30.

I had meticulously prepared my plan as I embarked on my new role as a trauma surgeon. Despite Damon's attempts to keep my five occupied, my loyal team stood by me in the hospital and my own clinic. Colin, now as a trusted colleague, joined me at the clinic as we engaged in lengthy discussions about investing in the investigation of these neonatal deaths.

Soon enough, I observed a peculiar pattern - it was predominantly males who consumed the cubs. As my patients arrived, I inquired about this practice, only to learn that it was customary. While it served the purpose of preventing the spread of infection or any potential harm, it impeded our ability to conduct a thorough investigation. We urgently needed a plan.

Days filled with hectic schedules, I wracked my brain to devise a solution. Conversations with various couples revealed their willingness to cooperate with our plan of acquiring samples before consuming the cubs. Blood, tissues, and various other samples were crucial for our investigation. Colin's expertise in procuring the right protocols was invaluable.

We gathered supplies for our volunteers, hoping they would not be necessary, but preparing for any eventuality. We meticulously trained them on how to use the supplies, demonstrating the proper techniques for obtaining the required samples. Colin diligently arranged multiple locations where these samples could be delivered.

Our intention was not to immediately investigate each sample, but rather to accumulate a substantial number for a comprehensive diagnosis or to gather crucial information about these perplexing deaths.

It could very well be that there would be multiple pathogens and various other factors, making it a complex issue to solve. However, as we informed them, the Magic House was more than willing to help. They might be able to come up with immunization or antibiotics once we can identify the cause of death. Of course, we also educated them about cleanliness and shared a few simple steps that could greatly reduce the pathogen load, ensuring the safety of the cubs.

But then, there was this sad little truth that because these shifters weren't immortal, the cubs wouldn't be either. Our pack had been an exception to this, and it felt wrong to know that my cubs had enjoyed safety within just two weeks, while these poor cubs had to rely on having a robust immune system, which they could only achieve by six months old. It was normal for cubs to die during the first two months, but there had also been deaths among slightly older cubs.

Again, it was a matter of hygiene, and we needed those samples. But with each sample, it meant that one cub had died. It was something that resonated deeply within me, as I had experienced loss myself. The pain was so intense and debilitated me. If I hadn't been pregnant and those would have been my only cubs, I'm not sure I would have been able to cope. But my litters had kept me going.

I could have gone into hiding, as I remembered that pain and knew it would haunt me for the rest of my days, throughout my immortal life. But this pain was mine alone; it wasn't meant to be shared. Our pack wasn't strong enough to bear the burden of guilt and loss. It was time to move on and keep my secret to myself.

I had been working for a few weeks already, completely consumed by my duties as a trauma surgeon and a supernatural shifter doctor. My days were filled to the brim, leaving no room for thoughts about the pack or life after their holiday. But then, out of the blue, my phone rang. It was Magnum calling.

I glanced at the screen and saw his name, so I answered, "Hey Magnum."

He wasted no time and got straight to the point. "I know you're busy, but is there any way I could borrow you for a few hours? We received a tip about a house, more like a castle, and I'd appreciate it if you could come with your dark finder radar to check it out. It's enormous, and I don't feel like spending hours searching every nook and cranny if there's nothing there. This place is supposedly one of the vampire women's lairs that were connected to Sark."

I let out a sigh, glancing at my packed schedule. While I had planned to get my paperwork in order, this unexpected request could serve as a wonderful distraction. Besides, who knows what we might find there?

"Well, I have some free time in my schedule," I replied. "Doing paperwork isn't exactly thrilling, so I might as well accompany you and see if there's anything we need to deal with."

Magnum grunted in approval. "Excellent. I'll be there in ten minutes, and the drive will take about an hour and a half. You can do your paperwork in the car if you want."

I wasn't particularly keen on that idea, so I informed Colin, who was at the door. "I need to go somewhere with Magnum to check out a place. I'll be back later. There's nothing in my schedule right now, and I'm not on call."

Colin frowned, offering his company. "Do you want some company? I'm free as well."

I nodded, appreciating the offer. "Well, Magnum wants me to check out one of the vampire women's lairs on my radar. If you're up for it, the drive will take an hour and a half."

Colin nodded and quickly changed his scrubs into normal clothes while I remained in my normal clothes. 

As Magnum pulled up in his car to pick us up, I noticed that he seemed unfazed by Colin's presence. They engaged in a lively conversation about various topics that men typically discuss, while I sat quietly in the backseat, lost in my own thoughts about my work and the few cases I had on hand. The drive was peaceful, or at least in the sense that I remained silent while the conversation in the front seat revolved around matches, football, and other subjects that held no interest for me whatsoever.

