Sid nodded. “Right, then I’ll talk with Bram. Once I have his permission, you can reach out to this female and see if she’d be interested. Make the offer contingent on finding a social science partner, too. But make sure it’s a secure connection and that Emily won’t share the information before extending the offer.”
Trahern tilted his head. “You barely know me. Why are you so trusting?”
“I did my research before selecting you, Dr. Lewis. You and I share similar goals about the future of dragon-shifter medicine. I also know that you love research above all else and I’m confident that you won’t do anything to jeopardize your chance of living your dream. Am I right?” He bobbed his head and Sid continued, “Good. Now, reach out to your colleague with a vague offer and send me and Gregor her details as well as her suggested partner. Stonefire will have to run an extensive background check on them and the sooner Kai can do it, in addition to Gregor and my own check, the sooner we can ask for Evie’s help.”
“You lot do things differently here than back on Snowridge,” Trahern mumbled.
“Stonefire has been pushing boundaries for nearly two years now. I see no reason why we can’t keep doing it. Integrating with humans is important, but finding ways to better ensure the health of our own kind is just as important in my book.”
“I’ll contact her within the hour. She should be coming off shift soon,” Trahern stated.
Trahern knowing the human’s schedule told Sid volumes. “Okay. Gregor and I need to check in with Bram. After that, we’ll check back.”
Trahern studied her. “Are you well enough for all of this work? You just completed a long frenzy and are newly pregnant. You should rest.”
Gregor grunted his approval. Sid merely raised her chin. “I can handle a few hours of work without falling over, just as generations of dragon-shifters have done before me.”
For the first time since meeting him, Trahern smiled. “I like your dedication. We should get along famously, Dr. Jackson.”
“Call me Sid. And I hope so. Just don’t fuck up with your recommendation and everything should be fine.”
“Yes, Doctor,” Trahern answered.
Gregor touched her lower back and Sid looked up at him as he said, “Let’s talk with Bram. Given all that we need to discuss, it’s going to be a long meeting. Thank goodness I’ve stored up my charm for the occasion.”
Sid smiled. “Then let’s see if it works, because this meeting should be interesting.”
Chapter Fifteen
Twenty minutes later, Gregor tried not to laugh at Bram’s expression as Stonefire’s leader asked, “You want to do what, Sid?”
Cassidy crossed her arms over her chest. “You heard me, Bram. Or, do you not care about the health and welfare of our clan?”
“Just wait a bloody minute. Why would you even ask me that? There’s caring for the clan and then being reckless. This walks that line, Sid,” Bram growled out.
Cassidy shook her head. “It’s not reckless, Bram. Our medical practices are outdated, especially when it comes to sharing information. If anything, I think the DDA would appreciate us being more open and transparent with a human. You also already agreed to have an observer come to the clan, so what’s one more? This will foster trust with the DDA’s new director as well as fulfill your obligation.”
Bram sighed. “If, and it’s a big if, I decide to green light this, it still may not happen.”
“We won’t know until we try,” Cassidy pointed out.
Bram looked to Gregor. “And I assume you agree with her?”
Gregor and Cassidy had decided on the walk to Bram’s cottage that they would need to divulge all of their secrets. Gregor spoke up. “Of course. After reviewing some files I obtained from other clans, I already know too many things aren’t being shared with the dragon-shifter medical community at large. There are probably hundreds, if not thousands, of dragon-shifters who could’ve been cured over the years if only their clan doctor had had access to the files from other clans. We need to make the first move if we’re ever to change the practice.”
“I’m going to pretend I don’t know how you received these ‘files’ without my knowledge, as Arabella probably had something to do with it. Still, stealing information on a large-scale basis won’t make anyone happy. What’s your plan to get other doctors to contribute voluntarily?” Bram asked.
Cassidy answered, “I’m working on that part. What’s more important right now is figuring out that substance from the drone attack. Just because another one hasn’t happened again to us or our allies doesn’t mean it won’t or hasn’t. We need to be prepared.”
“I will on one condition, Sid,” Bram replied.
“What?” She demanded.
“You take it easy for a few days.” Cassidy opened her mouth to protest, but Bram beat her to it. “You and your Scot can easily work from home. Not only do you need to regain your strength from the frenzy, but we don’t know what’ll happen when your dragon wakes up. I don’t want to put you, the baby, or anyone else in danger.”
Gregor took Cassidy’s hand in his. “I’ll make sure she rests. And if she has trouble with her dragon, I expect Cassidy to tell me.”
“Gee, thanks for letting me answer for myself,” his doctor mumbled.