Page 31 of The Vampire's Receptionist
Like the universe loved to prove him wrong, when he pushed to his feet, his vision swayed, and he collapsed, barely stopping from hitting the ground by Doctor Chapman’s quick action. He didn’t fully pass out, but it was close, the edges of his vision going dark.
Doctor Chapman scowled. “I warned you about using your magic too soon. And your iron is low. You need another transfusion. And rest. Working like this will only make things worse.”
CHAPTER NINETEEN
The meeting wasn’t anything Dorian felt the need to stress over. The investors who’d stuck around after the coup were a little anxious about how things were going while they got the business back in working order and just needed a little reassurance. He told them his plans to get the division back on its feet, and his goals for the future, and the meeting ended with smiles all around.
He sighed, shutting the laptop screen, and ran his hands over his face. The frequent wakings weren’t pleasant, and he hoped Doctor Chapman would allow him to go back to normal feedings soon so he could sleep. He was sure Kian felt the same way.
“Doing okay?” Zephyr asked. He was seated in the small sitting area nearby, a laptop on his lap. He had his own division to run, but Taron couldn’t sit still for the life of him, so he was already gone with Tony in tow back to the office while Zephyr stuck around until a replacement could take over for him.
“I’m fine. Last night was… difficult, to say the least.”
Sympathy flashed over Zephyr’s face. “I bet. Is the fae making things difficult?”
Dorian frowned. “Kian? Absolutely not. He’s gone above and beyond to care for me, despite the awkwardness of the situation. Why do you ask?”
Zephyr lifted a shoulder, looking back down at his laptop. “In my experience, fae can’t be trusted. One tried to kidnap my cousin. My entire convocation had to fly into the fae realm to get him back.”
While Dorian didn’t agree with discriminating based on race, he could see why Zephyr held a grudge. Still…
“Kian is not like that. He cares very deeply for the well-being of others. He has yet to complain about all of this, despite having his life turned upside down to cater to my needs. I’m grateful that it was him who offered to help me.”
Zephyr studied him for a moment, the distrust clear on his face. He was new to their friend group, and a little standoffish at times, but he wouldn’t be Taron’s mate if he didn’t have a good heart. He dipped his chin once.
“I’ll take that into account if I’m dealing with him. You should take a break. You need your rest, too.”
He wanted to argue, there was plenty to do, but chose instead to heed Zephyr’s suggestion. It would be Kian who paid the consequences if he did too much too soon. He stood to stretch his legs a little.
“I’ll take a short break then. Do you need anything?”
“No, thank you. Maverick should be here soon to relieve me.” He paused for a moment, cocking his head a lot like his shifted thunderbird might. “Unless you’re uncomfortable with him after yesterday?”
Dorian shook his head, reassuring him, “I don’t blame Maverick for what happened. He did what was necessary. I’m fine with him being here. Have a nice afternoon, Zephyr.”
Leaving Ozen’s home office, Dorian considered what to do. Taking breaks wasn’t something he did often. He found himselfseeking Kian out. He’d said he would be working, but Dorian was worried about him overdoing it. He, more than Dorian, needed to rest after yesterday’s incident. Being drained was no simple matter.
He expected the man to be in the library, or maybe the kitchen, as it was close to lunchtime. He didn’t expect to find him in bed, an IV in his arm, and Doctor Chapman looming over him, scolding him.
“... Your recklessness doesn’t just affect you now. If your well-being doesn’t mean anything to you, at least think of Dorian. He is dependent on you to survive.”
“What’s going on?” Dorian asked, stepping into the room.
Kian rolled his eyes but didn’t answer, scowling at the wall instead. It was Doctor Chapman who spoke up.
“He was using his magic. I warned him against it while he was still recovering. The mix of his blood means he requires more energy to do magic. He is being reckless by pushing himself so soon. Over what? A couple of plants?”
Dorian had only met Doctor Chapman a handful of times in his lifetime. He’d always struck him as a calm presence. For some reason, Kian’s actions spurred him to anger. Dorian stepped in to stop him before he went too far. Upsetting Kian wouldn’t help matters.
“What does he need now?”
“Rest,” Doctor Chapman growled, pointing at Kian with narrowed eyes. “No work. No gardening. Just rest. Read a book or take a nap. The nurse will arrive soon with your next transfusion, and I will stay nearby until I’m sure you understand my meaning. This is no joking matter, Elamoira.”
Kian stiffened, whipping his head around to glare at the druid. “Don’t call me that.”
“If you wish not to be connected to your family, then perhaps stop acting like them,” Doctor Chapman shot back.
The fury in Kian’s eyes worried Dorian. He’d heard the name, most had, but Kian obviously didn’t claim it willingly. Dorian stepped between them, standing in front of Kian protectively.
