”

  He took hold of her waist and pulled her up against his body. “I’m making moments, love. Anyone can be romantic, but few can do it with a piece of wood and talking about naked carvings.”

  The corner of Sid’s mouth ticked up. “I will say that you’re original.”

  “So, will you share your dragon with me?”

  Sid hesitated a second and her beast spoke up again. I’m ready. Do you trust me?

  In the days since taking the cure to the dragonsoul plant, her dragon had been nothing but pleasant and honest. It would take time to build up a friendship of complete honesty and trust, but one of them needed to make the first step.

  Taking a deep breath, Sid replied, Yes. Let’s try.

  Gregor nuzzled her cheek. “Is that a yes?”

  She moved to smile at her male. “As long as you promise not to laugh if I can’t even jump into the air, then yes, I’ll share my dragon with you.”

  He kissed her. “Love, I will be here to support you. My charm will be out and at the ready. Even if you fall flat on your face, I’ll have you smiling again in no time.”

  “Sometimes, I wonder why I love you.”

  “Because I’m irresistible and quite the catch.”

  Lightly hitting his chest, Sid motioned with her hand toward the side. “Just give me room to shift.”

  After one more kiss, Gregor did as she asked and Sid headed toward the middle of the circle of statues.

  Her stomach churned as she took off her jacket and top. She was as nervous as her first time fully shifting as a child.

  Her dragon spoke up. Don’t be afraid. I’m sure once you learn, you never forget.

  Just don’t do anything crazy. Our muscles will be weak and one wrong move could ground us for days or even weeks.

  I know, I know. Stop thinking like a doctor and embrace me.

  Sid was about to say taking the doctor part out of her was impossible when she reached Gregor’s block of wood. The thought of him spending hours lovingly carving her dragon form and then proudly displaying it eased her nerves. Had he known his gift would help so much?

  Her beast grunted. Probably. He’s too clever by half.

  Yes, he is, but neither of us would want it any other way.

  Turning to face Gregor, Sid shucked off the rest of her clothes and took a few steps back from the wooden block so that she wouldn’t break it. Her male nodded at her and she nodded back. Taking a deep breath, Sid imagined her arms growing into forelimbs, her nose elongating into a snout, and her wings and tail extending from her back.

  For a few seconds nothing happened. Then she blanked her mind and let her dragon take charge and her body began to shift.

  The combination of pleasure and pain raced through her body as she morphed into her green dragon form. While the change took longer than she remembered it taking as a teenager, Sid finally stood on four limbs and snapped her wings up behind her.

  Her beast spoke up. See? We remembered how to shift.

  Meeting Gregor’s gaze, Sid saw how proud her mate was of her. His support gave her the confidence to crouch down and jump into the sky.

  Sid beat her wings once, but didn’t gain any traction. However, as soon as she allowed her dragon to take charge, their wings beat in a steady rhythm as they ascended into the sky.

  She wasn’t more than one hundred feet in the air when her wing muscles began to ache. We need to land again.

  Her dragon growled. Not yet. It’s too soon.

  If we don’t, then you won’t get the chance to fly again for longer than you like.

  After a second, her beast sighed. Fine, but we need to work on building up our strength again.

  Agreed.

  Gliding back down to the landing area, Sid was careful to avoid any of the statues on the ground. The challenge was small, but a good one. When her legs finally touched the surface, a sense of accomplishment flooded her body. We did it.

  Of course. You need to stop doubting us.

  Gregor approached them and patted her chest. “Even your dragon is bonny. I’m a lucky dragonman.”

  Her dragon preened inside their mind, but Sid ignored her to scoop Gregor up in the talons of one of her forelimbs and brought him to eye level. Gregor didn’t so much as bat an eyelash as he petted her snout. “Take advantage of my form now because once you’re in flying shape again, you and I are going to have a few challenges.” She blew air out of her nostrils and Gregor grinned. “It’s not childish. Besides, we need to practice for when our bairn is older. If he or she flies away, then we need to be able to chase them.”

  Leave it to her mate to find a logical explanation for having fun.

  Her dragon spoke up. I like him. I think he will be on my side in the future.

  Then I’ll just have to get our child on mine. However, for now,
we have a few things to discuss with our male. Is it okay to shift back now?

