Cured by the Dragon (Stonefire Dragons 6)

“Kiss me again.”

“What?”

“Gregor, please. Just do it.”

His dragon paced inside his prison, urging him to kiss her. She was theirs. They should claim her.

Ignoring his beast, he focused on the pleading in Cassidy’s eyes. He leaned down and took her lips in a rough kiss. To his surprise, Cassidy kissed him back as she placed her hand on the back of his head and pulled him closer.

With a growl, he explored every inch of her mouth since it could be the last time he ever kissed her. No matter what, he couldn’t allow things to go further than kissing.

His dragon banged against the invisible wall, but it held.

All too soon, Cassidy pulled away with a sigh. Keeping the disappointment from his eyes, he searched hers. “Well, care to tell me what that was all about?”

She smiled. “When you kissed me, the pounding turned into a hum.”

“Then I was right. The pounding is related to your dragon.”

“I want to accept that, but there’re still too many unknown variables.”

“Said like a true doctor.”

She ignored his remark. “I may need to keep you around to kiss me and stop the pounding when it crops up again.”

“Gee, glad to be of service,” he drawled.

“Stop it, Gregor.” Her expression faltered. “Unless you don’t want to kiss me again.”

“Och, woman, of course I do. But I need to lay something out right here and now.” His beast increased his tantrum, but Gregor wasn’t going to let him out. “I will gladly give such a beautiful female a few kisses. But.”

“But what?”

“If it’s your dragon and we succeed in freeing her, I will need to return to Lochguard straight away.”

“I don’t understand.”

“Mate-claim frenzies always result in at least one pregnancy. I killed a female once before with my child and I won’t do it again.”

His beast ripped a gash in the wall. I’m stronger. I will make it happen. She will be ours.

Gregor constructed a complex maze full of pits, fire, and dead-ends before tossing his beast inside. That would keep him occupied for a while.

Since Cassidy’s expression was free of any emotions, Gregor waited to see what she would say.

~~~

Sid’s excitement at what had happened inside her head was quickly replaced with confusion. She had no idea how such a rational male like Gregor could have such an irrational fear. Just because one female died in childbirth didn’t mean it would happen the next time.

Not that she would be having any children. Gregor’s kiss may have been the first time the pounding had morphed into something pleasant, but she still wasn’t looking for a mate. Until she had a sentient, talking presence in her head to guarantee her sanity long-term, Sid wasn’t making any plans for her own future.

Still, until Gregor left for Lochguard, she would have to add getting Gregor to share about his past to her list of things to do. Judging by his stance, he still hadn’t fully accepted his mate’s death or his own grief. Just because Sid might not have a future didn’t mean Gregor should be deprived of a happy one full of family. If she could heal him, then he might at least have a chance at it.

A low pounding started in her head, but it was manageable. She wouldn’t ask Gregor to kiss her until it became unbearable.

She focused back on him. Keeping her tone light, she shrugged. “Fine.”

He blinked. “Just like that?”