31. Live and Let Die.

It had been an absolutely incredible time for me in the past few weeks or days since Drake and Sylvie settled down and Colin took care of them. I had suggested to Colin that I could try making a dental substance, but he refused, mentioning that his leprechaun would handle it and it would be better for it to start on its own. The scales I had gained made me feel incredibly energized, as if there was no exhaustion, even after an 18-hour operation. I was able to be on call for several days with no issues. 

But the real surprise came a week after the scales were embedded into me. I was getting ready to take a shower when I caught a glimpse of my chest in the mirror. The scales were absolutely magnificent, and I didn't even think about how the pack would react to this. It was then that I noticed something even more astonishing - three small scales had grown over the existing ones, covering more of my skin.

I thought to myself, "Well, looks like I'm becoming scaly, an actual dragon..."

But I didn't dwell on that thought as I stepped into the shower and felt the sensation of the new scales against the water. 

After getting dressed, Colin came by later on, and I eagerly showed him my newfound scales.

His eyes widened as he looked at me and said, his voice quivering with excitement, "Do you have any idea what this means? Let us do something."

I couldn't quite grasp his idea, so I urged him to explain further.

"We can start harvesting these scales and transfer them back to the dragons. I've managed to heal a bit of their skin, and there's a perfect spot to place these scales. I believe you'll continue to grow scales for them as long as it's needed." 

I was taken aback but also filled with joy. I wanted nothing more than to help Drake and Sylvie, and if growing scales for them was my role, then I was more than willing to embrace it. 

In just a few days, I had grown six new scales for each of them. Drake and Sylvie were amazed at the progress. Despite dragons still being sick and weak, Colin assured us that these scales would not only survive but also enhance their healing abilities.

However, the process was not without pain. As Colin gently removed the scales from my skin, it stung intensely, leaving my skin red and raw. I knew it would take some time for me to fully heal from this. The dragons were overjoyed to have six living scales each, as they hadn't had so many in months.

According to Colin's theory, we would continue this weekly, allowing me to grow more and more scales for them. Colin advised them against transforming into a dragon for now, as they were still recovering and the scales didn't need any additional stress.

Drake warned me, "These scales will grant you immunity to drugs, strength, and endurance, but be cautious. They may also ignite passion within you."

Sylvie added, "They could make you feel sexually aroused and trigger your rage."

I smiled and assured them, "Living in a pack of lustful creatures for century and over, my rage is a part of me. Even with these incredible boosts from your scales, I will be able to keep myself under control."

They exchanged knowing glances as if they believed I wouldn't take their warning seriously. But soon enough, I would feel the effects on my skin. I was prepared for that.

I had paid little attention to how long I had been away from the pack, nor did I think about them much. It was better to keep myself busy and focus on preparing for the upcoming gala. Maybe at some point, I would consider the pack and what I should do.

However, the thought of breeding filled me with fear. I could never reveal what had happened, and every time I would have a litter, the fear of losing them would haunt me. I couldn't see myself breeding anytime soon. And if the pack bred, they would have to do it without me. I just hoped that no cub would fall ill or die. This was the way things were, and it was better for me to be a surgeon, and a doctor, than a wife and breeder.

Time flew by, and soon it became routine for me to have my scales removed every week. I had grown in different sizes, so Colin had to scatter them across various parts of the dragon. He had permitted them to take on their Draconic form, but only when he placed new scales on them. I, too, sprouted scales all over my body. It was always a surprise to see where the next batch would emerge and how large they would be. The larger the scales, the more painful it was to extract them. My skin was red and raw afterward for several days, despite my healing being fully on.

To soothe my skin after each extraction, I discovered a specially planned, thick balm made of centrifuged bumps fortified with blood. It worked best. I made sure to have it on hand whenever I needed to part with the scales. Months had passed since I left, and the pack had not contacted me, nor did they occupy my thoughts. There was no presence of them in my mind whatsoever. I made certain of that.

I began strengthening my mind, layering it with a thin veil of chaos, followed by my will and alpha power. I even infused a hint of rage. It was slow work, allowing each power to settle before adding more. But the increasing fortress within my mind shielded me from telepaths and fear demons.

This was merely a precaution to keep myself safe, even though I had my five companions watching my back. At the gala, there would be high maintenance security measures in place. Nevertheless, I would have my five with me to ensure my safety. It was public knowledge that I would be there, so it was highly likely that my enemies would attempt to capture me.

Pack had been on the Azores for three months, surrounded by the scent of the ocean and the warm breeze caressing their faces. After their stay, Damon informed everyone, except Mimi, to gather in their newest castle in France. They were promised a thrilling round-trip adventure across Europe as a pack. Excitement filled the air as each female expected to have several males to accompany them on this journey.

However, not everything was as fun and enjoyable as expected. Adam, Charles, Demon, and Lepard adamantly refused to drive with any woman, opting to navigate the roads themselves. This decision irritated Mariella, but she couldn't deny that all ten Damons took exceptional care of them all.

To compensate for the lack of company in the cars, Bran and Samuel joined them, ensuring camaraderie during the long drives. The spacious cars provided an opportunity for intimate moments, meaning fucking like rabbits even during the journey if the need arose.

