My Defender(69)

Elizabeth held Gavriel's hand to her cheek. "We're stronger than we look."

Colton looked at his mate for encouragement. Rheia snorted. "Yes, it will hurt, and yes, I will make you suffer right along with me, but it will be worth it when we hold our son or daughter for the first time."

Ellie looked up at her mate. "Didn't they show that in whatever video you watched?" she asked, guessing at what they had done.

He shook his head. "We had to turn it off before then."

She reached up and cupped his face. "My poor baby."

He turned his face and kissed the center of her palm. "We don't have to have any children. Benji is perfect for us."

Ellie rolled her eyes. "I thought you said you wanted a dozen?"

Declan gasped and turned to his warrior brother. "What?"

Grant shook his head. "That was before I knew what went into making one."

Ellie giggled. "I don't think making them is the problem."

Grant gave her a goofy grin and then frowned. "You know what I mean."

She ran a thumb over his lips before reaching for her fork. "We'll be fine. Did the video show the months leading up to labor?"

Grant shook his head. "Why?"

Meryn laughed. "What you saw wasn't everything."

"No!" Declan exclaimed.

Meryn nodded. "Oh yeah. There's weird cravings, bloating, back pain, peeing all the time, and don't get me started on the nausea."

Aiden rested his cheek on Meryn's head. "My mate is the strongest person I know."

"Well said, Commander," Broderick commended.

After that, everyone dug into their amazing lunch, except the men who avoided the turkey. Just as lunch was winding down, Kendrick stood and murmured under his breath. Once again, Ellie felt the air pressure in the room change. He had cast another soundproof spell.

Magnus looked up, a weariness in his eyes. "You found something."

Kendrick nodded, then looked at her, then Rheia.

Ellie spoke up. "You better explain it."

Aiden looked at Kendrick. "Explain what?"

Kendrick clasped both hands behind his back. "There is magic in the virus," he announced softly.

"What?" Law demanded.

Kendrick turned to him. "You need to bring someone else in to guard Meryn; I'll need you in the lab."

Law looked shaken. "Of course. But are you sure?"

Kendrick's expression became pinched. "I wish it were not true, but it is. The twins helped me to set up the different elemental testing plates to determine the type of magic used, but once that is determined, I'll need a more experienced witch to help me drill down even further."

Law sat back. "I'm not sure how much help I'll be since I'm not well-versed in medicine, but I will do whatever I can."

Magnus looked ill. "Is there any way this was an accident?"

Kendrick looked at the prince, sadness in his eyes. He shook his head. "No, I'm afraid not."

"I bet it was that DuBois asshole!" Meryn exclaimed. "And Evreux!"

Kendrick raised an eyebrow at Meryn. "He's not even in the city, Meryn."

"A douchebag is a douchebag no matter where they are," she informed him.

Adriel turned to Magnus. "I believe she may be on to something in suggesting DuBois. He has made it known through word and deed that he does not want the shifters here."

Elizabeth turned to her uncle. "Should we go to DeLaFontaine? He is the Founding Family head Gerald reports to."

Kendrick shook his head. "No, I don't want to tip our hand, and DeLaFontaine may assist DuBois out of some sense of loyalty. Let's wait until we have a further breakdown of the virus. Once the results are in identifying the basic components, I may be able to trace it back to the creator."

"I know someone who studies diseases, and she's a paranormal. I can call her to see if she can come help," Ellie offered.

Broderick leaned forward. "Are you referring to Vivian Mercy?"

Ellie looked at him surprised. "You know of her?"

He nodded. "Of course. She is a world renowned epidemiologist and hematologist. Where I have concentrated my efforts in creating a synthetic blood, she has been focusing on making the human blood supply safer. She would be invaluable."

Ellie turned to Kari. "Did you want me to call her?"

Kari looked relieved. "Could you? I do not know her and this may be better coming from someone she knows."

"I'll call her as soon as I check in on the children," Ellie promised.

"How are they?" Magnus asked.

Rheia smiled. "They are doing surprisingly well. I've had more than one child tell me they needed to hurry up and get well so they could play with their Uncle Magnus." She winked at the prince.