  I like that you asked me. Yes, if we can’t do any more flying, then we may as well. After all, we need to agree to mate Gregor.

  I thought you wanted him to work for it?

  After his surprise in the landing area, I think he’s earned it.

  Sid wanted to smile. Just make sure not to inflate his ego too often, okay?

  Her dragon huffed and Sid took that as her beast’s reply.

  Placing Gregor back on the ground, Sid motioned for him to stand back. Once he was a safe distance away, she imagined her wings shrinking, her legs shortening, and her snout morphing back into her face. After a few seconds, she once again stood naked in her human form.

  Before she could open her mouth, Gregor tossed her jacket around her shoulders and pulled her close. “You did brilliantly, love.”

  Sid raised her eyebrows. “Are you being genuine? Because I felt as if I were flapping around before I could get into the air. I don’t think it’d be all that pretty.”

  “Perfection is boring, Cassidy. I much prefer watching you strengthen and improve with time. Because you showing me your progress means you trust me.”

  “Of course I trust you. I wouldn’t be standing mostly naked in the middle of a landing area if I didn’t.”

  “Speaking of which, we need to get you inside.” He gave her a quick kiss. “We have a few things to discuss.”

  She tilted her head. “Oh? And what might that be?”

  “Don’t play coy, lass. I want you as my mate and I’m going to do everything I can to convince you to accept me.”

  “As I remember, you rejected me before.”

  “Aye, well, I no longer do. I want you as my mate, Cassidy Jackson. Will you do me the honor?”

  Her heart thumped in her chest as she stared into Gregor’s eyes. She wanted to shout yes and spend the rest of the day in bed celebrating. However, there was one last thing she needed to address first. “On one condition.”

  “Aye?”

  “Take me home, let me dress, and then tell me more about your sister.”

  He frowned. “What does Nora have to do with our mating?”

  Sid raised a hand to Gregor’s cheek. “Everything, Gregor. It’s the last barrier between us and I want it gone.”

  “So if I tell you about Nora, you’ll be my mate?”

  “Provided you answer everything to my satisfaction, then yes.”

  “Right, then let’s get going. I want to shout to the world that you’re mine and ask Bram to set up the mating ceremony as soon as possible.”