Throughout the three months of driving, they paid little attention to the grumpy quartet. It wasn't until they reached a Spanish castle Damon decided to address the issue and attempt to understand what was troubling them.

Charles, with an air of anger, responded to Damon's inquiry, "You have no bloody idea about anything. Don't worry, it won't be long before we're no longer a part of this pack."

Confused, Damon frowned, unable to comprehend the situation fully. Just then, Lepard entered the room, casting a disdainful gaze at Mariella.

He coldly stated, "Soon, you will be the 'alpha female,' but I won't be here to live under you."

Mariella, bewildered, asked, "What have I done to deserve such hatred from you?"

Lepard snorted in response, "It's not about you. It's about Mimi. She's not here, and once this is over, we're out of this pack."

Curious, Damon pressed for clarification, "What is 'this' that you're referring to?"

Adam joined the conversation, adding, "Mimi has been shielding her mind. Lepard is barely present, and Charles and I are no longer connected to her. She has cut us off and reinforced her mental defenses. Lepard is struggling to break through, but..."

Damon snorted, his frustration clear as he observed Lepard's inexperience as a telepath. Whatever Mimi had done, he was determined to win her back, but as he focused, he realized he was no longer immersed in her mind. The grip he once had was slipping away, no matter how much effort he exerted.

Damon fell silent, perplexed by this sudden abandonment. He searched his memories for any clue as to what went wrong, but found nothing to explain her reaction. It felt as though Mimi was distancing herself from him, and he couldn't comprehend why.

Adam interjected, "Well, we're occupied tomorrow night. We have a gala to attend, so we won't be here."

Mariella inquired, "What gala? And why would you go there?"

Charles sighed, retrieving a large ornate envelope from his pocket and handing it to Mariella. It was addressed to the pack, but they had paid little attention to their mail lately. Mariella opened the envelope and pulled out a beautifully decorated and embossed invitation. It was an invitation to a gala where Mimi would receive the highest honor and a medical award. She had saved someone very important once again. The invitation had been intended for all of them, but they had neglected to check their mail.

Lepard said, his voice filled with pain, "At least we get to see her. Even if I will lose her soon, maybe she will talk to us."

Mariella couldn't comprehend the reason for his anguish. Mimi wasn't going anywhere. However, as she glanced at Damon, she noticed a pained expression on his face as well. There was something more to this situation.

First and foremost, they needed to bring Mimi back and unravel whatever had caused her to shield her mind. They all began preparing for the gala, hoping to meet Mimi and shed some light on the matter. Mariella contemplated what to wear, but then Damon's thoughts entered her mind, a rare occurrence these days. She could sense his regret and pain at not being able to stand by her side during the event, not being able to accept the award with her or introduce her proudly as their pack member.

They would have to remain in the background, mere spectators in the crowd, unable to showcase their genuine connection to her. Their choices, actions, and history had led them to this point, and now they had no choice but to accept it and strive to mend their relationships. Not everything was always perfect.

Damon could feel the weight of the situation, the breeding and their involvement with Mariella's babies had driven Mimi all the way to Alaska. There was something deeper at play here, something that needed to be addressed and discussed. He couldn't help but wonder what he had done to warrant such a drastic reaction, causing Mimi to shut him and everyone else out of her mind.

Memories of choosing others over Mimi flooded his thoughts, the entire pack being as brats who had accompanied him to Alaska. It hadn't been a pleasant experience, the tension and jealousy palpable. He remembered how freaking jealous they had been to Mimi and it was time to ask her forgiveness. But despite all that, Damon believed there had to be a way to mend the bridges between them. Perhaps Mimi could shed some light on the reasons behind her actions.

Determined, Damon decided to attend the gala. He reached for his phone and dialed Alaric's number. As he listened to Alaric's voice on the line, he learned about the unwavering support and protection that the five had provided for Mimi. Alaric mentioned a few other names, Drake and Sylvie, unfamiliar to Damon. It seemed that Mimi had forged new friendships, and this could be the perfect opportunity to introduce them to their pack. 

The morning sun cast a warm glow as I prepared for the evening gala, an event I found rather dull. The invitations had been sent, but I doubted the pack would actually show up. Despite the promise of good company and allies, I knew there would also be those who sought to challenge me.

Colin, occupied with other matters, hadn't yet extracted the scales from my back. With twenty scales each for Drake and Sylvie, the process would undoubtedly be excruciating. We planned with them to transfer the scales during the gala, which would be held in a luxurious manor, not my own, but with ample space for the extraction.

This was the only suitable time, as Drake and Sylvie were frequent travelers and it wasn't our place to restrict them. They liked to travel and see the world, and they were now well enough to do so. I packed a bag of healing bumps and several additional bags to accommodate the size of the scales. They were going on yet another trip straight from the gala, so this was the only time for us to transfer these scales.

I also included some painkillers, ensuring they wouldn't affect my mental state. It wouldn't do to be mentally impaired at the gala, as I needed to remain sharp in case any unsavory characters were lurking about. Once again, it was time for me to rely on my rage as a painkiller, hoping that the medication would keep me relatively pain-free so I wouldn't have to rely on my rage too heavily. After all, I was supposed to be this big savior and it would not be ideal for me to be bursting at my seams with my rage.