Page 24 of Naga Healer's Mate

“Healer Nirrn.”A young human scout appeared at his side, his voice low.“News from the surface.”

Nirrn’s scales bristled.“Speak.”

“The Jorvlen patrols are searching every district.They’re offering rewards for information about you and the human healer.”The scout’s eyes darted around nervously.“They’re angry—saying a Niri has no right to interfere with human affairs.”

A low hiss escaped Nirrn’s throat.His tail coiled tightly with tension, the orange scales darkening with anger.

“How many patrols?”

“At least six that we’ve counted.They’re methodical, working their way through each sector.”

Nirrn’s jaw clenched.He needed to get back to Islae.His protective instincts roared to life, demanding he return to her side immediately.Without another word, he turned and moved swiftly through the tunnels, breakfast clutched in one hand while the other curled into a fist.

Nirrn soon burst into their chamber, his tail propelling him forward with urgent speed.The breakfast items scattered onto the small table as he reached for Islae, who sat cross-legged on their bed.

“Six Jorvlen patrol units are searching for us.”His eyes blazed as he pulled her against his chest.“The Jorvlen authorities have put a bounty on our heads.”

“What?”Islae pushed back, her brown eyes widening.

His scales rippled with agitation.“We need to leave Haven.My home planet Nirum would be safest—”

“No.”Islae stepped away from him, her chin lifting.“I won’t abandon my patients.”

“Your patients?”His tail lashed in frustration.“Your clinic is gone, Islae.”

“People still need me here.”She crossed her arms.“I won’t run away to another planet just because things got difficult.”

His chest rumbled with a low growl.His protective instincts screamed at him to simply wrap her in his coils and take her to safety, willingly or not.But he knew better than to try that with his mate.

“This isn’t about difficulty.”He towered over her, his scales catching the soft light.“They will harm you if they find you.”

“They haven’t caught me yet.”

“Because you hadn’t caught their full attention before.”His hands gripped her shoulders.“But now you have, and they won’t stop until they find us.”

She met his gaze steadily.“Then we’ll be more careful.”

“Islae.”His voice dropped lower.“Do not test me on this.Your safety is not negotiable.”

“My work here isn’t negotiable, either.”She pressed her palm against his chest.“These are my people, Nirrn.I can’t abandon them.”

His long tail coiled around her waist possessively, but she didn’t flinch.The fierce determination in her eyes made his chest tighten with pride even as it frustrated him.

Finally, he released a heavy breath.“Fine.We stay in Haven for now.”His tail squeezed gently.“But we do not return to the surface until the patrols have moved on.That is non-negotiable.”

“How long?”

“As long as necessary.”He pulled her closer, nuzzling her neck.“I will not risk losing you.”

Nirrn soon coiled his long tail beneath him as he settled onto their small bed, arranging the breakfast items between them.He watched Islae as she picked at a piece of bread, her usual appetite notably absent.The worry radiating from her was almost tangible.

“You need to eat more than that,” he said, selecting a ripe fruit and placing it in her hand.She reluctantly took a small bite.

“I keep thinking about Mrs.Reeves,” Islae said softly.“Her wound needs cleaning and new bandages by now.”

His tail twitched.The central surrogacy clinic would be opening soon, his absence already noted.By tomorrow, they would connect him to the bounty.Five years of dedicated service gone in an instant.The thought should have bothered him more.

“Let them wonder where I am,” he muttered aloud.“That life held nothing for me.”

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