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“Aye, she detested them. She usually hid in the corners of the great hall with a book. That’s where she met Harry, her mate. He’d been searching for insects and spiders. The odd male is known worldwide for his work with the creatures.”
“The bookworm and the insect bloke. That is quite the pair.”
“They were and spent most of their time away from everyone else. Nora helped him with his work, you see. And Harry understood what it was like to have a family try to discourage an interest. He always supported Nora.” Gregor gave a sad smile. “Their daughters grew up with spiders, dragonflies, and beetles painted on their bedroom walls and loved it. The only time I tried to visit my surviving niece, Fiona, after the death of her sister and mother, Fiona had scratched over each one with a marker. When I asked her why, she said the wee critters had died out one by one from sadness.”
“Oh, Gregor.”
“So, aye, I’m grieving, but my niece and brother-in-law are grieving harder. I’m strong for them and the clan. Me breaking down would benefit only myself.”
As she watched him turn to pick up her chart and his tablet, Sid suspected he was about to flee. If she was to ensure his health, she couldn’t let that happen. He needed to talk more until he felt safe enough to break down. Only then would he be able to move on.
So, she blurted out, “I did so
mething similar when my brother died.”
Gregor turned back around and raised his brows. When he remained silent, Sid continued, “I was a teenager and should’ve put on a brave face, especially since my grandfather always told me dragon-shifters needed to be strong, but when no one was looking, I would sneak into Wyatt’s room and nick one of his stuffed animals or toy planes. I then started putting them in boxes and burying them. It was stupid, but I felt that if Wyatt couldn’t have them, no one should. Eventually my dad stopped me, and that’s the day I finally let out all of my pent-up anger and sadness.” She tilted her head. “When you need to do the same about your sister and niece, come find me. Breaking down with me won’t affect your image. I’ll deem you my patient and thus we’ll have doctor-patient confidentiality.”
She fully expected for Gregor to wave his hand in dismissal and say dragon-shifters males didn’t need to break down. However, he merely nodded. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
As they stared at one another, a sort of understanding passed between them. Both she and Gregor had so much sadness and loss in their pasts. They were a rare breed in that they understood one another better than most anyone else.
If only she had her dragon, she might hold him close and never let go.
The noise started in her head again, but on the third beat, it exploded. She grabbed her ears as she cried out. In the next second, Gregor was at her side. “Tell me what’s happening, Cassidy.”
“Noise, so much noise.” The sledgehammer turned into a wrecking ball. “Make it stop. Please make it stop.”
~~~
The sight of Cassidy in pain brought his dragon roaring to life. Help her.
I don’t know how.
There’s one thing that might help.
I can’t do that. There must be another way.
Not right now. Do it.
Sid fell into him and Gregor wrapped his arms around her. As he rubbed her back, each whimper shot straight to his heart.
He hadn’t had time to study her scans or brainwave readings. While he had his suspicions, Gregor had no proof of what caused the pain.
“Gregor, please.” Cassidy screamed and arched back.
With a curse, he laid her down and cupped her cheek. “Forgive me, but I have to try this. It might help.”
Leaning down, he placed a gentle kiss on her lips.
Lust and need shot through Gregor’s body, but he managed to keep his dragon at the back of his mind. He’d deal with the bloody beast later.
Cassidy relaxed and he swiped his tongue between her lips. Damn, the heat and her taste made him want to demand more, much more.
However, her wellbeing was more important. Drawing back, he searched her eyes. “Is the pain gone?”
“Yes and no,” she whispered.
“Care to tell me what the bloody hell that means?”
