Cured by the Dragon (Stonefire Dragons 6)

Tristan’s voice boomed from the other side of the door again. “Last chance to let me in or I’m leaving.”

Remembering how much Cassidy needed Tristan’s help, he moved to the door. He glanced to make sure his doctor was decent before opening the door. Gregor eyed the dragon-shifter teacher he’d seen on Lochguard before. “Tristan MacLeod.”

Tristan grunted before pushing past Gregor to stand at Cassidy’s side. “All I was told was that you needed my help, but I’m not sure what I can do.”

Gregor opened his mouth to castigate the male’s surly tone, but Cassidy beat him to it. “Tristan MacLeod, if not for me, you wouldn’t have your mate today. All I ask is for you to cut the alpha bullshit and teach me how to control my dragon.”

Tristan crossed his arms over his chest and sighed. “Sorry, Sid. My twins have tested my patience lately. Don’t tell Melanie how I snapped.”

Cassidy raised her brows. “That depends if you actually try to help me and act at least somewhat friendly to Dr. Innes. We need him.”

Tristan glanced over at Gregor. “Since he’s not shacking up with my sister like the bloody Scottish clan leader, I’ll try, but I can’t make any promises.”

It was on the tip of Gregor’s tongue to tease Tristan about Arabella, but he decided Cassidy’s well-being took precedence. “Then let’s cut to the chase. We have a little less than a day before Cassidy’s dragon stirs. The beast is unstable and she needs to learn how to rein it in.”

The corner of Tristan’s mouth ticked up. “Well, I agree that Cassidy is strong, but I’m not sure even you can manage it in a day, Doc.”

“I’m going to try,” Cassidy stated.

Tristan shrugged. “Fine. But it’s hard to do anything without the beast actually awake.”

Gregor growled. “Do what you can.”

Tristan studied him a second before his pupils flashed. The Stonefire dragonman finally replied, “I will for Sid’s sake, not because you want to fuck her.”

Cassidy narrowed her eyes. “Tristan.”

“Does he deny it?” Gregor couldn’t bring himself to lie, so he said nothing. Tristan smiled. “I thought so.” He looked to Cassidy again. “If you want any chance of succeeding, you need to be 100 percent honest with me, Sid. Otherwise, anything I say will be a waste of time.” Sid finally bobbed her head and Tristan’s brown eyes met his again. “And you need to cut the protective bullshit. I’m happily mated, and while I’m not sure a Scot is worthy of our doc, you have no competition from me.”

Gregor’s dragon spoke up. I believe him.

Nice of you to ignore all the insults.

Challenging him on everything takes time away from helping Cassidy. Are you really going to let your pride get in the way?

Gregor grunted. “Fine. So, let’s get started.”

Tristan motioned with one hand. “Wait outside. Sid doesn’t need any distractions.”

Gregor nearly blurted how Cassidy was his patient, but as he met his doctor’s eyes, he could see her saying she’d be all right. Regardless of Tristan MacLeod’s rough manner, Cassidy trusted Tristan and Gregor trusted her.

His dragon huffed. About time.

Gregor spoke aloud, “I’ll check on my patients and come back in an hour or two.” He sent Tristan a piercing stare. “But if anything goes wrong or her condition changes, you hit the panic button and find me. Understood?”

“Fine,” Tristan muttered.

As Gregor exited the room, he wondered how the hell the surly dragonman was a teacher, let alone how he could help Cassidy. But since his dragonwoman trusted the Stonefire male, Gregor would have to do the same. As much as he wanted to hiss and chase any male away from his doctor, he knew Cassidy wouldn’t put up with it.

His dragon chimed in. Keep thinking of her and acting noble and she’ll want to mate us sooner.

We’ll see, dragon. We’ll see.

~~~

Once Sid and Tristan were alone, she sighed. “Was it really necessary to provoke him?”

“Yes. Any male who wants you had better be able to stand up for himself while also knowing when to let someone fight their own battles.”