Sorry for the delay. I've switched editors. So grateful to Tigersman for editing! I look forward to any comments. Hope you enjoy reading.
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(Aiden)
Aiden helped the very angry Meredith into the carriage. Before he went in himself, he asked the driver to take them to the Sherry, the healer. The man bowed slightly and took up the reins as Aiden slipped into the carriage. Meredith sat at the far side against the wall with her arms crossed over her chest as she stared out the window. Aiden sighed and sat across from her, his knees brushing against the skirts of her dress.
She shifted away.
"Meredith, if I may, you are behaving like a child."
She ignored him.
"Would you at least look at me?"
No response. Aiden dragged a hand over his face as he tried to dredge up patience from his sleep deprived mind. He tried several more times for her to respond, but when nothing seemed to make her react, he picked himself up and sat beside her. Resolutely, Meredith stayed faced away from him.
Aiden, fed up with her childish behavior, grabbed her roughly by the chin and kissed her, just so she would react. For a long moment, she remained impassive, her lips clamped shut. Aiden gentled his assault and tried to tempt her into kissing him back. He placed teasing nibbles to the corners of her mouth, nipping into her bottom lip, and stroking his thumb up and down her sensitive throat.
Her lips parted on a shaky breath. Aiden immediately took the opening, deepening the kiss and coaxing her tongue to meet with his. She was just as sweet as he had remembered. The carriage came to a stop and he was forced to remove his mouth from Meredith's. A moment later the door opened.
Aiden took a breath, trying to cool his blood, and exited the carriage. He turned and waited to help Meredith out. She licked her lips once before taking his hand and stepping down. She immediately withdrew her hand and began walking. Aiden smiled when she paused mid-step and looked at the building.
"Where are we?"
"The healer."
"Oh, very well then."
Meredith continued to walk forward and even knocked on the door herself. Sherry answered the door. Aiden quickened his steps as the women introduced themselves.
"Hello, Sherry. Sorry for coming so early."
"Nothing less from you Aiden. You're full of surprises. Anyway what brings you back here again?"
He caught Meredith's quick glance.
"I've brought you a patient."
"Well come in then."
Sherry led Meredith to her kitchen and sat her down at the table. As she collected bread, butter, and different jams, Sherry asked about what exactly was the problem.
"Meredith was drugged last night. One of the Red's new drugs, from what Kaleb told me."
Sherry nodded her head and placed plates and knives on the table.
"Help yourselves. I'll just pour the tea. What were the symptoms she experienced?"
Aiden went through what he remembered and finished with the headache earlier that morning. Meredith added what she remembered as well, even recalling a strange salty drink. Sherry nodded her head as she stood over the boiling kettle.
"And how do you feel now?"
"Much better than last night, but I've still got a bit of a headache and I'm still quite thirsty."
Sherry added a few strange looking things into the boiling water and brought the kettle to the table. Aiden cut the loaf of bread and handed a slice to Meredith. He watched as she buttered it lightly before topping it with a generous amount of jam. Aiden wondered if she had a sweet tooth as well. That might explain why she tasted so sweet.
Aiden skipped the butter and slathered jam onto his own slice. The bread was good, the jam even better. As he chewed, Sherry poured them all tea. Meredith cupped the mug between both of her hands and sipped the steaming liquid. Aiden hesitated for a moment, before looking at Sherry.
"It's fine. Nothing you wouldn't recognize."
Aiden grinned at her and took a cautionary sip. He knew that Sherry sometimes had strange tastes, at least for tea. He certainly couldn't differentiate what was in it, but it wasn't bad. She rolled her eyes at him before turning back to Meredith.
"What did they give you to treat the drug?"
"Some charcoal and about half a pitcher of water," Aiden replied.
Sherry sighed and shook her head. "Well at least they didn't just give her water."
"Well, Meredith. You shouldn't be too worse off. Those drugs are meant to be taken in several doses. One dose will only give you a nasty upset stomach and a blistering headache. Much like too much wine or beer. Though I would ask you a question of a more personal nature, but seeing as Aiden is still here. . ."
"It's fine, Sherry. I know when I'm not wanted."
"That's surprising to hear," Sherry retorted.
(Meredith)
She liked Sherry. She was matter-of-fact and knew how to keep Aiden under control, though she had felt a twinge of jealousy upon their meeting. Sherry was slim and several inches shorter than she was. She had bright blonde hair neatly braided down her back and the prettiest brown eyes.
But when she saw Aiden and Sherry standing close to one another, she couldn't help but enviously think that they made a handsome couple.
"I know you may not feel comfortable with such questions, but it is for your benefit."
Meredith nodded her head and set her tea back onto the table.
"Don't take this the wrong way, but I know Aiden. And I know Aiden around women, though I have to admit you're the first dragon blood he's taken an interest in. Have you two been intimate recently?"
Meredith simultaneously felt her heart sink and her face color. Her first instinct was to lie. What harm would it cause and despite liking Sherry, she didn't know her. However, she was a healer and what if there was a possibility of something harmful. Slowly, Meredith nodded.
Sherry sighed and placed a comforting hand over hers.
"Meredith, I know I've just met you, but honestly, most of the fault lies with Aiden. He should have known better." Sherry sat back and pursed her lips together, her neat brows pinched.
"You must know that Dragons are exceptionally fertile when copulating within their own race. Do you know if Aiden was . . . careful?"
