Page 64 of The Dragons’ Eternal Mate

I smirked. “Well, then, I guess we’ll see them when they get so sick that they don’t care who treats them.”

“Yep. We’ll just have to be prepared.”

“With things getting quieter around here, we can work on your training.” I cocked my head. “That is, if you do want to become a healer?”

“Me? A healer?” Nina appeared truly surprised at the suggestion. “I know I jumped in and helped while everything was chaos, but… Wow, I didn’t think you wanted me to be a full-time healer.”

“I think you’d be excellent at it. That is, if it’s what you want,” I offered pointedly.

Nina thought about it for a moment. “I’ve really enjoyed working here. Ma doesn’t need my help in the kitchen anymore, now that Allison is here. I think I would enjoy healing… but do you really think I would be good at it?”

I flashed her an honest grin. “You’re a natural. You’ve jumped in with me on several emergencies. You held down the fort with Nix while Ma was injured. I think you’ll be fantastic at it, and I won’t lie and say I wouldn’t appreciate the help.”

Slowly, a dazzling smile took over Nina’s face. “In that case, I look forward to my training.” After standing, I walked around my desk, pulling Nina into a hug. “Thank you. I don’t think I’ve said it enough, but I would never have been able to do all this without you.”

Nina grinned back; her dark hair tucked behind her ears. “It’s been a joy, honestly! Now, we need to figure out how to get you a few days off each week. Though I’m sure those days will be quickly filled up with Alpha duties! It’s been a very long time since North Oak had a female Alpha.”

“Oof, don’t remind me. I’m much better at healer duties.” I smiled at her, enjoying a moment where we were both blissfully planning, imagining a future where our issues were long behind us.

“I’m sure you’ll do great.” Nina squeezed my shoulder. “I’m not the only natural around here. I⁠—”

Without warning, Samuel burst into the room, his pace quick. “Alpha Rowan, you need to follow me right away.”

I frowned. “What’s going on?”

He shook his head. “I’m not sure, but there’s a commotion in the den.”

I didn’t like the sound of that, and I didn’t need to be told twice.

Rushing, Nina and I made our way through the path toward the den behind Samuel as quickly as possible.

People were gathering in the courtyard. There were easily seventy-five dragons milling around the space, all of their focus on the circle in the middle. Everyone was looking at a group of three dragons I’d never met before, standing there, fury radiating out of their expressions.

I was about to open my mouth and ask who they were when someone swore next to me. Turning, I noticed Colin, his mouth open on a snarl. He was wearing dirty clothes and smelled faintly of sweat. He’d clearly been working on one of the cabins.

From what I’d heard, Colin had settled into working with the horde. Surprisingly, even though my men had given him grief for kidnapping me, they had encouraged him to become an active member of our horde, and it seemed to have worked. Between his mate, who was helping to feed everyone while Ma was recovering, and him helping build houses and cabins, the family were quickly becoming welcome members of the horde.

“Do you know them?” I asked.

Colin nodded; his face grim. “They’re from Birch Creek. Byron must have sent them. They’re all high-ranking horde members.”

Orsen, Nix, Bastian, and Greylen came out of the den, walking up to meet the strangers together, their steps solid, purpose etched into their features.

“Samuel.” I turned to my guard. “Go find Allison and Baby Rowan, keep them the hell away from this.”

He flinched, shaking his head. “I’m not supposed to leave your side…”

“I’m not going anywhere.” I gestured at my mates. “They’re right here. Go.”

“I can go,” Colin replied, his face hopeful.

“Don’t. It’ll draw attention to you, and that’s the last thing we want right now.” I held out my hand, low toward the ground, urging Colin to stay put.

“Join them,” Nina said, giving me a nudge.

“What? Why?” I hissed the question.

“Because this looks like an official visit. You, as Alpha, need to be there with them,” Colin explained.