Adriel looked at Grant with sympathy in his eyes. "This is something you are born to."
Magnus nodded. "I have been struggling for so long trying to do the best for the city, only to discover so much talent in my midst. We could really use someone like you leading and protecting the local packs."
"No," Grant repeated.
Demetrio looked down at him, confused. "But you're an Alpha Born."
Grant stood, chest heaving. "I'm a monster that spent my formative years fighting tooth and claw in the wild. I never learned the human concepts of family or love. Trust me, Bolivar, I am the last person you want as a leader."
"If he doesn't want to lead, he shouldn't have to," Meryn chimed in.
"It doesn't work that way baby," Aiden replied.
Declan looked torn. "Grant..."
"No. I will do my duty as a warrior, but I will never lead." With clenched fists, he strode from the room.
Ellie took a seconds to gather her composure. She knew the people around this table cared for her mate very much; they just weren't listening at the moment. She slowly stood. "His people failed him. I'm sure there are others who recognized his potential and said nothing. I know you care for him, so please accept his wishes. Place the blame where it belongs, with his old pack. Now, if you'll excuse me." With her insides quaking, she quickly went after her mate.
*****
Ellie caught up with Grant just outside of Prince Magnus' living quarters.
"I heard what you said. Thank you." Grant ran a hand through his hair.
"You're my mate; your happiness means everything to me," Ellie said.
Grant took a deep breath, and when he turned to her, she detected a faint smile. "Are you ready to check on our kids?" he asked.
Ellie smiled. "Yes."
They made their way back up to Level Six and the courtyard where the children waited. So far, all of them remained stable. Their breathing, though slightly labored, was even. Off to one side, the man who'd been brought in was now resting comfortably on a gurney, his mate helping the parents around them.
Marjoram came over and hugged Grant. He looked over the older woman's head. Ellie smiled at his panicked expression.
Her grandmother pulled back and looked up into his face. "Do I need to kick someone's ass for hurting my grandson?" she asked.
Grant's eyes took on a noticeable sheen. "No ma'am," he shook his head.
"Good." She turned to Ellie. "I'd like you to try upping their dosage. It's losing its effectiveness."
Ellie chewed on her lower lip. "I'm not sure that will do any good."
Adora and Demetrio walked over, having returned from Level One. They looked at her. "You know you will have our complete support, no matter what treatment you try. Everyone here knows this is unprecedented. We don't expect you to know all the answers." Demetrio looked at Grant. "That goes for both of you. After you left, we made it clear that, as an Alpha Born, it was your choice to lead, and we said we would back your decision."
Adora snickered. "The entire room was tripping over each other affirming their support of you. You have more family here than you may realize." She lay a motherly hand on Grant's shoulder. "If you'd like to be part of the pack again, we'd be honored to have you. Even if all you wanted to do was play with the pups."
Grant looked to the floor. "I don't know; it's been a long time since I lived with a pack."
Adora patted his arm. "They may not be wolves, but if you're honest with yourself, I believe you found your own pack a long time ago. Take your time thinking about our offer."
Susan saved Grant from having to respond when she walked up holding Benji. "This may not be a good time, but he really wants you." In her arms, the toddler stretched out his hands, reaching for Grant.
He took Benji from his foster mother and easily balanced him on his forearm, cradling his back with his other hand.
Ellie turned to Grant. "I need to go to the Royal Gardens to look for possible poisonous or toxic plants. Why don't we take him along?"
Grant nodded, smiling. "Okay."
Marjoram chuckled. "I haven't been here long, but I've noticed you paint yourself in a negative light, much like my Ellie. But no man who is as good with children as you are could be bad. You are a certifiable marshmallow." Grant scowled, and Marjoram ignored him. "I'll use our walkie-talkie to let them know on Level One you're on your way." She clipped the walkie-talkie to her belt. "Also, Sulis called while you were downstairs. He was having some problems finding more gurneys." She grinned. "Poor boy discovered you can't simply pick them up at Wal-Mart. I called in a few favors with the hospitals I've worked with. I had to remind them about the clause in their charter to help when any pillar city calls for aid."