Page 76 of The Dragons' Healing Mate

I just laughed, letting myself drift off into blissful unconsciousness.

Rowan

Ididn’t sleep in often. I had way too many things to do at the clinic to be lounging in bed. Yet,thisparticular morning, I was snuggled deep into the blankets, surrounded by the most comforting warmth imaginable.

Becausemy mateswere there.

Smiling to no one in particular, I stretched, raising my arms over my head. Almost immediately, a hand found its way to my breast, lazily smoothing over my nipple until it hardened. I chuckled, careful to keep quiet, and peeked over at Orsen, who lay next to me. His eyes were closed, but a gradual smile spread over his face. Eventually, he cracked an eyelid, smirking at me as he saw me playfully glaring at him.

“Oops, did I…?” He didn’t bother to finish, and I shook my head, rolling toward him so that I could snuggle under his chin, my legs still tangled up in Nix, who was softly snoring.

I breathed him in, that scent rousing me yet grounding me. I could have stayed wrapped up in bed with them for the entire day, but, sadly, I knew that wasn’t an option. We all had things to do—the clinic, Griff’s cabin, checking in with the horde, and worrying about supplies—but for now, forat leasta few minutes, I was going to soak up every moment I could get.

Orsen’s arm scooched under me to pull me closer, and I happily flattened myself against his chest, turning into it so I could plant a kiss on his pec.

“How’re you feeling?” He kissed the top of my head, leaving his mouth resting on my hair.

“Sore. But in a good way. I’ll be honest, I didn’t”—another quiet chuckle left me—“Well, I didn’t think I’d be with all of you any time soon. But I’d thought about it.”

At that, Orsen leaned back, smirking at me as a low rumble vibrated in his chest. “Oh, really?” He cocked a brow, clearly enjoying himself, and I rolled my eyes, shoving lightheartedly at him. “So you’ve beenimaginingwhat it would be like with all of us? And how’d we do?”

My cheeks were on fire, but I smiled, chewing on my lip as I answered, “You were amazing. It was… It wasa lotof fun.”

Squeezing me against him again, Orsen laughed, still being as quiet as he could, and I melted into his embrace, relishing the way he reached around my head, stroking my hair.

“That’s good to hear, Rowan. I’ll admit, I was a tiny bit nervous about how you’d feel this morning.”

I looked up at him. “Oh? Why?”

“Well, like you said, it was a little unexpected. But I’m genuinelythrilledto hear that you had a good time. That’s the goal, after all.”

We both laughed at that, and I flicked my eyes down his body and then back up, whispering, “I mean, I think there’s at least one other goal, right?”

A growl rumbled out of Orsen as I felt Nix stir against my legs, stretching. Although anything that’d been brewing between Orsen and me paused, I couldn’t help but smile as my personal lapdog woke up after sleeping by my feet.

Oh, Nix.

“Morning,” he said, pushing himself into a seated position and cracking his back. “Okay, so I might regret the sleeping position a bit.”

Everyone laughed, and Grey quickly joined the party with a groan, burying his face deeper into the pillow beneath his head. “Shh. I’m comfy. Don’t ruin it.”

Orsen sighed, shaking his head before depositing a quick kiss on my forehead and standing. It was certainlymorning, and I had to pull my eyes away from a very prominent sight this early in the day.

“Unfortunately, we have stuff to see to. There are deliveries coming for the cabin and the clinic, and we need to take a peek at the books to make sure our budget is still in line.” As I spoke I stretched lazily.

Nix frowned, crossing his arms. “Boo. That sounds awful when we’ve got a naked mate right here.”

“Agreed,” Grey added, the word muffled by the pillow he still had his face shoved in.

Glaring with mischievous intent, Orsen edged closer to Nix, then pushed on his shoulder with one finger. It was enough to throw him off balance, and Nix toppled onto the floor. I burst out laughing, unable to stop myself.

“Later. It can be our reward.” Orsen grinned as Nix rose, brushing off non-existent dirt.

“How about I make this a bit easier?” I stood up, grabbing the sheet as I did and shielding myself with it, which of course made Grey curse, now fully exposed, still lying in bed. “I’ll hop in the shower, and you all can get dressed and get to work. Get a move on, Alphas.”

Orsen eyed me, but Nix grinned from ear to ear, giving me a mock salute and saying, “Aye, aye!”

I just giggled, way too content with all the chaos, and wandered to Orsen’s bathroom. I didn’t have a change of clothes,so I had to make do with the sundress I had worn the night before. At least it was clean.