  Gregor scooped Sid up and raced toward the cottage. As she snuggled against his warm chest, she barely noticed the chill. The male she loved was more than she ever could’ve hoped for. She also couldn’t wait to tell everyone that Gregor Innes was hers.

  ~~~

  As Gregor made tea, he waited for Cassidy to come back downstairs to talk. Admittedly, he’d rather not talk about his dead sister, but if it was the only way to ensure they would be asking Bram for a mating ceremony, he’d do it.

  His dragon sighed. You’ve kept it inside long enough. I know you want to talk about Nora and relive memories. It’s not good to keep it all inside.

  I never wanted to burden anyone before.

  But with Cassidy, it’s different.

  Aye, I want to know everything about her and it’s only fair I share, too.

  Just remembering Cassidy’s lovely green dragon form made him smile. It hadn’t been easy getting his statues sent to Stonefire without his female’s knowledge, but Layla had come through for him.

  Thinking of Lochguard’s new senior doctor made him a little homesick.

  His dragon chimed in. If we have a mating ceremony, we can see many of our friends again.

  He didn’t have a chance to reply as Cassidy appeared in the doorway. She might only be wearing yoga pants and a long-sleeved top, but she was still beautiful to him.

  With a smile, Cassidy sat down at the table. “I could get used to you looking at me like that.”

  He placed a cup of tea in front of Cassidy and then sat down next to her. Gripping the back of her neck with one hand, he said, “Even if you contract some rare disease that covers your face in boils, I’ll always look at you like that.”

  She snorted and took her tea. “Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that.”

  His dragon grunted. Stop delaying the conversation. I want her to agree to be our mate as soon as possible.

  Gregor lightly squeezed the back of her neck. “So, what do you want to know?”

  Cassidy searched his eyes. “I just want you to tell me more about her. She was important to you, which means she should be important to me.”

  “You already know my sister liked to read books and stay inside.”

  “Yes, but what about when you were children? Did you two ever get in trouble? The little details bring a person to life, Gregor. Since I never had the chance to meet Nora, I’d like to know her through you.”

  “I think she would’ve liked you, despite your different personalities.” He smiled fondly. “Nora may have been quiet, but she was stubborn. So much so that when she wanted to visit a specific bird colony and our parents refused, she came to me. I was fifteen and she was thirteen. We both felt invincible.”

  Cassidy tilted her head. “Did you succeed?”

  “Not exactly.” Gregor grinned. “We got lost and ended up hiding in a forest. Being Scotland, it was raining, of course. It took us a few hours before we finally admitted defeat and called our parents. Let’s just say that security was tightened for a few months after our mishap and none of the younger dragon-shifters were happy about it.”

  Even though Gregor and his sister had been different, they’d been close. The thought of never seeing his sister’s smiling face, let alone her daughter who looked just liked Nora, squeezed his heart.

  Cassidy’s voice garnered his attention. “I’m sorry I won’t have the chance to meet her. However, you can talk to me about her anytime you want, Gregor. We’ll keep her memory alive.”

  As he stared into his female’s eyes, Gregor fell in love with her all over again. “Thank you, love. I’m going to need some time to fully accept she’s gone, but I will definitely take you up on the offer.”

  Cassidy placed her hand on his bicep. “If we have a girl, we can name her Nora, too, if you like.”

  “We’ll see, love. We have many months to decide on a name. Speaking of which, you should rest. It’s been a long time since you flew and your body is going to be sore before long.”

  She raised her brows. “You’re forgetting something quite important, though.”

  His dragon huffed. How could you forget about wanting to mate her?

  Gregor replied, “Well, I thought that was already decided. I talked about Nora and fulfilled your condition, hence you agreed to mate me.”

  “Your romantic tendencies come and go, I see.”

  Gregor took the cup of tea out of Cassidy’s hands, placed it on the table, and then kneeled in front of her. “Oh, bonny lass, would you do me the honor of becoming my mate?”

  Amusement danced in her eyes as she answered, “I suppose.” He growled and she laughed. “Of course I’ll mate you, Gregor Innes. Hurry up and kiss me to seal the deal.”

  Without another word, he took Cassidy’s lips in his and left no doubt that the deal was sealed between them.

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Sid peeked out of the door on the side of the great hall one more time, but nothing had changed. The entire bloody clan, plus more than a few people from Lochguard, were dressed up and waiting for her mating ceremony to start.

  Closing the door, she still couldn’t believe she was about to be mated to Gregor. Not only that, but with a baby in their future as well.

  Her beast spoke up. We deserve it.

  I’m not going to disagree with you, but with everything that’s happened over the last month and a half,
I still can’t believe it’s real.

  I do. It’s nice not being locked up.

  I’m sorry about that, dragon, I truly am.

  Her beast huffed. Stop apologizing. We’ve already discussed this and put it behind us. Focus on the ceremony. Once we’re done with this, we can spend more time with flying practice.

  Sid smiled. You and the bloody flying. You’re going to be doing daredevil tricks before long, aren’t you?

  Of course. I need to beat Gregor’s dragon.

  She merely shook her head. A knock on the door prevented her from replying. “It’s just me, Sid.”

  She opened the door to let Bram inside. The second the door clicked closed, he spoke again. “I just wanted to check on you.”

  She rolled her eyes. “I’m not going to faint or fall over if that’s what Gregor told you.”

  “I have more faith in you than that. But a lot has happened recently and I need to make sure my head doctor is fine.” His expression softened. “You’re the heart of the clan, Sid. If you want to back out, just say the word and I’ll chase everyone away.”

  “You just want to get rid of the ‘annoying Scot,’ as you put it.”

  He sighed. “Maybe. Finn is going to drive me to an early grave.”

  “Oh, stop it. Your blood pressure is better and you’ve been taking breaks. Evie even mentioned you looking for someone to help you with clan leader duties. Finn won’t kill you, although he might annoy you.”

  “So much for having my doctor on my side.”

  She raised her brows. “I am on your side. But you can put up with him for a day or two.”

  Bram smiled. “I’m glad to see you happy and back to your old self, Sid. You’ve definitely earned today.” Someone cued up the bagpipes and Bram winced. “That’s your signal. I hope you don’t dally. Those bloody things should be against the law.”

  “I won’t. Believe me, I want Gregor Innes for my own.”

  Bram gripped her shoulder and squeezed. “I’ll be in the front row if you need me.”