Chapter 35

THIRTY-FIVE

P ain radiated through Asher’s shoulder in dull waves, dragging her consciousness back to the surface through layers of medicated fog. The steady beep of monitors provided a rhythm to match her shallow breathing.

Obviously, yesterday’s battle was something she shouldn’t have done, setting her back to the first days in the medical wing.

Her eyelids became too heavy to lift, but other sensations filtered through—the crisp scent of antiseptic mingling with something ancient and earthy, the brush of cool air from ventilation systems, and most prominently, the warm pressure of Talon’s hand enveloping hers.

She forced her eyes open, blinking against the soft light. The medical wing of the Draker estate spread around her in a harmonious blend of cutting-edge technology and ancient healing magic. Holographic displays floated above sleek monitoring equipment, while crystals embedded in the walls pulsed with ethereal healing energies.

“Welcome back.” Talon’s deep voice drew her attention. He sat beside her bed, golden-hazel eyes intense with concern. She sensed his relief at her waking, tinged with lingering worry and carefully controlled anger—not at her, but at those who had hurt her.

“How long?” Her voice came out raspy.

“Sixteen hours since the attack.” He reached for a glass of water, helping her take small sips. “Dr. Bennett and your mother have barely left your side.”

As if summoned by his words, Dr. Bennett strode in, adjusting his wire-rimmed glasses as he studied the holographic readouts. Her mother followed close behind, her usual composed demeanor showing cracks of exhaustion and concern.

“Your genetic markers are finally stabilizing,” Dr. Bennett announced, manipulating a three-dimensional display of her DNA structure. “Though the process is... unprecedented.”

“Unprecedented how?” Asher attempted to push herself up, but fire shot through her shoulder. Talon’s hand steadied her, his energy flowed into her like a cooling balm.

Before Bennett could answer, Everett burst through the door carrying what appeared to be half a medical supply store. “I brought everything! Quantum stabilizers, neural enhancers, that weird Japanese healing device Mom swears by—” He dumped the pile onto a nearby table with a crash.

“Ev,” Asher managed weakly, “half of that isn’t even medical equipment. That’s a coffeemaker.”

“It’s a very therapeutic coffeemaker,” he defended, then turned to Bennett. “Did you try the quantum resonance therapy I sent over?”

“That’s not a real thing,” Asher and her mother said simultaneously.

“Yet,” Everett added with his trademark grin. “Give me time.”

Talon watched this exchange with a mix of amusement and confusion, his thumb still tracing gentle circles on Asher’s wrist. His fondness for her family’s particular brand of chaos filled her heart.

“If we could focus,” Bennett interrupted diplomatically, “on the actual medical situation?” He pulled up another holographic chart. “The cold iron didn’t just attack your system. It specifically targeted the integration points between your human and dragon DNA. However...” He glanced at Talon meaningfully.

“However?” Asher prompted.

“Your mate bond appears to be actively counteracting the damage. As I mentioned before, Talon’s ancient bloodline is providing a template for your DNA to stabilize around.”

“I need coffee,” Everett announced, reaching for his “therapeutic” coffeemaker.

“No one is using unauthorized electrical equipment near my patient,” Bennett said firmly.

“But—”

“Out.” Their mother pointed to the door. “Go help your father with his calculations before you break something expensive.”

As Everett slouched out, Asher caught sight of her phone on the bedside table. She tried to reach for it casually, but Talon was faster.

“No work,” he said firmly, moving it out of reach.

“I’m just checking email,” she protested weakly. “People depend on me for... important... science things.”

“‘Important science things’?” He raised an eyebrow. “The medication must be working.”

“Don’t sass me when I can’t sass back properly.” She tried to look stern but ruined it with a yawn.

Ten minutes later, Lori slipped in with a tablet hidden in a get-well flower arrangement. “I come bearing contraband,” she whispered, then jumped when Talon materialized behind her.

“Nice try,” he rumbled, plucking the tablet from the flowers.

“Traitor,” Asher mumbled at Lori. “You got caught.”

“Your dragon has scary ninja skills!” Lori defended. “Besides, I brought back up.” She pulled out a family-size bag of M&Ms.

“Now who’s the traitor?” Talon grumbled as Asher perked up.

“Oh please,” Lori rolled her eyes, settling into a chair. “Like you’re going to deny her anything right now.” Her phone buzzed and she grinned at the screen.

“How’s Levi?” Asher asked innocently.

“Shut up and eat your contraband chocolate.” But Lori’s cheeks flushed as she typed a quick reply.