Page 62 of The Dragons' Healing Mate

“I can stay…”

I waved off her concern. “No, you’ll just be bored. I’m going to get a few teas steeping and make some notes, and then I’ll make my way back.”

Nina nodded, her gaze shrewd. “Okay, but only if you’re sure. Leave the herbal mixes, though. You don’t need to do that yet, and I will do them in the morning while you’re seeing patients.”

“Thank you. I’ll be fine. One of my guard dragons is nearby, no doubt.”

“Fine, but I changed your calendar around a little so you don’t start until late tomorrow. The only patients coming in the morning are check-ups and rebandaging. Things I can easily take care of. Try to sleep in? You look exhausted.”

“I’ll give it a shot.” I chuckled. Realistically, I highly doubted I would be able to get much more sleep, but I appreciated Nina’s attempt to help. She was becoming a competent healer. As soon as things were a bit more quiet, I would be giving her training a lot more attention because she deserved it.

She took a few moments to gather her things, then left. When the front door closed, echoing throughout the empty clinic, I sank back in my seat with a sigh. My head was pounding, pressure gathering between my eyes. I was uncomfortably warm, so I shrugged off my cardigan before getting to work. I didn’t wear professional clothing that doctors typically wore. Ihad found over the years that people found healers who wore casual clothing far more approachable, so jeans and cardigans and band tees it was. Sometimes, it was a cute workout set; it really depended on my mood.

I didn’t have time to focus on myself, though, since I had a million and one things to do. Standing, I slowly made my way over to my brewing station, which kind of looked like a mad scientist’s workshop.

I had teas to brew and poultices to make.

Plus, my notes were severely underwhelming. I really needed to get Nina in on my sessions, taking notes for me, because my current system of taking notes after the patient left wasn’t working. I had so many patients that I didn’t have enough time between appointments to even take a drink, let alone make notes.

My stomach cramped uncomfortably, and I placed my hand over my abdomen, needing a little pressure to make it slightly better.

God, I needed a vacation and a strong drink.

It took a few hours to get on top of everything, but I did it, all the while feeling like ass. When I put the last file into the tray for Nina to organize tomorrow, it was dark outside. After pushing my chair back, I stood, the room spinning uncomfortably as I did so.

Maybe I’m more exhausted than I thought.

Taking slow steps toward the door, the room continued to spin, my stomach churning. Brilliant—I was getting sick. Hopefully, a glass of orange juice and some sleep would knock it out before it got any worse, because I could not afford to take time off.

When I opened the door to the clinic, I couldn’t help but notice the way my hands shook.

There were a few steps to get from the clinic’s wraparound porch to the path, and in that moment, those steps seemed monumentally difficult. I considered going into the clinic and taking a nap on the couch. It was fairly comfortable and had several blankets, so it wouldn’t be the end of the world. It was a more appealing prospect than clambering down the six steps and walking back to the den.

“Rowan?” Bastian’s rough voice called out, but I didn’t have the strength to look up.

Just get back to the den. Sleep, eat, then you’ll feel better.

My head was spinning so severely that my balance was going out the window. Every time I looked up, my vision swam, so I kept my head down.

A large hand gently took one of my elbows, the other tucking under my chin and lifting my gaze to meet Bastian’s very worried one.

Clearly, I was dying because there was no other reason this dragon would look at me with concern.

“What?” I asked, my words slightly slurred.

His eyes roamed over me, taking in my wobbly state and glassy eyes. “You’re unwell?”

“Gee, what gave it away?” I asked, swaying on the spot. “Leave me be. I’m going to go back in there to take a nap on the couch.”

He placed his hand on my forehead, frowning. “You’re hot.”

“Yeah, I am!” I declared with a giggle.

Maybe it was the sickness, but I could have sworn the corner of his mouth tugged up ever so slightly in a smile.

Why did the biggest asshole of the horde have to be so freaking hot? His dark hair was brushed back, grazing the top of his shoulders, emphasizing his angular jaw and deep eyes.

Handsome idiot.