Chapter 33

THIRTY-THREE

T hree days passed in the secure medical wing. Each day brought noticeable improvement as Asher’s strength returned, though the wound site remained tender and scarred - a permanent reminder of the cold iron’s touch.

“The cellular regeneration is remarkable,” Bennett noted on the morning of the fourth day, studying his readings. “Though you’re still not healing at full shifter speed, the mate bond connection has prevented any organ damage.”

“So I can get out of this bed?” Asher was already pushing herself up, ignoring Talon’s protective growl.

“Easy,” he steadied her with a hand at her waist. “You’re not fighting any battles today.”

“No,” she agreed, “but the sanctuary still needs protection. We can’t guard it with dragon power 24/7 forever. And I’ve had an idea about strengthening the wards.”

Before she could elaborate, Levi burst in. “We’ve got movement. Dimitri’s forces are regrouping near the southern perimeter of the sanctuary.”

Talon’s body tensed, torn between his mate and his duty. Asher gripped his hand. “Go. I’ll work with Bennett on the ward modifications from here.”

“I’m not leaving you unprotected.”

“Which is why I’m here,” Harlynn announced from the doorway, looking deadly serious despite her fashionable attire. “No one’s getting past me to my favorite sister-in-law.”

Asher raised an eyebrow. “I’m your only sister-in-law.”

“Details.” Harlynn waved this off, but her eyes were sharp as she took up a guard position.

Talon still hesitated until Asher pulled him down for a fierce kiss. “Go protect our sanctuary. I’ll be right here, plotting ways to science the hell out of those wards.”

His dragon rumbled in satisfaction at her possessive ‘our.’ Her determination and strength filled his mind. She wasn’t fully healed, but she was far from helpless.

“One hour,” he promised. “Then I’m back, whether Dimitri shows his face or not.”

“I’m counting on it.” She smiled. “After all, apparently I heal better with my dragon close by.”

By evening, Asher had progressed from bed to the sanctuary’s main control center, much to Talon’s not-so-hidden anxiety. She’d insisted on being closer to the action, though he noticed how she leaned against the console for support.

“Stop hovering and look at this.” She pulled up a holographic display of the sanctuary’s ward patterns. “The cold iron disrupted the energy matrix here and here.” Her fingers traced glowing lines.

“You should be resting,” he murmured even as his hands settled on her waist from behind.

“I’m analyzing complex magical energy patterns. This is practically bed rest for me.” She leaned back against his chest, smirking as his dragon rumbled in satisfaction. “Besides, your overprotective proximity is apparently better medicine than actual medicine.”

“Is that your scientific assessment?”

“Absolutely. I’d show you my data, but you’re very distracting when you do that.” She tilted her head as his lips found her neck.

Levi cleared his throat loudly from the doorway. “If you two are done being disgustingly cute, we’ve finally got movement on the sensors.”

The atmosphere shifted instantly. Talon’s arms tightened protectively around Asher as the tactical displays lit up with multiple incoming signals.

“These energy readings...” Asher straightened, scientist mode engaged despite her lingering weakness. “They’re using the same kind of cold iron weapons, but modified for handheld use. The resonance pattern is different.”

Talon’s growl vibrated through her back. “You’re staying in the secure room.”

“I can boost the wards from here.” She turned in his arms, eyes sparking with determination and a hint of electricity. “And before you go all alpha male on me, remember that I’m technically your boss at DragonTech.”

His laugh surprised them both. Even with danger approaching, she could make him smile. “Fine. But Harlynn and two guards stay with you.” His expression turned serious. “I can’t watch you fall again.”

She stretched up to kiss him softly. “Then don’t. Watch me win instead.”

“Multiple contacts,” Levi reported, his voice tight. “Two teams coming from the south, one from the east.”