Bethy rubbed her temples. "Stefan, I'm so sorry, I completely forgot that this affects one of your pack members. Yes, of course, tell them my uncle supports them one hundred percent. If any of your people discover mates, please advise them to alert us immediately so that we may avoid another scene like today."
Stefan nodded. "Of course. If I may make a suggestion?" He hesitated, as if his opinion wouldn't be welcome.
Gavriel looked kindly at the young wolf. "Please."
"If you want some of the women to open up, include Micah. I haven't been here long, but I see the way he treats them; they trust him."
Bethy smiled at the young wolf. "I'll have Adriel add his name to the assignment. That's a very good suggestion, Stefan. Please know that your input is vital. We're relying on you to let us know how things stand with your people."
Stefan blushed. "Thanks. I know I'm young, but sometimes that can help people see things more clearly."
Aiden stamped through the doorway. "Drones! Where in the hell did she get drones?" Aiden roared, waving a small device in his hand.
Bethy's eyes widened. "Oh Meryn."
Grinning, Kari stood. "Change of plans. I need to meet Meryn McKenzie."
Aiden set the drone down on the table. "I'll take you to her. Maybe you can keep her out of trouble."
Kari laughed. "No promises."
"Great, just great," he muttered.
As they left the conference room, they passed Magnus' office. She leaned down to Avery. "Come on, there is someone we have to meet."
Avery sprang from his chair excitedly. "Is it the crazy human?"
Vin and Keegan chuckled then gulped when Aiden turned to them with a sour expression. Vin gave a weak smile. "Sorry sir, but we saw the drone."
Aiden shook his head. "She means well."
Keegan coughed. "I'm sure she does. What did she have attached to it? Usually, they can hold a camera or weapon..." Keegan trailed off, taking in his commander's expression.
Aiden froze. "Attached?"
"Shit," Vin whispered.
Aiden turned to her. "Follow me."
Avery hurried behind Aiden. After the Unit Commander had left the room, she quickly turned to Vin. "Snag the drone in the conference room and bring it by when he is not looking," she whispered.
"Are you trying to get me killed?" he whispered back.
"Two questions. One: Do you really think she has only the one? Two: Would you not try to get on her good side by returning it?"
Keegan swallowed hard. "Good point. We'll get it back to her."
Kari grinned at them. "Thanks." She ran after Aiden who was walking quickly toward the living quarters.
She caught up to Avery and snagged his hand. Laughing, they practically had to run to keep up with the grouchy bear.
Avery turned to her. "This place is fun!"
She winked at him, and they both giggled when Aiden began to grumble.
Maybe this won't be too bad after all.
*****
"Where's my drone?" the small woman demanded.
Kari exchanged glances with Avery. This woman was less than half Aiden's size. Her short brown hair seemed to have a mind of its own, curling in every direction.
"Meryn, were you going to attach anything to it?" Aiden asked.
Meryn froze and looked down at her feet. "No."
Aiden exhaled. "Baby, this isn't home. You can't just do whatever you want."
Meryn's head popped up; she looked genuinely confused. "Why not?"
"We're visiting dignitaries."
"So?"
"We could cause Magnus problems."
"So?"
Exasperated, Aiden threw his hands in the air. "Because one day, I'll be an Elder."
"And?"
"Just tell me this: Are you working with dangerous chemicals or explosives?"
Avery's eyes widened at the question.
Meryn titled her head to one side, thinking about her answer. "Hmm no. I think."
Aiden's head snapped to the handsome Asian man standing behind Meryn. "Ryuu?"
Ryuu had a faint smile. "What she is handling is in no way a danger to her."
Aiden turned back to Meryn. "No more attempting to go after Gerald DuBois."
"I make no promises," Meryn said, crossing her arms over her chest.
Aiden looked over at Kari and scowled. "Where have I heard that before?"
Kari widened her eyes, giving him her best innocent look. "Who me?"
Meryn peeked past her mate. "Who are the new peeps?"
Aiden turned so that Meryn could see them. "Meryn, this is Kari Delaney, Declan's mate, and her younger brother, Avery Therian."
Meryn stared at her then nodded before turning to Avery. Her eyes narrowed, and she tilted her head again. "He's pretty."