Page 68 of Charming the Dragon
When Hayley had first met Sarah through her solicitor work, the woman had been rather shy and closed off. But over the months, they’d become friends. And with her mate’s love, Sarah had transformed bit by bit.
Yet more proof that being a dragon’s mate could be a wonderful thing.
Focus.“Thank you! It’s rather cold down here.”
“Okay, they’re lowering the swing down now. Hop on and we’ll get you up right quick,” Sarah said.
Hayley watched as a looped rope was lowered. Only when it was nearly to the ground could she make out a type of leather seat in the loop, which would hopefully make it easier to stay on.
She didn’t hesitate to sit and shout, “I’m on and ready!”
Sarah’s voice again. “Hold on, Hayley.”
Inch by inch, she rose. The entire time, she focused on the opening and the growing noise. It sounded like a large group of people, but how had Nathan found them so quickly? Maybe the underground lake was beneath the clan, although she swore it was too far away for that.
The slow, steady journey upward took forever. However, she never took her gaze from the growing light. That was her freedom, and her chance to see if what she felt for Nathan was real.
By the time she was just below the opening, Nathan’s face appeared and relief rushed through her.
“I’ll help you up, Hayley. Just take my hand.”
When close enough, she did. Nathan pulled her up and into his arms. They stumbled, fell, and she landed on top of him. He groaned, and she tried to scramble off, but he held her against him. “You’re not going anywhere.”
Uncaring about who saw, she closed her eyes and laid her head on his shoulder. She barely noticed the hum of voices or thebreeze blowing. No, Nathan’s heat and scent and the sound of his beating heart were all that mattered.
They’d done it. They’d found a way out. And part of her was afraid to let go of him because back in the real world, she might lose the Nathan she’d come to care for while stuck underground.
Eventually Nathan whispered, “Come on, love. Let’s get you warm. Your skin is still like ice.”
As he rubbed her arms, she reluctantly raised her head and opened her eyes, only to blink a few times.
Because about twenty people stood around them.
Dr. Sid pushed her way to their side before the female dragon doctor helped Hayley up. “Are you hurt anywhere? Tell me the truth, Hayley.”
“No, not me. I’m fine. But a giant stalactite hit Nathan not too long ago in his dragon form. Help him first.”
Dr. Sid swung her gaze to Nathan and frowned. “Why the bloody hell didn’t you say anything?”
He stood taller. “I needed to rescue Hayley first. Tell me you wouldn’t have done the same if it were you and Gregor.”
The doctor sighed. “Gregor could have a severed limb and would still find a way to slow the bleeding, call it a scratch, and rescue me.” She pointed to a nearby rock. “Sit down and let me examine you.”
Hayley moved to follow, but a group of women—both dragon and human—circled around her: Melanie, Nikki, Sarah, Dawn, another human named Samira, and even Percy, the newest clan member, one Hayley hadn’t seen much of before.
While Percy hovered at the back of the group, Dawn didn’t hesitate to take one of her hands and pull her into a hug. “Thank goodness you’re okay, Hayley! We were all so worried about you.”
Dawn released her, and Nikki spoke up. “Rafe’s been angry with himself for not being able to locate you two. Where the bloody hell were you?”
“Er, that’s quite a story. And one I’m not sure I can share until I talk to Bram and Kai.”
Bram’s voice came from behind her. “I’m here, lass. I was back on Stonefire and it took me a bit to get here.” He stopped in front of her. “We’ll have that chat soon. For now, Nathan needs to be examined by Sid and you need to go eat and rest up whilst you wait.” He glanced around and added, “And don’t try pestering them for details either.” Bram moved his gaze to Nikki’s face. “Find a way to put bars or some sort of barrier on top of these openings without completely closing them off.”
Nikki bobbed her head. “I’m on it.”
After smiling at Hayley, Nikki rushed off to do who knew what.
Samira threaded her arm through hers and spoke up. “Come on, Hayley. We have some tea and food waiting nearby, in the children’s camp. Once you’re fed and warm, we’ll take you back to Stonefire proper.”
