My Defender(56)

"He's one."

"But they learn so fast."

"Get in, the water is warm."

"What are we going to do?" Ellie exclaimed, climbing into the shower.

"We let our relatives worry about it. Your gram is going to lose her mind when she finds out about Benji. We have a built-in babysitter for life. And Declan can start earning his keep as Benji's favorite uncle." He smiled smugly. "I didn't even have to wait for our son to be born. I get to play with him right away."

"Do you think Meryn would babysit?" she asked as he began to shampoo her hair.

His hands stilled. "Maybe she wouldn't be the best choice."

"Why? She's sweet and very protective."

"She's a bit nuts."

Ellie giggled. "I know. It's what I like about her."

Grant sighed and continued washing her hair. "Fine. At least I know Ryuu will be with her." He cleared his throat. "I would like to ask Adriel to be Benji's athair."

"Aren't you closer to Declan?" She let out a happy sigh as his strong fingers massaged her scalp.

"Yes, but the four of us in the Eta Unit decided a long time ago that if we were ever blessed with children, we would ask our leader to be athair. We vowed to each other to be the best uncles our children could ask for, but Adriel lived so long apart from us to distance us from the city's politics that we figured it would be the best way to show him we considered him our brother."

"I think he is a perfect choice."

"I'm going to be the best father any child could ask for, Ellie. I promise," Grant whispered and kissed her shoulder.

"And I will try to be the best mother." She closed her eyes and swallowed hard. She'd had so many wishes come true lately she was afraid this was all a dream and that when she woke, she'd be alone in her bed overdue for another shift at the hospital. Smiling, she let the shower wash away her happy tears. She would hold fast to her dreams and newfound happiness with both hands. She was mated to the most perfect man and she was finally a mother. She wouldn't let anyone take Grant or Benji away from her; they were hers to love and protect, and she would never let them go.





*****





Grant had to practically drag her away from the hospital to keep her from checking on Benji. They were already late for dinner due to their long shower.

"We'll see him after dinner," Grant said, tapping on her lower lip; she had been chewing on it again.

After they arrived at the prince's home, Sebastian escorted them to the dining room. When they walked in, the men stood and sat when she did. Even though she'd worked with other paranormals, she'd lived amongst humans so she had never experienced the courtly manners of the pillar cities. She loved being an independent woman, but there was something special about seeing so many handsome men stand when she entered the room; it did wonders for her self-esteem.

When she sat, Grant remained standing. She ducked her head to hide her smile; she knew what was coming.

"Adriel, I would like to ask a favor if I may?" Grant asked.

Adriel looked over at them, confusion on his face. "Of course, anything I can do, I will."

Grant looked down at her and winked. She smiled up at him. Grant turned to face his unit leader, his normal scowl in place. "I, as Benji's father, humbly request that you accept the role as his athair."

Adriel's mouth dropped open, and Elizabeth clapped her hands together excitedly. Eva, Adriel's mate, leaned in and whispered something to the proper unit leader. His eyes filled with tears, and he stood. "It would be my honor--" Adriel cleared his throat when his voice cracked. "It would be my honor to become Benji's athair." Around the table, everyone applauded.

Gavriel was smiling softly. "So many new entries to be made in the family's book."

Adriel was pulled back down into his chair by his mate, still looking a bit stunned. She chuckled at his expression and kissed his neck.

Grant sat down beside Ellie before turning to Gavriel. "What do you mean?"

Gavriel's smile was slightly smug. "As you know Adriel is an Ambrosios." Grant nodded, and Gavriel continued. "As he has been asked to become athair by both yourself and Declan, your children's names will be added to the Ambrosios Book of Life. My family is growing." He looked very pleased at the prospect of adding new names. Ellie felt like she could relate to the mysterious vampire for the first time. Even though she had her gram, their family consisted of just the two of them, so she also knew what it was like to be alone. She couldn't imagine how long the vampire in front of her had to make his way in the world before he found his mate.

She blinked. "Ambrosios? Isn't that the name of one of the lost royal bloodlines?"