Page 14 of The Dragon Recruit
And all because she’d refused to use her clan members as medical test subjects.
Those years were ones she’d rather forget, and yet no matter how much she tried, the scar running down her cheek was a constant reminder. Just seeing it in a mirror brought back memories, ones that sometimes gave her nightmares.
Scarlett pushed aside the past and replied to her beast,After all the hoops we had to jump through to join this project, I won’t risk it to save a few minutes. Besides, we’re free now. That’s all that matters.
You always do that. Always push things aside. But one day, it’ll break you.
I thought you were supposed to be on my side?
I am on your side. But whilst I was forced silent for a while and don’t have those memories, you do. I see them sometimes, in your dreams. And you need to face the past and heal, or…
Or what? We won’t find a mate? I might’ve wanted that once, but no more. The last time I trusted my heart to a male, he betrayed me and turned me over tohim. I trust no one but my twin brother and maybe Honoria and Asher.
Honoria and Asher were the co-leaders of Clan Skyhunter. Asher had gone through a lot worse under the old leader, and Honoria had been sent away before the terror had begun. However, after taking over the clan, they’d both done their bloody best to heal everyone and improve things.
They’d even found a way for Scarlett to finish up her doctor studies, which had been nearly finished before she’d become a prisoner.
But she was still wary of some of her clan and wished like hell she wasn’t.
Her dragon sighed.Fine. I’ll drop it. For now. However, if you’re going to play with that thing, then I’m taking a nap.
Sweet dreams, dragon. Because we’re here.
Scarlett stopped in front of a keypad and tapped in the code. The door opened, and she rushed the last few feet until she could see through the observation glass.
On the other side, the purple dragon form of Iris Mahajan was curled into a ball, sleeping. The sight reminded Scarlett of doing the same in her human form, wearing rags and trying to keep warm in the winter.
No.Within seconds, she forced the memory away. Iris was warm and fed and would be let out as soon as they confirmed she didn’t have anything contagious or something that could be passed on.
Since it would be a few days yet before she’d know that, Scarlett headed toward the small room off to the side, where she could put on her protective gear.
It took far longer than she liked, every second dragging. She was impatient to test the latest tweaks to her dragon voice transmitter. The last test she’d been close, so very close, to fixing all the glitches. Until it’d shorted out and slightly shocked her colleague.
Crossing her fingers, she wished for things to go well. It wasn’t exactly scientific, but Scarlett would take any help she could get.
After typing the code into the new keypad, she entered the large room. A second later, Iris opened her eyes, her giant slitted pupils staring at her. Slowly, the other dragonwoman lifted her head and Scarlett held up her prototype. “Like promised, I brought it. Although I need to draw some blood and do a general examination first.”
Iris bobbed her head, and Scarlett inwardly sighed with relief. Some dragon-shifters could be stubborn and irritable and grumpy when it came to doctors. Something about being sick or injured and not liking to appear weak.
Thankfully, last New Year’s, Scarlett had met Dr. Sid Jackson in person for the first time, and she’d learned so much from the Stonefire doctor. Some of Sid’s advice came back to her:When it comes to stubborn patients,always act as if you’re the king and they must obey your every order. Obviously, they can refuse. But a dominant tone, especially coming from a female, is extremely effective.
So, even though Iris seemed cooperative, she kept up her usual dominant doctor tone. “Right, let’s get started. Lower your head and let me check your eyes, nostrils, and mouth.”
After examining everything, she stated, “You’re doing better. However, your eyes are still a little unfocused, and your nostrilsare slightly swollen from the gas. But after a few more days, with enough rest, you might even be able to go home.”
Antony Holbrook’s voice came from speakers inside the room. “That will be up to me, Dr. Turner.”
Ah, yes. The human male who liked to play with people’s lives.
Her dragon’s sleepy voice filled her head.Without his help, you wouldn’t be able to do your experiments. Stop blaming him for not saving Skyhunter.
Not wanting to have the same argument again, she turned and replied to Antony, “You may try to keep her prisoner, but I won’t stick around. You know there’s a female on Skyhunter expecting a baby in the next two weeks. I won’t abandon her.”
Antony stood on the other side of the glass and shrugged. “You can go home once Iris is well. However, I have things to discuss with her in private, once she can shift into her human form again.” He motioned toward the prototype she’d laid down on the side of the room. “Even if that works, I’d rather wait until Iris can’t merely sit on me to quiet me down.”
Iris snorted, and Scarlett glanced back at the purple dragon. “I can get him in here and you can sit on him now.”
Antony sighed. “Yes, yes, pick on the human. Now, are you going to try this gadget of yours or not? Because I have things to do, Dr. Turner, no matter what you may think.”
