Page 84 of Dragon Daddy Protector

I felt a lump form in my throat, even as rage and frustration surged up again. What did they expect? Of course my blood pressure was high. I wanted to scream and curse to everyone within hearing range that a fucking madman was after me, trying to kidnap me yet again to drain me of my blood for his experiments. My hands clenched tightly in my lap, my knuckles turning white.

Evan’s jaw clenched. “Breathe, baby.” He knew exactly what I was feeling. Thankfully, he was more level-headed. “Dr. Simmons, what can we do for this?” Evan asked.

“First and foremost, it's important for you to find ways to manage your stress levels, Mariah. Regular exercise, a healthy diet, and getting enough sleep can also help keep your blood pressure in check.”

I nodded, but I still wondered how the hell that would happen. I could manage the exercise, diet, and sleep. Everything else, meanwhile, felt so far out of my control, I didn’t know how I could hold it all together for this baby.

Evan wrapped an arm around my shoulders. “Don't worry, I'll make sure Mariah gets the rest she needs, and I’ll take care of her myself.”

Dr. Simmons nodded with a smile. “I have no doubt of that. Take care of yourselves, both of you, and please don't hesitate to call if you have any concerns.”

We left the doctor's office, with Evan's arm still around me as we stepped outside. The cool breeze tugged at my hair, yet I barely noticed it, my mind occupied with the danger I could be putting my baby in.

Evan's deep voice pulled me from my thoughts. “It’s going to be okay.” His gaze eyes searched mine. “Don’t doubt that one bit. We’ll figure this out and get through it like we always do. Trust me, okay?”

“Okay,” I said, but it did little to ease my anxiety, which only upset me more. How was I supposed to shake this if thinking about it only made it worse?

By the time we made it home, my mood hadn’t improved at all.

“I think I know what might help,” Evan said as we walked into the house.

“What would that be?”

“I think it’s time to let your dragon out.”

I came to a halt, my heart racing as the memories of my first and last shift played in my mind. “I don’t know, Evan…”

“Hear me out. Your first shift didn’t go as either of us expected. No one could have predicted that’s how it would happen. But giving yourself over to your dragon form, even for just a little while, is one of the best ways of releasing all this pent-up stress and anxiety. It could help you and the baby.”

I met his dark eyes. He looked so sure, so confident in me, while inside I was full of trepidation. This beast inside of me was fierce. Lethal. While I was learning to be at peace with her presence within, the thought of shifting still scared me.

At the same time, I couldn't deny the growing itch beneath my skin, my dragon perking up, urging me to let her take over.

“What if I lose control? Last time, I felt so…wild. Unhinged.”

“Yes, but there’s a big difference between what happened last week and having your first chosen shift. It’s on your terms, and I promise it will help. Your emotions are connected. Your dragon is feeling just as anxious and restless. She needs the release, too.”

But did he understand why I might be afraid? He was right, of course. I’d never done this before by choice. I couldn’t deny, either, that my dragon was eager, passing against my consciousness. My hand came to my belly.

Evan brought his fingers to my chin, tipping my head up. Unwavering confidence gleamed in his eyes. “You’ve got this, baby. You're stronger than you think, and I have faith in both of you. We can do it together.”

My skin felt tight, the pressure in my ribs growing. I knew that feeling. My dragon wanted out. She wanted to be with her mate again.

I took a deep breath, closing my eyes as I released it, then nodded. “Okay. Let’s do it.”

Evan's eyes softened before he pressed a gentle kiss to my forehead. “Just in case I don’t tell you enough, your strength and resilience inspire me every single day.”

I smiled at that, the tendrils of hope taking root. Maybe this was exactly what I needed to calm down.

“I love you.”

He kissed me again. “And I love you.” Then he led me outside, down the familiar path through the trees leading to a massive clearing where the dragons usually went to shift and fly. The clearing was bathed in the softer light of late autumn, and a few leaves still hung on the trees surrounding us. Evan stopped a dozen yards in and turned to me.

“This will be just like we practiced, just like when you attempted your partial shift. Close your eyes and visualize. Feel the energy within you, concentrate on it, and let it grow.”

I did as he said, focusing all my thoughts on the power coursing through my veins. It was a small ember at first, then slowly expanded into a roaring flame, filling every inch of my body.

“Good,” Evan murmured, his voice a soothing balm to my raw nerves. “Now, imagine your dragon form. Feel its strength, its beauty, and let it take over.”

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