My Defender(31)

Ellie looked at her grandmother. "I didn't know about that."

Marjoram winked. "I helped to fund and establish most of the paranormal-run hospitals in the country. After your grandfather passed away, I needed the distraction, so I built hospitals in his memory to help other paranormals who are hurt and can't go to human facilities. I put the clause in the charter myself.

"I pointed Sulis in the direction of the hospitals that have that charter. We'll have our supplies by tomorrow. However, before they arrive, we need to sit down and discuss location."

"Gram, you amaze me." She looked around. "I agree, we need a new space. Give me five minutes to check in on the children." She looked at her mate. "You may want to grab a baby bag for Benji while I get them settled."

It took them fifteen minutes to get a bag packed for the baby and for Ellie to check in on the children before they left. Finally, once everything was done, with Benji tagging along, they returned to Level One.

Ellie was surprised to see Prince Magnus pacing back and forth in the hallway in front of the living quarters. Ellie frowned. Was he mad at them for walking out mid-conversation?

A smiling Sebastian stood to one side. He winked at her. Ellie felt better about approaching the prince. When Prince Magnus saw them walking up, he stopped and straightened his back.

"Sire?" she asked.

"I wanted to apologize if I came across as..."

"Domineering," Sebastian supplied.

Prince Magnus frowned. "Not really..."

"Inconsiderate."

The prince glared at his squire.

"Rude?" Sebastian quipped.

Prince Magnus looked at them and, with his back to the squire, rolled his eyes.

"I saw that," Sebastian said urbanely.

Prince Magnus' shoulders slumped. "Of course, you did." He looked at Grant and Ellie. "What I am trying to say is I am sorry. No matter what you do, I will help in any way possible, and please, call me Magnus."

Sebastian handed them a packed lunch. "We thought you might like to take a break with everything going on."

"Thank you. That would be lovely." Ellie took the heavy bundle. What had Sebastian packed? The kitchen?

Magnus led them to the doorway of the gardens. Like the lab, this door also had an intricate lock. However, unlike the lab, it wasn't science that had created the lock; it was magic. Using his hand as the key, the prince opened the door.

"Take your time. You both more than deserve a respite," he said, then walked away, closing the door behind him.

Looking around, Ellie felt as if she had been transported to a different world. "Have you been here before?" she asked.

Grant nodded. "The first time wasn't too long ago. I helped watch over the children when they came down and played."

Ellie looked around at the lush plant life all around them. "Where would be the best spot for a picnic?"

Grant pointed down the path. "They had picnic tables put in next to where the children's playground was installed. We could eat there and you can poke around the area looking at the plants."

Hand in hand, they walked over to a table and began opening the lunch Sebastian had packed for them. It included a tablecloth, eating utensils, plates, an array of sandwiches, chips, potato salad, and two thermoses of tea. Instead of putting the tablecloth on the table, Ellie laid it on the ground. "I hope Sebastian won't mind."

"I can't see how. Especially if it's for Benji; this baby boy has the squire wrapped around his tiny finger."

Ellie gave him a sidelong glance. "He's not the only one who's wrapped."

Grant shrugged. "I deny nothing."

Under the artificial sun, Benji was a different child. He cooed and played, rolling around and laughing as he discovered his toes. Ellie sat on one corner watching him, her heart full. She'd always longed for her own child. When she looked up, she saw Grant watching her, an intense look on his face.

"What?" she asked.

"Yes."

"Yes, what?"

"Yes, I want children."

Ellie sat up straighter. "Really?"

Grant's eyes drifted to the small child. "Benji doesn't seem to be afraid of me, plus you look like the embodiment of motherhood. You don't realize how much you light up around children. Let's have a dozen."

Ellie sputtered. "A dozen! Kids are hard work you know."

He smiled. "I'll just use my Alpha voice on them."

Ellie shook her head, laughing. "Well, now we know why the kids wanted you so much. As an Alpha Born, your presence must be very comforting to them."

He shrugged noncommittally. "Go look for your plants. Benji and I will have guy time." He walked around the table and leaned down. When his lips captured hers, she felt a jolt of electricity race through her body. When his tongue teased hers, she melted against him. Just as she was about to lose her mind, she heard a tiny giggle. They broke apart and looked down. Benji clapped his hands and chortled happily.