Teagan slowly sat up and tried not to grimace as pain shot up her leg. At least her throat barely hurt at all, meaning the sleep had done its job. “Then I’ll get out of bed and go to him.”
Ronan sighed. “People in love always do stupid things. I’m not sure why I bother.” He pointed a forefinger at her. “You stay there. I’ll help bring Aaron to you because if he keels over from a heart attack, the clan can survive. I can’t say the same about you.”
Aaron muttered a few choice words about what the Irish doctor could shove where.
Teagan looked back to Aaron and barely noticed the doctors undoing the straps around his legs. She said, “If you need help walking over here, take it. I’m not about to watch you fall over and break a bone or two.”
The corner of Aaron’s mouth ticked up. “If you were well, I might consider breaking a bone. Then you’d have to be nice to me and do the cooking.”
She fought a smile and lost. “Don’t even think about it. If you break your bones on purpose, I’ll leave you to fend for yourself.”
“And then you’ll starve soon after that. If for nothing else, think of losing your personal chef. You want him back.” He lowered his voice. “Also, don’t forget what else I’m good at.”
Ronan rolled his eyes, but Teagan barely noticed. She and Aaron grinned at each other, and for a split second, she forgot about everything but the male she loved. Aaron had a knack for making her problems temporarily melt away.
If she could help it, she was never letting him go.
Her dragon grunted. I told you he won’t run away from a challenge. He’ll never tire of fighting at our side.
Ignoring her beast, she watched as Aaron maneuvered off the bed with Ronan’s help. Aaron had to lean on the doctor to make his way across the floor. Each step seemed to take a year.
She outstretched her hand. As Aaron finally took it, his warm touch erased most of her sleepiness. “Kiss me quickly, Aaron, because there’s much to do, but I want to make sure you’re real first and that all of this isn’t a dream.”
Amusement danced in his eyes. “Someone is waxing poetically.”
With a growl, she yanked him toward her. He tumbled and landed half on her body, careful not to touch her leg.
She expected him to yell, but instead, he just maneuvered himself until his lips touched hers.
Opening, she allowed his tongue to slide between her lips and explore her mouth. At his taste, she moaned. It couldn’t have been that long since she’d last kissed him, but it felt like years.
Yes, she needed to keep him around. Then she could kiss him whenever she wanted.
Aaron finally broke the kiss. He whispered against her lips, “Also don’t forget that I’m the best medicine.”
“Good grief,” Ronan muttered at the same time Teagan shook her head.
She said, “Save your charm for the DDA. We’re going to talk to them.”
Aaron frowned. “You must’ve still been asleep when O’Brien told me about Orla and Brenna handling that duty.”
“As much as I appreciate their help, I should be the one to talk with the DDA. Any punishments they issue will be mine to suffer, not theirs. Not that I’m going to take the meeting lightly. I’m going to challenge them every step of the way. After all, their lack of involvement helped cultivate confidence in the other clans about taking me down.”
Aaron whistled. “I can’t wait to see this. Don’t even think of trying to keep me away.”
“Come sit at my side. A few of your glares will have them shaking in their boots.”
Ronan spoke up again. “I strongly advise against this, Teagan. You’re weak.” She opened her mouth, but Ronan beat her to it. “Anyone who suffered your injuries and ensuing fever would be weak. Despite your recent idiotic behavior regarding the Stonefire male, you’re a good leader. You’ve proved that over and over again. I’m on your side, but I don’t want a relapse. There’s always a chance your condition will weaken further and you could die.”
Teagan replied, “My neck already feels better. Besides, I’ll use a bloody wheelchair and you can push me there yourself, Ronan, to conserve energy. I won’t compromise on this, though. I’m a witness to Padraig, Orin, and Hugh’s betrayal. My word will carry weight, and you know it.”
Teagan and Ronan stared at each other. The doctor finally threw his hands up in the air. “Fine. But all you’re going to do is talk and then you’re coming back here where I’ll examine you. Then you’ll rest. Understood?”
Since Ronan was the head doctor, he was one of the few who could order Teagan around when it came to her health. “Yes. Now, hurry. If the clock in the room is correct, the DDA should be here by now.” She looked to Dr. Trahern Lewis. “You, call central command and tell them I’m coming. Ask for Orla and Brenna to sit this one out. Also, they need to delay the DDA as long as possible until I can get there.”
The male merely blinked at her. Thankfully the other doctor from Stonefire, Emily, spoke up. “I’ll do it. But then we need to get back to helping the others who were attacked.”
Teagan nodded, and the Stonefire pair exited the room. Ronan pushed the nurse call button and moved to Teagan’s bed. “Just a quick check before you go.”