Finally, we arrived at our destination - an imposing castle. The castle was massive, its gray exterior lacking any kind of modern touch, and far from being visually pleasing. I had no desire to own such a castle, so I decided not to take it and let them find someone else who would appreciate it.

As we approached the door, Magnum reached into his pocket and retrieved a huge key, struggling to open the heavy door with a grunt. Colin stepped in to assist, successfully getting the door open so we could enter.

Once inside, I was immediately hit with a potent scent of old perfume, lingering traces of past sexual encounters, and a sense of the dark and sinister - all things I had become accustomed to being present in the castles and lairs of vampire women.

I took out my radar, focused my concentration, and activated it. It didn't take long for the radar to detect several items, which was quite surprising.

I announced, "Alright, we have loot here. I've found 14 items, two of which are listed as gray. I'm not sure what that means, but I'm determined to find out about those two items first."

Following protocol, Magnum gripped me. Whenever I activated my radar and went to retrieve something from it, someone always had to keep hold of me. This was necessary because I had a compulsion to touch whatever I found, and it could potentially be dangerous.

As a dark finder, I often stumbled upon unpleasant and hazardous things. So, I had a partner who was trained to prevent me from touching any potentially harmful objects, and they were well-versed in handling such situations.

Curiosity consumed me as I ventured towards the enigmatic blips on my radar, determined to uncover their identity. I approached a specific door with unwavering resolve, leading us to a dimly lit cellar. Magnum, with a swift motion, located the light switch, casting a feeble glow upon the dank space, revealing our path.

Descending the steep stairs, we entered the cool depths of the cellar. It was evident that this place had once served as a prison, as rows of empty cells lined the lengthy hallway, culminating at a door.

Remnants of a grim past lingered, with the pungent odor of despair and faded bloodstains adorning the moldy mattresses scattered within some of the cells. Colin, closely trailing behind, and Magnum's firm grip on my arm provided a sense of security.

As we reached the door, Magnum noticed a lock, but I confidently suggested, "Step aside; I'll kick it open."

Colin grumbled, cautioning against the unknown, "Let me handle it. We must proceed cautiously."

With a powerful kick, Colin shattered the lock, and the door swung open. Maintaining his hold on me, Magnum braced for what lay beyond. Colin took the lead, fumbling in the darkness momentarily before locating the light switch. A solitary lamp hanging from the high ceiling bathed the room in a soft glow, illuminating our surroundings. 

In the chamber, two enormous cages dominated the space. Inside each cage, I initially mistook the figures for humans, but upon closer inspection, I understood why they appeared grey. They were beings in need of salvation. As a light finder, Mimosa was absent, but somehow her radar had alerted me to their plight, compelling me to rescue them. 

As we ventured further into the room, a male figure rose from his seated position. Towering above 185 cm and possessing a slender frame, his black hair contained streaks of grey. His ageless face bore the weariness of countless years, and his dark grey eyes regarded me with suspicion. His noble features twisted into a frown, and I noticed a flicker in his nostrils as he sniffed the air. Suddenly, before my very eyes, he transformed into a dragon.

Standing over four meters tall, his massive body strained against the confines of the cage, which now seemed too small for him. He emitted a snort, but no smoke or fire accompanied it.

As he moved, I witnessed black, lifeless scales falling to the floor, revealing patches of exposed skin. The sickly scent of his weakened state filled the air. Despite his frailty, he regarded me as a threat and attempted to intimidate me. 

Magnum released his grip and stepped back in awe, and Colin mirrored his actions. However, I remained unafraid. Damon and Mariella had previously rescued two dragons, Draco and Silver, healing them and moving them to other realms. If necessary, they could aid us. To prepare for such encounters, they had given upon us a pendant, a symbol of our alliance with the dragons. Draco and Silver, once the king and queen of the dragons, seemed youthful compared to the ancient creatures before me. 

I cautiously approached, my steps measured and deliberate. I made sure my body language conveyed no threat as I retrieved my pendant, allowing it to dangle loosely from my hand.

The dragon peered closer, its voice resonating in my mind. "Very well, you may be a friend, but as a non-human, you are not to be fully trusted."

Suddenly, a woman's voice spoke, its melodic tone unfamiliar to my ears. Her voice carried a hint of reproach as if she was trying to convince the male of something. "Frag, durh, khan bahr, drag'huon'rel, greqght doch fez, gruh."

The male dragon responded to her out loud, "Silvara' nnah, mein khan frac, beach poe."

