My Champion(24)

"How are they?" Kari asked.

The doc rubbed the back of his neck. "Bethy and Meryn are doing better. Bethy more than Meryn since she was raised here. But Meryn is exhausted, depressed, and experiencing mood swings not only due to her pregnancy but also because of the lack of sunshine. I think she's experiencing what humans call SAD, seasonal affective disorder."

Gavriel looked up. "I believe that Meryn is not used to dealing with so many emotions. In Lycaonia, all of the housing is spread out, but here, the levels are stacked on top of each other. She is getting no relief, especially given that the children are also being affected by the caves. It is safe to say that she is experiencing everything multiplied."

"She hasn't been sleeping much either," Declan added.

The doc nodded. "Like the children, she may just need some open air and sunshine."

Magnus stepped forward immediately, looking concerned. "What is wrong with the children?"

Dr. St. John turned to him. "They are experiencing the same symptoms as Meryn, low-level depression, listlessness, being tired but unable to sleep. For children that are used to running and playing outside, who have animals that share their bodies, these caves are not the best environment for them."

Magnus turned. "Adriel, please arrange a field trip for the children and their parents. I am opening up the Royal Gardens on Level One to them so they can play there as much as they like."

Adriel nodded. "That is a great idea. I will pull warriors together to assist. I will make sure all families are assigned warriors."

Declan cleared his throat. "Hey Doc, is it okay for me to shift to heal? My brother is requesting my presence at dinner, and I would like to be able to sit upright."

Doc nodded. "Yes, that is fine. Now that you've healed a bit, your shifter abilities can help you from here."

Declan turned to her. "If you ever get cold, my lion has very warm fur." Kari laughed.

"What about Beth?" Gavriel asked, concerned for his own mate.

Declan stepped from between Etain and Grant and tugged on her hand. "Hey, I want to check on the little menace before I lay down." He whispered before yawning wide.

"Okay," she agreed. They stepped away from the group as the healer explained how Bethy was just tired from the pregnancy, which might have been compounded by the mounting stress.

Kari helped Declan hobble into the bedroom. Meryn was laying on her stomach, face down, with her head in the pillow. Ryuu was by the bed as Meryn began to toss and turn grumbling.

Bethy apologized when she saw them. "I'm sorry. I'm usually not so emotional, but I hate seeing her like this." Nigel, Neil, and Avery were sitting at a table holding teacups and looking worried.

Declan turned to Kari. "Can I help her?" She raised an eyebrow, and he winked. Raising his hand, he shifted it to a claw. Kari realized that he was asking if it was okay for him to shift and lie down with Meryn, and she nodded her agreement. Declan shuffled over to the bed and sat down. He pulled Meryn out of her pillow, and she looked up at him her eyes rimmed in red.

"How are you here? Your guts were hanging out," she asked bluntly.

"Yup, Grant took pictures for me; I'll show you later."

"Cool." Meryn saw that he was sitting on the bed with her in his hospital gown. Her eyes grew wide with a hint of excitement. "Will you please sleep with me?" she asked.

Kari watched her mate peek over his shoulder. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Aiden pop his head back in the room. Kari could almost hear him thinking.

Is it worth poking the bear? I could get mauled or worse, but it would be worth it.

"I don't know, Meryn. Your mate is right outside, and you know how I'd have to get naked. Are you sure?" he asked, seductively.

Meryn gave a weak smile. "Please, I need you," she said, playing along. Growls and snarls snapped behind them. Declan ignored Aiden and then shifted, letting the hospital gown shred. He began to flex and stretch. Kari could tell that he was feeling much better.

Meryn's eyes were wide as he hopped back up onto the bed. She buried her small face in his fur, her tiny hands clutching at his mane.

"Just so fluffy!" Kari heard her mumble.

"I'm fluffy too, Meryn," Aiden said, pouting. He stood beside the bed scowling down at his little mate.

Meryn shook her head, pulled back and turned to her mate. "It's not the same, you're not cuddly." Meryn tucked herself practically under Declan. She was barely visible as she wiggled around getting comfortable. She turned her face back to the room. "Felix, you need to get in on this; he's so warm."

"Felix?" Kari asked. Seconds later, a small sprite appeared. His green eyes were red from crying.