The men all looked away, hiding their smiles. They all knew that Keelan was Meryn's favorite lighting rod in the morning. Penny snickered.
Keelan shrugged again.
She ruffled his hair. "Of course I like you. In fact, you're one of the few people in the world I do like. If I didn't like you, I wouldn't talk to you at all."
"I think an outing is a wonderful idea. Meryn needs more fresh air," Ryuu said, walking in from the kitchen. He set a pitcher of orange juice on the table and looked at Rheia. "I would be more than happy to watch Penny for you if you would like to go."
Rheia's eyes brightened before she turned to Colton. "We've never been on a real date," she said softly.
Colton sighed and wrapped an arm around her shoulders. Just like that, Darian knew they would all be going to see the Hobbit. He stood and reached for his phone. He knew his commander, and before Aiden even had to tell him, he was already dialing Sascha.
"You got this, Darian?" Aiden asked from the table.
"Yes, sir." Darian headed to the family room. He sat down on the sofa to make security arrangements. After the second ring, he heard Sascha's greeting. "What?"
"And hello to you, too, asshole."
"I'm not awake yet, so it had better be good."
"The ladies want to go see a movie in Madison. Gamma unit has security detail." Darian didn't even try to sugar coat it.
"Motherfucker!" Sascha continued to cuss as Darian heard the man's feet hit the floor.
"I expect they'll try to make the matinee showing at ten a.m. Get the guys ready and meet us in town at the theater."
"We'll be there," Sascha grumbled.
"See you later." Darian hung up the phone and let his hand fall on the cushion at his side. He should have had more fun torturing Sascha, but he couldn't find the energy. Everything seemed so pointless lately.
Darian felt a tugging on his sleeve. When he looked down, he saw that Felix was watching him with a worried look on his face. Forcing his lips to move, he smiled.
"Hey buddy, what's wrong?"
Felix continued to stare.
"I'm okay, really," Darian promised.
Felix's bright green eyes filled with tears. "Go home soon?" he asked in his tiny voice.
"I would if I could." Darian let the smile disappear as his head dropped back to rest on the cushion.
Felix tugged on his sleeve vigorously. "I take."
Darian turned his head to look at his small friend and lifted his hand. Using his index finger, he gently rubbed the top of Felix's copper curls. "I appreciate the sentiment, but that option was taken from me a long time ago."
Felix dashed at his tears with his coat sleeve. "Your light is almost gone."
Darian closed his eyes. "I know."
"Alpha help?"
Darian opened his eyes and shook his head. "There nothing anyone can do. Promise me one thing, Felix. If something happens to me, promise you'll keep the women and Penny safe. The guys can look out for themselves."
Felix sniffed and tried to look manly, the effort ruined by the steady stream of tears rolling down his cherub-like cheeks. He nodded then reached inside his shirt. He twisted his pendant and seconds he flew away.
Of course, a sprite would be able to tell that he was fading. They were distantly related to the fae. Darian stood and put his phone in his pocket before heading back to the dining room. If these were his last days then he was going to enjoy every scrap of Ryuu's cooking that he could.
*****
"I thought you knew the story!" Aiden exclaimed, wiping more tears from Meryn's face with some theater napkins.
She was blubbering so hard she couldn't form coherent sentences. People were shooting Aiden evil looks as they walked by assuming he was the reason she was crying.
He had to admit, it did look incriminating for his commander. Meryn was only slightly taller than a toddler and just showing a pregnant belly behind her cartoon t-shirt that made her seem even younger.
Beth and Rheia stood on either side of Meryn making shushing noises. Gavriel, Colton, and Keelan looked just as distraught and helpless as their commander.
Darian thought about it for a moment before deciding on a course of action. "Meryn, would you like some ice cream? The shop across the street is supposed to have a really good selection."
Meryn stopped mid-sniffle. "Ice cream?" She used her coat sleeve to wipe her nose.
"Yes, and toppings."
Meryn turned to Aiden. "Can we get ice cream?"
Aiden nodded frantically. "Of course you can get ice cream." He looked over at Darian and mouthed the words, "Thank you."
Darian shrugged. The sooner Meryn composed herself, the sooner they could return to the Alpha estate.