The female let out a sigh and turned to me. "If you can forgive my husband, he is uncertain of your intentions. You possess the pendant of fire, yet you are not human. What exactly are you? Can you show us?"

I nodded and began my transformation, morphing into a jaguar, then a tiger, a lion, a snow leopard, a leopard, a lynx, and a wolf, before returning to my true form.

I spoke to her, "I am a being of many forms. I am a shapeshifter, a vampire, and a triple alpha. I am also immortal, a siphon, an energy exploiter, and a harbinger of chaos."

As the male dragon transformed back into a human, he let out a weary sigh and leaned against the wide-apart bars. Despite their distance, the bars held them captive. He appeared weakened but remained silent.

After a while, he spoke, his voice filled with a mixture of resignation and hope, "You are the one, the chaos who sets us free, as per my vision. But beware, your destiny will not be peaceful."

I couldn't help but snort in response. "I know," I replied, my voice filled with the weight of past hardships. "My life has been an ordeal, and it won't transform into a fairytale. My name is Mimi, and I'll get you guys out of here. We have a clinic where we can help you, or we can take you to the magic house. Our friends, Draco and Silver, are there. They might be able to assist you."

The male dragon introduced himself as Drag'huon'rel but said I could call him Drake. He pointed to his mate, Silvara'nnah, known as Sylvie.

"We won't go to the magic house just yet," Drake said. "We need you to do one thing for us."

I nodded, acknowledging their request. "I am a doctor, and Colin here is too. We can help you heal," I assured them.

Sylvie spoke, her voice filled with desperation. "We only have a few scales left. Once they die, we'll be stuck in human form. It would be an honor if you could take one scale and let it live within you. It's crucial for dragons that one of their scales survives, even if not within them."

I nodded again, understanding the gravity of their request. "Sure, but I must warn you, I'm a special case. I can't promise anything."

Drake's eyes gleamed with hope. "I've seen a vision, and you are the best hope for our scale to survive. Maybe someday, when we're healthy enough, we might be able to take them back. But for now, please."

I nodded once more and moved towards the door of the massive cages. Focusing my willpower, I channeled my rage and unleashed a powerful kick on the locking mechanism. The door creaked open, and I pulled it wide, helping Drake out. Colin stood nearby, offering his assistance as Drake leaned on him, his weakness evident.

As Drake stood before me, he lifted his tattered shirt to reveal a magnificent, oversized scale resting above his heart.

"This is the last one. Can you take it?" he asked, his voice filled with urgency.

I replied with determination, "I can take it, and I will cherish it."

Little did I know about the powers and the boost this dragon scale would grant me.

Drake took my hand and carefully removed the scale, then pulled my shirt aside so he could place it above my heart. As he did, I felt a surge of energy coursing through me, and the scale shimmered in response. A smile spread across Drake's face, filled with gratitude.

Next, I went to free Sylvie, and she handed me her final scale. I accepted it with reverence, knowing that these scales held a significance beyond my understanding.

Placed delicately beside the imposing scale of Drake's, there sat a smaller, more delicate scale with a subtle pinkish hue. Two dragon scales now adorned my skin, their presence a testament to the honor given to me as their chosen scale bearer. These scales were the last remnants of their once mighty forms, leaving them trapped in human bodies.

It was our responsibility to aid in their healing, hoping that one day they could reclaim their true dragon shape. After tending to their wounds and providing nourishment from the meager supplies, we found in the house, we carefully packed them into our car.

Everything was new to them, having been held captive by malevolent vampires in their own universe for far too long. There was much to explain, but I chose not to disclose the existence of my pack. Our clinic had suitable accommodations for them to live in, and we would need to educate ourselves on their dietary needs, as they were unfamiliar with human food.

Colin grasped the task of guiding them, allowing me to focus on my duties as a trauma surgeon. The impact of these scales on my being remained a mystery, one that only time would reveal. I pushed aside any thoughts of my pack as we settled Drake and Sylvie into their new home, and Colin provided them with books to read.

However, my obligations as a surgeon called me to the hospital, for there was another VIP in need of my skills. Prepared and determined, I embarked on a rare and complex surgery to remove a brain and heart tumor simultaneously. The patient happened to be the wife of the vice president, beloved by many.

Though the operation was successful and I took pride in my work, it wasn't long before the consequences of my heroic deed became apparent. I was to be honored once again, bestowed with yet another award, and required to attend a gala. The thought of the upcoming event bored me to no end, but my exceptional abilities left me with no choice but to begrudgingly accept this obligation.