Page 12 of Claimed By the Dragon

Instead of trying to figure out what it meant, he merely asked, “What is it?”

“I thought Blake, Gregor, and even Maelon Perry talking with you would be enough. But apparently, with Emily still in Scotland, you have no one to tell you when you’re being an idiot. So it’s up to me.”

“Idiot?” he echoed.

“You’re more than aware of how a human female who births a dragon-shifter child has a greater chance of falling into postpartum depression. I know you’ve read the latest studies, one of which was my own. So tell me: why is Grace sobbing in an exam room, so hard that Dawn and Hayley literally had to prop her up to get her here?”

His dragon became alert, but Trahern focused on Sid’s words. “I don’t understand. I’ve asked every morning how she’s doing, and she always says she’s fine. A few times she’s had a headache or a minor medical concern, which I addressed right away.”

“Sometimes, people lie to avoid making things difficult, Trahern. If you would’ve spent any amount of time at home instead of mostly living here, you probably would’ve noticedhow Grace has lost weight, has circles under her eyes, and is emotionally fragile.”

Ignoring what felt like guilt squeezing his heart, he replied, “Emotions aren’t easy for me, as you know, and it’s partly why I hired Helena.”

Sid quirked an eyebrow. “Helena sent you loads of text messages over the last two weeks, and you never replied. You also never check in on Grace when she’s there, and you don’t talk on the phone.”

He picked up his mobile and opened the messages. There were over 200 unread ones.

His dragon growled.Why do you keep ignoring our mate?

He focused on Sid as he said, “I forget to check whenever I’m working.”

Sid growled before saying, “Why did you mate her if you weren’t going to help her, Trahern? Someone else would’ve done it, easily. Grace is a warm but cautious female, who secretly wants to be able to trust and belong somewhere.”

He frowned again. “How do you know that?”

“I could overlook you not understanding that part, since my conclusion is from a lot of nonverbal cues. However, I thought giving you the articles about females and depression after birth would be enough. Apparently, it wasn’t. So let me state this plainly: Grace needs help. Not in a financial way, as yes, you’ve done that. But she needs an ally, Trahern. Maybe even a friend. The other human females are trying, but Grace is good at closing herself off. You, on the other hand, live with her. You need to help her adjust to life on Stonefire, help her with dragon-shifters in general, and show her that not everyone is as evil as the male who impregnated her and then turned her in for money. If you’re not willing to do that, then maybe I need to talk to Bram about her finding a different living situation, or even a different mate.”

His dragon growled.No. You’ve ignored me for weeks. Grace is ours to help. Stop ignoring her because she confuses you. Or because you’re attracted to her.

Desire is a distraction. I have more important things to do.

She could be ours forever, if you tried.

Before he could ask for clarification, Sid spoke again. “You always value honesty, Trahern, so please give me the same courtesy and tell me what you plan to do. Are you going to help Grace in all the ways she needs? Or do you want me to find someone else who will? I won’t watch her suffer because she challenges your structured, planned-out life.”

“What do you mean she’s suffering?”

Sid shook her head. “I won’t be distracted. What is your decision?”

Studying Sid, he tried to decipher her expression. But it was neutral again, apart from her flashing dragon eyes.

His beast spoke up.If you abandon Grace, I will never shift again.

That’s unfair. That means people will die.

I don’t care. Grace is what you need. Whatweneed. If you toss her away, then you’ll lose me too.

Why now? You’ve rarely spoken up since that one incident with the other female.

I nearly gave up on you. But Grace’s presence revived me.

He didn’t want to ask, but knew he had to.Is she our true mate?

Maybe. I think so. But I’m patient. She just had two babies. I do not need a frenzy. But she is ours. You know my terms.

With that, his beast curled into a ball and ignored him, feigning sleep.

Not that Trahern noticed much since his dragon’s words about Grace being their true mate repeated inside his head:Maybe. I think so.