Page 33 of The Dragons’ Eternal Mate

“Or the worst, in some people’s opinions,” she muttered, taking another tiny bite.

“You need to eat more,” I said, frowning and nodding at the sandwich. “And as far as I’m concerned, ‘some’ people can fuck off.”

Rowan grimaced. “Thanks. I’m not doing it on purpose. I’m just so tired and busy that I forget. Also, it’s hard to have an appetite when I’m constantly worried that Cyrus or Byron are going to appear. Jenkins is too stupid to be a real threat compared to them.”

“I know it’s difficult when you’re stressed. But you’re not alone in this. We’ve got your back, and so many dragons here are thrilled to have you. Willing to protect you, too. Lean on that. And my pestering you.”

Still, Rowan had a point. It felt so difficult to let my guard down with those two out there. I’d been working around the clock to install more cameras and test them all to ensure she could never disappear on us again. If there hadn’t been a looming threat hanging over our heads every day, I would have scooped my mate up and whisked her away for a break.

“We need a vacation.” The idea tumbled out of my mouth without much thought.

Rowan snorted, rolling her eyes. “Where would we even go?”

I thought about it for a moment. “I don’t know. It was always the cabin, but that place is sort of…”

“Tainted?” Rowan supplied, her brows knit together.

I nodded solemnly. “I don’t think I could stay there again without constantly worrying about you.”

She bobbed her head. “That sounds very much like the opposite of a vacation.”

“Maybe once everything settles down, we can find a place?” I tried to offer a look of hope, but I wasn’t sure it worked.

Rowan hummed. “This should be our place, though. It won’t always be like this, will it?” she asked in a small voice.

“No,” I promised. “Once Cyrus is dealt with, and you’ve had time to catch up on patients, you will have a much lighter workload and be safe. You can relax. We will make it happen.”

“A few months ago, my biggest worry was where I would visit next. I love it here, don’t get me wrong, but I have never been so exhausted.”

“That you remember… I seem to recall a time not long after our mating when you were very worn out.”

Rowan laughed, batting me on the arm as she took a larger bite of the sandwich before chewing and swallowing it. If I needed to make her laugh in order to get her to eat, I could manage that.

“That is a very different kind of exhaustion!” She giggled.

I tugged her across the bench, putting my arm around her. She didn’t resist, leaning into my touch. I breathed in that scent of herbs that clung to her, the scent so uniquely hers. For a moment, it was quiet, and I hoped to God that we could put this all behind us, sooner rather than later. It was exhausting, and I wanted my mate to be happy.

Not constantly scared.

“All in good time, we’ll be that tired again,” I promised, giving her a quick kiss. “We’ll be there soon. Just you wait.”

Rowan

“Iswear to all the gods above, if you don’t let me do something, I’m going to lose my mind.” Ma sighed while I changed her bandage, and I fought back a grin.

She had returned to her own room at least. Her space was just as I’d imagined it, a mixture of homemade quilts, recipe books, and an armchair that looked almost too comfortable to resist.

“Do you think for one moment that if I let you get back to work, you’ll actually listen to me and not use your hand?” I asked pointedly.

“I have helpers.” Ma pouted. “I’ve heard Allison is doing amazingly.”

“She is, but she’s not as good as you.” Nina smiled as she organized the bandages. She had come with me to check on Ma and ensure she was settled in her room.

“Well.” Ma smiled, waving off the compliment. “She’s got a newborn baby. I certainly couldn’t do as much as she has been.”

I grimaced. “I think she feels guilty about her father.”

Ma’s eyes widened. “That is a load of crap! She’s family!”