Page 30 of The Dragons' Healing Mate

“That’s all I’m asking, I assure you. Give that paper to Nina, and she will get you everything you need.” I smiled, under the distinct impression he was about to see a massive improvement in his health.

He gave me another small nod before pushing to his feet. After a few more words of reassurance, he finally left the clinic, prepared to start the new medications Nina had dispensed.

“Please tell me I’ve got a break now,” I pleaded with Nina as I dropped on the desk in front of her.

“You do. I made sure to schedule you one.” I looked up as she winked at me. “I knew you wouldn’t take one without it being scheduled.”

“You are a saint. Thank you so much. I’m going for a walk because if I don’t get some fresh air soon, I’m going to lose my mind,” I said, pinching the bridge of my nose.

I could already feel a tension headache forming, and it was time for me to enjoy the quiet outdoors and a bit of fresh air.

As I walked down the familiar paths, I glanced into an outcropping of trees where several cabins stood. Curious, I followed the path. Loud, rhythmic banging came from one of the larger buildings. Various construction-related items littered the exterior, and there were dragons coming and going from every direction.

I was only a few feet away from the door when a half-naked and very sweaty Bastian stepped over the threshold. My mouth went dry, and I just stood there.

Apparently, all I needed was to see a shirtless, glistening dragon, and my brain short-circuited.

Given that we were fated mates, the connection between us was almost impossible to fight. Being presented with what could only be described as a juicy-looking snack was enough to have me clenching on nothing, memories of Grey’s dragon dick fresh in my mind.

We were doing our damn best to resist, though. Or at least I was… Or had been. I’d sort of had sex on Grey’s desk, hadn’t I?

Focus, Rowan. Now is not the time.

I could tell the moment Bastian noticed me because his entire body stiffened, his muscles rigid as he glowered at me. For a moment, we simply stood there, staring at each other. A train could have driven straight through the horde lands, and the two of us would still be veritable lawn ornaments.

It went on for so long that I was beginning to wonder who would break the intense eye contact first when Bastian suddenly turned on his heel and stormed into the house.

I hadn’t even finished shaking off my surprise—and the lingering warmth in my stomach—when Nix came bounding through the doorway, smiling from ear to ear.

“Rowan, what are you doing here?” he asked in his usual bright, bouncy voice, running to pull me into a sweaty hug.

“I was just taking a lunch break. What are you guys doing out here?” I asked, tilting my head toward the cabin.

A dazzling smile slowly spread across Nix’s face, his pride obvious and sort of adorable. “This cabin is yourbest friend’sblackmail,” he declared, winking at me.

“Sothisis the old McCreevy cabin,” I said, understanding dawning on me. “Oh shit.”

“Yep. It needsa lotof work, so we thought we’d get started. Why don’t you come see?” He ushered me up the stairs.

The porch had recently been refinished. The freshly sanded wood was light and clean, and everything smelled faintly of wood shavings in a way that was oddly pleasant.

“This place is huge.” I took it all in, stepping up to the entryway.

The cabin was far larger than it appeared from the outside. A wide staircase curved up to the second floor, while a spacious living area stretched out before me. Sunlight poured in through the tall windows, illuminating the dust drifting in the air, making it look almost like glitter. Most of the old furniture had been removed, leaving open spaces and stacks of lumber, paint cans, and tools. Despite its worn condition, I could easily see how beautiful the cabin had once been—and how beautiful it could be again.

“Wow. I’ll admit”—I turned this way and that—“I didn’t understand why Griff was so pumped, but I get it now.”

Fresh drywall formed sections of the walls, and the scent of sawdust and paint lingered in every room. The steady sounds of hammers, sanding, and voices echoed through the large space, making it feel strangely alive, even with the ongoing renovations.

“It’s one of the biggest cabins we have,” Nix explained as he led me toward the back. “It used to house one of the enforcer’s family. They hadloadsof kids, so they needed the space. Over time, it became pretty run-down. We’re replacing a bunch of the walls in the rear rooms now.”

I nodded along, fascinated and excited to see what the place would look like when it was finished.

“Look who I found,” Nix declared, striding into a room where another of my mates was plastering a wall, alongside my best friend.

Orsen’s face shifted from concentration to pleasure the moment he saw me. “Always nice to have a visitor. I’m surprised you could pry yourself away from the clinic.”

“NinainsistedI needed a break.” I shrugged because I knew she was right.