Cured by the Dragon (Stonefire Dragons 6)

I won’t interfere while you try to save the child, but I won’t make any promises about the rest.

Her beast retreated to the back of her mind again and Sid sighed. At Gregor’s inquisitive look, she murmured, “We shouldn’t have any distractions while working on our latest assignment. Even my dragon wants to help the boy.”

“That’s progress.”

“I suppose.” Sid started walking and Gregor followed. “Let’s check on Molly Caruso and make the rounds from there since Ginny said no one had an appointment for another hour.”

They made their way down the hall and entered Molly’s room. The dragonwoman was tossing and turning on the bed.

Sid let go of Gregor’s hand and rushed to the woman’s side. She was still asleep, but the change in her behavior might mean the female was ready to wake up.

Taking hold of Molly’s shoulders, Sid asked, “Can you hear me, Molly? If so, I need you to wake up so I can help you.”

Gregor was on the other side and checked Molly’s pupils. They flashed between slits and round ones. She hoped the change was a good sign.

Her mate ordered, “Molly, fight your dragon. We need you awake. Now.”

The older female muttered something unintelligible. Sid found a specially formulated vial of smelling salts and held them under Molly’s nose. The female turned her head away, but Sid followed her. After a few more seconds, the female shot straight up in bed. “What’s going on? Where am I?”

Molly’s pupils were round.

Gregor checked her vitals as Sid said, “You’re in the surgery, Molly. Do you remember what you were doing before?”

“I was…in the car. That’s the last thing I remember.”

“Good. Now, how is your dragon?” Sid asked.

Molly took a second before replying, “She’s unconscious.” Her eyes met Sid’s. “Why can’t I wake her?”

Keeping her voice cool and collected, Sid answered, “You were given a strange drug that probably affected your dragon. She’s actually been in control for days and is probably just exhausted.”

“Days?”

Sid nodded. “Yes. Now I know this is disorienting for you, but I need you to answer a few questions so I can help you get better. Can you do that?” Molly bobbed her head and Sid continued, “Can you wiggle your toes and fingers?” Molly complied. “Good. Does it hurt anywhere?”

Molly placed a hand on her temple. “I have a massive headache, but that’s it.”

Gregor spoke up. “We’ll take care of that for you, lass. And if you’re up to it, we’ll call your son.”

“Is Aaron all right?” Molly asked.

“He’s fine,” Sid answered. “No one else was attacked.”

Molly sighed. “Thank goodness. Aaron didn’t want me to come back just yet, but I fought him and won. I wouldn’t want anyone else injured because of my stubbornness.”

Gregor’s voice was light as he said, “Stubbornness runs rampant with dragon-shifters. Although I would advise you to stay on Stonefire until further notice. You inhaled a strange substance and we’re not sure what the effects are. No matter how small a change, you tell us everything, aye?”

“Yes, Doctor.”

Gregor smiled. “Good.” Ginny entered and Gregor motioned toward the nurse. “Since all of your vital signs are normal, Ginny will stay with you until your son arrives. She’ll also give you something for the pain.”

Sid shared a look with Ginny and the nursed nodded—she would try to find out more from Molly and keep prodding her gently.

After a few more reassuring pats, Sid and Gregor exited the room and headed for Sid’s office. As soon as they were inside, she said, “I wasn’t expecting that result.”

Gregor shrugged. “Maybe her dragon raged and fought for so long that she passed out? It’s entirely possible.”

“But why then is she okay and the boy is not? Trahern said the differences in the formula weren’t that significant.”