My Defender(66)

Ryuu shuddered. "I do not believe so, denka. But rest assured that your child will receive the best nutrition available." He inclined his head. "It is my honor to ensure you and your child are healthy." He held up a plate of macaroons. "Pastry?"

Meryn shook her head. "No, but I'd love some of the meat kebobs Sebastian ordered for me this morning. This kid is half bear and half badass, so I think they are making me crave more protein."

Sebastian practically tripped over himself. "I'll get them for you." He hurried from the room toward the kitchen. Ellie had a feeling that Meryn's likening him to Elizabeth's mother had touched the squire greatly.

Grant leaned over and pecked her on the cheek. "I have to go. Aiden has called a meeting with some of the warriors."

Meryn frowned. "He's up to something."

"I'll find out soon enough." He stood and looked down at Ellie. "You'll call me if you need anything?" he asked, holding up his walkie-talkie. Ellie realized they hadn't been apart for very long since finding one another. She had already become accustomed to having him at her side.

"Of course, I will. Have fun at your warrior meeting," she said cheerfully.

He hesitated, and as he walked out, he kept giving her glances over his shoulder.

"He loves you," Anne commented.

Ellie blushed. "He shows me he does every day."

Rheia absently rotated her cup on the saucer. "I hope the men stay out of trouble."

Meryn waved at her. "What trouble could they possibly get into here? Besides, we'll see them in an hour or two for lunch."

Rheia and Ellie exchanged looks. Meryn had most definitely jinxed them.





*****





When Grant walked into one of Magnus' meeting rooms, Aiden stood at the front next to the large television. Office chairs were situated facing the television in a semi-circle. He sat down in one of the two empty chairs, choosing the seat next to Declan. Everyone waited for Aiden to start the meeting.

All of the Alpha and Eta unit members in the city were present, along with the twins.

"Gentlemen, I've called you here today to go over a very important mission," Aiden began. "As you know, some of our mates are already with child, and I have a feeling that before too long, the others will be as well. Our children will grow up together and more than likely, gods willing, be warrior brothers to one another." Grant found it amusing that Aiden assumed they would all be having boys.

Grant exchanged looks with a grinning Declan. Grant hadn't thought of it before, but Benji would be growing up with Declan's unborn child. He grinned back, and they bumped forearms.

"That being said, I believe that as unit warriors, our knowledge of child bearing is woefully inadequate as Kendrick pointed out to me."

"Where is Kendrick anyway?" Colton asked.

"He's still working in the lab," Nigel informed them.

Aiden nodded. "As he has studied medicine, he is already aware of a lot of what we will be learning here today."

"What exactly are we learning Aiden?" Adriel asked.

"Kendrick helped me to procure a video that will show us the miracle of birth so we may better help our mates when their time comes. As your Unit Commander and resident female expert, I felt it was my duty to make sure we are prepared for our children."

Colton nodded, looking touched. "Aiden, it is an honor to serve with you. You are always thinking of ways to make us better."

"Why is he the female expert?" Declan asked. "I would think it would be Micah."

Micah shook his head. "I don't know nothing about birthing no babies."

Colton frowned. "Why does that sound familiar?"

Micah chuckled, and Declan elbowed him in the ribs. "Pay attention. You're the medically trained one in our unit. If something were to happen to Kari or my unborn child, I would be turning to you."

Micah paled, and his eyes became serious. "I swear I will pay attention and learn all Aiden has to teach us."

Gavriel rubbed his chin, looking a bit concerned. "Aiden, I have helped a midwife a time or two in my many long years, maybe a video is not the best way to..."

Aiden shook his head. "Kendrick assured me this is what they use to teach young human females about childbirth. If young human females can learn from it, so can we." He looked out over the room. "Ready?"

"Ready, sir," they said as one.

"Good men!" Aiden pressed play and sat down in the last empty chair.

Grant watched the opening scenes where they introduced a pleasant looking woman who was huge with child. She smiled at the camera and told them her age and where she was from.

"Did she just say she was twenty?" Etain asked.