Page 34 of Kidnapped By The Messy Dragon

“It’s healing nicely,” she says, mostly to Jalen. “You know how bruising works on humans. It always looks worse before it gets better.”

The room has gotten warmer since she started touching my face. I don’t have to look at Jalen to know why.

She picks up one of those flat popsicle-stick things and has me open my mouth. I say ahh, which is about as dignified as it sounds.

“The cuts are already healing,” she says. “No stitches needed.” She slides the stick out of my mouth.

“I don’t like seeing her like this,” Jalen says.

The room goes warmer again.

Dr. Ayanna steps back and looks me over. Then she smirks, and her teeth come to the same points Jalen’s do.

“You know,” she says, “that bruise will heal a lot faster once you complete the mate bond.”

“Mate bond?” I ask.

“Humans like to call it hunching these days,” Jalen says.

I’m embarrassed in front of a whole doctor, and when I look to Jalen for help, he just smiles at me.

Ugh.Why does he have to be fine and infuriating at the same time?

Dr. Ayanna pats my knee. “That’s only a suggestion. The slower cure is rest. Ice on that cheek tonight, a warm compress tomorrow, and nothing but soft foods until those cuts close.”

Then she crosses to Jalen. “Take care of her. I smell a lot of confusion on her. She’s likely still processing the mate bond.”

Great.Even my confusion is public record in this town.

“I’m doing my best to make sure she’s comfortable,” Jalen says.

“Go into town and pick up some herbal tea,” she tells him. “It seems to be working for the allergy.”

Jalen drags a hand down his face. “Better make it a case. I handed my brother that container this morning.”

I bite down on my laugh.

“I’ve already called the shopping center,” Dr. Ayanna says. “They’re pulling the products until we can figure out what’s going on.” She tucks her penlight back in her coat. “Since you’re here, how about a favor for a favor?”

Jalen straightens up on his exam bed. “What?”

“That messy podcast of yours could do some good right now,” she says. “We know some of the product sold, but we’re having trouble tracking who bought it. A little whisper from your show and every shifter in the valley throws theirs out by sundown. My clan’s already on it.”

Jalen examines his nails like the request is nothing. The room gets warmer anyway.

I cut in, and both dragons look at me. “I’ll make sure it’s done.”

Dr. Ayanna smiles at me. “Thank you, Jalen’s mate.”

My ears go hot. “Just call me Zuri.”

We pull into the shopping center and park in front of Stanley’s Diner. I’m out of my seat with the engine still rumbling. The sidewalk is busy with townsfolk, and I can’t wait to be in the middle of them.

Behind me, Jalen mumbles, “Damn. Can’t even cater to her.”

I snort and ignore his fussing. He turns off the engine and climbs out.

“It’s nice,” I say. I mean the sidewalk, the shops, and the town noise all at once.