My Defender(42)

Ellie sat back, smiling. "That's wonderful news. I know it will help the children to feel less secluded." She frowned as she realized something. "Damn."

Magnus leaned forward. "What is it?"

"There goes my theory that it might have been something from the garden. Not only did I not find anything, but Dr. St. John's notes from Carina never mentioned the Royal Gardens."

"You still haven't found anything in the bloodwork?" Broderick asked.

"No, nothing. It's so frustrating because I know they're sick. I can see them getting pale and weak, but there's nothing to explain it. Broderick and I've tested for everything I can think of and everything comes back negative. I feel like I am failing them."

"Don't get too down on yourself," Eva replied. "You've done so much just by being here. More than one parent has said that their child looks forward to your check-ins. They have told their parents you make them feel like everything will be okay."

"She's right," Declan added. "The children know how much you care. I think that's one of the reasons they have been able to stay so calm."

She shook her head. "That's Grant and the Bolivars..."

"No Ellie," Adriel said, interrupting her. "I have also overheard the children. One of the Hamilton boys said that you felt like a 'mom'. I cannot think of higher praise than that."

Ellie stared as the tears fell down her cheeks.

Kari smiled at her. "Oh, honey. You have to know how much the children adore you. They can feel your love, and it makes it easier for them to trust you. It is what makes you one of the best pediatricians in the country."

"We are truly lucky to have you. We could not ask for a better doctor for the children," Magnus agreed.

Beside her, Grant scooted his chair back and pulled her into his lap. For a moment, a familiar panic overwhelmed her. If he dropped her, everyone would laugh. "I'm too big. I'm not little like Meryn." Ellie tried to wiggle back to her seat, but her mate held her to him tightly.

"What did I tell you about calling me weak? You must want to be punished later," Grant whispered against her ear.

Darn it all! She did not want to get hot and bothered during an emotional meltdown at the table. She must look like a ninny!

"Have you seen me lately?" Meryn demanded. "I'm fucking huge! Like seriously." She pointed down at her belly. "I'm not all sexy curvy like you. It's starting to look like I've swallowed a damn beach ball." She shrugged. "If Aiden pulls me onto his lap and risks me squishing his nuts, I let him. It makes him happy to go all caveman, and if he drops me, Ryuu will shock his ass."

Ellie stared. "I don't know what to say to that."

"I do." Grant nipped at her neck. "Don't squish my nuts."

"Did he just make a joke?" Declan crowed.

Adriel rubbed his chin. "I do believe he did."

"You see, my love, I told you you're beautiful." Grant wiped away her tears.

"You know, maybe I'm starting to believe you."

And she was.





CHAPTER NINE





Ellie inhaled deeply when they walked through the door of the house they were sharing with her gram on Level Six. Checking in on the kids took longer than the previous night since there were more children. By the time they had finished with the nightly doses she was starting to get hungry again. She followed her nose to the kitchen. Two plates of assorted cookies covered with plastic wrap were on the table.

"Gods, what's that smell?" Grant asked.

She held up the plate. "Cookie?"

"Is that my plate?"

She turned her body, guarding the plate. "No. We have to share. The other plate has a name tag for Meryn."

Grant eyed the second plate and shook his head. "I'm afraid of what Meryn would do to me if I ate her cookies."

Giggling, Ellie set the plate down and removed the plastic. She picked up her favorite peanut butter oatmeal cookie and bit it in half.

Grant stared. "Damn, that was sexy."

Ellie chewed quickly then popped the rest of it in her mouth before grabbing two more. Grant was practically inhaling the chocolate chip cookies. He looked around until he located the refrigerator. "Please gods, let there be milk," he pleaded. He opened the door and sighed in relief grabbing the carton.

Ellie opened a few cabinets and found the plates and glasses. He poured them each a glass before returning the milk to the refrigerator.

"I could eat these every day," he announced happily.

"Me too."

"Keep the kitchen stocked for me and I will gladly make you both cookies," a warm amused voice said from behind them. They both turned and hid their cookies behind their backs guiltily. Marjoram laughed. "Too late, I already saw you got into the cookies. Eat up, it's why I made them." She sat at the table, uncovered the cookies, and grabbed one for herself. Ellie and Grant grinned at each other, sat down with their milk and plate of cookies, and continued eating.