Page 82 of The Dragons’ Eternal Mate

“They work too much,” Ma grumbled, crossing her arms.

I shrugged, setting down my cup. “I agree, but it won’t be forever.”

“I still don’t understand why you didn’t go with him. You’re a healer. I’m sure there are people who need medical attention there?” Allison asked, wiping her hands on her apron.

“We’ve discussed it.” I grimaced, still uneasy about the dragons we were taking in. “He was fairly adamant that I was safest here, plus…” I trailed off, unable to find the right words.

Ma scoffed. “My boy insisted you stay here to keep an eye on me, didn’t he?”

I raised my hands in surrender. “You’re his mother. It’s his job to be worried, and in his defense, you were hit by dragon fire. That is pretty intense—I would know.”

“Well, I’m fine now, aren’t I?” Ma asked, raising a brow with no shortage of that classic Ma attitude.

“You are doing spectacularly, but you can’t pull the wool over my eyes. I know when you’re in pain.”

“Bah.” She waved me off, rolling her eyes. “I’m taking the pain reliever you gave me! If it gets much worse, I’ll ask for the stuff you gave Bastian, because that clearly works wonders.”

A snort escaped me as I tried to take another sip of my tea, making me choke a tiny bit.

Rolling my eyes, I gave up on the tea. “I’m never going to let him live that down.”

“Where is your mate?” Allison wondered, taking a peek at Rowan to make sure he was still asleep. “Usually, he’s stuck to your side like glue.”

Ma snickered. “He’s stuck like something.”

“Ma!” My brows shot to my hairline, but we all laughed.

“He’s out there with Orsen and the rest of them most of the day. We’ve still got Cyrus to deal with, too. I know they’ve been worried he’ll show up again.”

Baby Rowan began to stir as Allison stuck her hands in the dough, and she sighed. “I swear, his timing is impeccable.”

Smiling, I shooed her away from the bassinet. “I got him. Come here, chubby boy.”

Bouncing him in my arms, I soothed his crying, and he fell asleep in my arms after a few minutes. Ma gave me a look, though, and I narrowed my eyes at her.

“Don’t start.”

She lifted her hands, the picture of innocence. “I didn’t say anything.”

“Your thoughts were loud enough. Trust me.” I smiled nonetheless, rocking Baby Rowan as I hummed.

“Healer Rowan!” a voice shouted as a dragon I recognized entered the kitchen. Craig. He was a middle-aged dragon who I’d been trying to convince to see me at the clinic. His eyes were wide, his hands nervously clutching a hat he’d taken off.

“Yes?”

Craig pointed out the door, obvious worry painted on his face. “Old lady Miller is hurt. She was out near the gathering fields! Come quickly.”

I glanced at Ma and handed her Baby Rowan. “Tell Nina to bring my kit.”

I knew she’d follow me out to the fields.

Soon after, I had the small bag I took everywhere with me as I hurried into action. Time was of the essence, so I ran straight out of the door, following Craig who was leading the way to the injured woman.

“Where?” I asked, not wanting to make him run all that way again.

“I’ll take you there,” he said, gesturing to his Jeep, the doors still open.

I nodded, sliding into the seat. “What happened?” I asked, closing the door. He was speeding off before I even had it fully closed.