Page 43 of The Dragons' Healing Mate

Nina and I were discussing the benefits of some of the maxi dresses—with pockets—when I noticed Ma eyeing the jewelry counter.

“Oh, those are pretty!” I said, wandering over to her. She was admiring a pair of dark, shimmering earrings that reminded me a little of dragon scales.

“They’re too much,” Ma said, cocking her head to the side as she gazed at the dark, iridescent earrings.

“They’re not!” I insisted. “If you want them, you want them.”

“I can never justify spending that much on jewelry! It’s stupid.”

She was torn. Glancing back at Nina, a slow smile spread across my face.

I plucked the box out of Ma’s hands, walking toward the counter as she spluttered, already pulling out my credit card.

“Rowan!” she hissed.

“Can’t a girl treat hermother-in-law?” I asked sweetly, using the same term she had used on me earlier in the day.

Ma’s face melted into a small smile, and she huffed, but there was no anger behind it.

“Don’t say no to her. She’s even more stubborn than her mates; it’s not an argument you would win.” Nina laughed.

“Next time we go shopping, I’m taking your credit card away. Your mates can pay for everything.”

“Why? I have more money than the four of them put together.” I shrugged.

“Because theywantto?” Nina said. “I don’t care how much money I have, I’m never going to say no to a man spending his money on me.”

“Yeah, but my situation is a little…”

“Fucked?” Ma asked as sweet as pie.

Nina and I were silent for a moment, then burst out laughing. Nina and I checked out several dresses, and Ma placed her new earrings in her handbag with a smile.

“Well, next up, I think we need to go to the bakery,” Ma declared, resting her hands on her hips.

“I’m always up for going to a bakery, though I must say, you have spoiled me with all the baked goods at the den.”

“Thank you.” Ma beamed, linking our arms. “But these guys make some fantastic cookies.”

We walked down the street toward the bakery. The small shop was tucked away, but stunning, nonetheless.

Cabinets full of every baked treat imaginable, combined with the most heavenly scent I had ever been blessed with, hit me the moment I entered.

“Ooh, pistachio pastries!” Nina cooed, heading over to one of the display cabinets.

We took our time perusing the offerings. There was so much variety, I struggled to make a decision. Ultimately, I decided on several boxes of treats.

“There’s no way you’re going to eat that many,” Nina announced as the store clerk boxed them up.

“No, but I will be able to take a bite out of each one… and then I’m sure Nix and Grey will demolish the rest.”

“I suppose that is an unexpected bonus of having multiple mates.”

“I’m getting a few boxes myself, and I’ve got no mates to help.” Ma chuckled as she chose various treats to be boxed up.

I had never asked about Orsen’s father. I probably should have at some point. Was Ma a widow or divorced?

“You have a child who eats everything in sight, though,” I pointed out.