Page 47 of The Mating Claim

Xavier and Drust exchangedglances.

“For Skins, yes, it’s not advisable. But for dragons, the answer is to bleed you out, and then replenish your dragon magick so the venom will be muted. Xavier, you will need a fresh towel and ablade.”

“Good thinking. I don’t trust you with a knife, Drust,” she muttered. “Not after you threatened to turn me into toadfood.”

He chuckled, and then turned serious. “We need to do this now, before the venom invades your internal organs and compromises your dragon magick. It is already compromised by too-littlenutrition.”

Trust never came easily to her. But what choice did she have? Lacey looked around and saw the traumatized children standingnearby.

“The kids,” she managed to say. “Don’t want them tosee.”

Tara and Ciara ushered the children into the coffee shop. Kneeling beside her, Xavier conjured a dagger. Light winked off the shiny blade. Laceygulped.

“I’m afraid this is going to hurt,” he saidsoftly.

“Doit.”

Sitting behind her, Drust wrapped his left arm around her waist, his free hand holding her arm steady. She leaned against him, feeling his strength and muscled body. His embrace felt soothing. Maybe she was a screw-up at times, but she felt he wouldn’t hurt her. Notdeliberately.

The dagger slashed and she bit back a scream from the agony. Blood welled up, bright and flowing freely down her arm. Xavier held a towel beneath her arm to catch theflow.

“Let it bleed for at least a minute.” Drust continued to hold her, his chin resting on hershoulder.

Snapping his fingers, Xavier made the dagger vanish. “You didn’t make asound.”

“I don’t scream.” She’d learned that long ago with Melanie’sbeatings.

Just as she started to feel light-headed, Drust touched her arm and the wound healed. Warmth spread through her arm and her entirebody.

“I guess I’m going to live. Thanks.” She studied the skin, no signs of puncture wounds or the laceration Xavier hadmade.

“For now.” Drust released her. “We shall deal with the issues of your depleted dragon magick later, Lacey. There are a few ways a wizard may replenish it. One is apotion.”

“I bet it tastes like toad food.” She stuck out her tongue. “What’s the secondchoice?”

Drust and Xavier exchanged knowing glancesagain.

Xavier grinned slyly. “The other way is much more enjoyable and involves you gettingnaked.”

“With me,” Drustadded.

Crimson flushed her face again as the men chuckled. “Toad food doesn’t sound sobad.”

“Come now, Lacey, sex with me could be quite pleasurable.” He winked and she rolled hereyes.

“Typical guy. Just because we had a moment you think it means you can getlaid.”

“You had a moment? What kind of moment? Was it longer than a moment?” Xavier lookedinterested.

Suddenly Drust frowned as if he no longer wished to discuss the subject. “X, do go get your mate and child. I am certain you wish to address what Sonia did. Ask Tara to bring Lacey a strong cup of chamomiletea.”

When the Crystal Wizard returned with Ciara, Sonia in his arms, Lacey struggled to her feet as Drust helped to pull her upright. But when she stood, she dropped hishand.

His touch didn’t center her anymore. It electrified her now that she felt better, and warned her they were getting close. Too close. Still, her legs felt wobbly and when they started shaking, Drust slid an arm around her waist. He guided her over to the reading chair, where she sat with a gratefulsigh.

“You’re healed. Thank the goddess.’ Tears clouded Ciara’s lovely blue eyes. “I am so sorry, Lacey. Our daughter is… I should have warned you. We won’t bereturning.”

Reassurance, not blame, was needed. “She’s a handful, but please, I’m fine. And I would love for you to return. Sonia’s a brightchild.”