Dragoned in Half

A Troubling Trade-Dr. Snow

I stare at the vials before me with trepidation. My eyes hurt. My head hurts. Most of all my heart is in pain because after all of my efforts I know what this means. It means that I have failed and that in order to succeed I will have to do the one thing that I don't want to do.

"Everyone out!!" I shout in frustration. Not used to this kind of tone being used from me, all of my lab technicians exit in a hurry. For three years I have been able to live the life that I have chosen in this clan. I have held the title as head doctor for the dragons for three years. I did the work when I chose this as the home for my practice a little over a decade ago. I found the creatures so fascinating and wanted nothing more than to study them.

My weary body falls into one of the chairs as I stare at the results on the screen. I needed this to work. I needed it to work not just for my friends but for this species. I know it can still work but now it will be at a personal cost. All those years ago when he made that vow in this very lab I laughed in his face. Knowing that he was right and that he has won causes another chuckle to leave my lips. This time however there is nothing that I find funny.

I have been studying this vial of the Project Orgasm serum for days with minimal sleep. We are lucky that through our time here we have collected so many samples from the other species. Finding most of the components was as easy as running it through a machine and associating the ingredients with the proper vial already held. It was no shock to find something from all species in such a harmful substance. Over these last few days we have been able to get a hold of four of the five ingredients.

The last ingredient however is one that is unknown to all of us. It's from the one clan that has refused to give us any information on them at all. The one clan that has plagued me since that day three years ago because of its Beta. He is the reason that their clan refuses to share information. He is the reason I now look at these results knowing that my life is over. There is no way that he would allow me to continue the work that I do here.

With a heavy sign I finally picked up the receiver from the desk. If I am going to have this ready as soon as possible then things might as well get started. The line rings once and my breath hitches as the other end is picked up. Nothing is said on the line but I know that he is listening. This just seems to be another game that he likes to play ever since I refused him. Knowing that he will not speak until I do, I swallow my bride as I say the words.

"It seems that we have a deal to strike after all mate" I state as I spit the last word harshly. The only sign that he is on the other end of the phone comes from a heady gasp as he hears it leaves my lips. Once upon a time I swore to him that it never would when it came to him. "If you can have your head doctor here in an hour then you have my word on your vow. Now come and get me!" I whisper. A tear slips down my cheek as I hear him chuckle at my challenge.

"Very well Doctor Snow. I will be seeing you shortly mate. Once i arrive i will give you exactly what you want" He says as he drags the words out slowly in that rich baritone that makes my hands shake. The line clicks right after and I drop the receiver as I finally release the breath that I have been holding. I know I have another call to make but I need a few moments to gather myself first. Never one to let something bother me for long, I shake off his effects and I dial the number that I have used everyday for the past year.

"Hey Snow. What can I do for you today?" Xander says as he answers the phone. His voice is hushed so early in the morning and I know it's because he is trying not to wake his mate.

"I need you in the lab as soon as possible. There are things to be discussed that can only be done in person "I tell him, keeping it brief.

"I will be there shortly. Let me just leave a note for my mate and I will see you in a few moments" He ends the call just as briefly and I rise from the chair. I take the stairs in the lab two at a time as I head to my living space here. Most of my possessions lay in my cabin that is rarely used but I do keep several items here for when I need to stay close to a patient. I pack a backpack full of essential items and then I head to the shower.