Rather than argue the ridiculous point, Gregor finally answered Cassidy, “I’ll go back to Scotland when it’s necessary.”
Relief flashed in her eyes, and he wanted to growl. What his doctor didn’t know was that he may return to Scotland, but he’d bloody well come back.
Cassidy nodded. “Good. Now that’s sorted, tell me what you used to put my dragon to sleep.”
“I’m not sure if I should reveal my secrets.”
“Gregor, just tell me.”
“All right, all right. I used a variation of the dragon-slumber drug, but reduced the dose.” She frowned, but he continued before she could speak. “And no, I didn’t use a needle. I applied it to my lips. I supposed you can say it’s a reversal of the Sleeping Beauty story—my kiss put you to sleep rather than awaken you.”
“Clever. Our last kiss was at least a memorable one. I’m sure tales will develop around it if the teenagers get wind of it.”
His dragon snarled at the thought of never kissing Cassidy again, but thankfully the door opened and prevented Gregor from dealing with his beast. Ginny’s head popped in. “I thought I heard voices. How’s our patient doing?”
Cassidy answered, “Let’s not do this, Ginny. Just tell Bram I’m awake. I want to know what comes next.”
Ginny tsked. “You’re going to get well, of course. Keep up with the negative thoughts and I’ll withhold your dessert from your meals.”
Gregor said in a loud whisper, “Don’t worry, I can sneak something in.”
Ginny walked up to him and lightly smacked the side of his head. “You’re a guest in my surgery. Remember that.”
Cassidy snorted, and Gregor couldn’t help but grin at his doctor. With her dragon out of the picture for the moment, it was almost as if they could all forget what was looming on the horizon.
But then he remembered that Cassidy had maybe a day before her dragon would wake up. He couldn’t afford to waste time. He looked to Ginny. “Ask Tristan to come. I want him to start working with Cassidy straight away.”
Ginny’s gaze darted to Cassidy. “Sid has barely been awake two minutes. I think she should rest, first.”
Cassidy shook her head. “I actually agree with Gregor. While I was lucky enough for you all to bring me back this time, I may not be so lucky next time. I need all of the help I can get.”
“Fine,” Ginny replied. “Although I’m going to chat with Tristan first, to make sure he doesn’t bring his twins with him. Those two cause more trouble than five teenage dragon-shifters and I’m not about to chase them around the surgery.”
Sid bit her lip a second before nodding. “Good luck. Jack and Annabel have been glued to his side recently. It may be more trouble than it’s worth to force them apart.”
Ginny muttered something as she left. When the door clicked shut, Sid smiled. “I almost hope he does bring them. I could do with a distraction.”
Gregor leaned forward a few inches and searched her eyes. “Are you in pain? You need to keep me in the bloody loop or I can’t help you.”
“While my mind is a bit raw from the recent escapade with my dragon, it’s manageable. It’s just that…”
Her voice trailed off and Gregor took her hand. When she didn’t pull away, hope bloomed in his chest. “Tell me, lass. I can keep a secret.”
Fear flashed in her eyes. “If my dragon takes control again, I want you to restrain me and keep me sedated as long as it takes to either help me or allow the DDA to take me away.”
“No one is taking you away.”
“Gregor, please. I’ve spent so many years keeping the clan healthy and alive that it would tear me apart if I ended up harming any more of them. As it is, what I did today with pushing people out of the way, especially Nikki, will stay with me for the rest of my life.”
While he had hope he would never need to do anything, he nodded. “I promise you. But only if you’ve reached the point of no return. You’re going to fight with everything you have, Cassidy Jackson. Because if you don’t, then you’ll have to deal with me.”
“Oh? Am I supposed to be afraid?”
He growled. “I’ve been Mr. Nice Doctor up until now. But if you need pushing and prodding, I’m going to push you hard. I never give up on a patient until death claims them. You’re one of my patients now, so be forewarned.”
“I’m almost tempted to see what Mr. Tough Doctor looks like. You Scottish dragons always act as if you’re jolly and enjoying life, but I think you have your moments like we do.”
“Oh, I’m not denying that claim.” He almost mentioned mates but caught himself in time. “But laughing along the way makes life more enjoyable. Maybe with enough interaction with my clan, your clan will learn that lesson.”