My Champion(74)

Kari was surprised to see Adriel had tears swimming in his eyes. His mate wrapped an arm around his waist as she laid her head on his shoulder. "See my love. I told you they knew you cared."

Adriel had to clear his throat twice before he could respond. "Declan Lionhart, it would be my honor to be your child's athair."

Declan pulled him into a hug. "Of course, you may have to fight Rex to spoil her or him, but I think you're up to it."

Adriel gave them a rare open smile. "I am pretty sure I can hold my own."

A few moments later, the doorbell chimed again. This time it was Rex.

"There is my sister!" he exclaimed. Walking up to her, he pulled her into a gentle hug and kissed her on the forehead. "And how is my niece or nephew today?"

"The same as they were this morning," she commented.

Rex was beaming. "I took the liberty of picking out some of the bedroom furniture I think that my niece or nephew might like. Maybe we can go over my selections later."

Kari blinked. "We have not really gotten that far yet."

Rex waved a hand. "I can help."

"Evidently," she chuckled.

Rex looked around. "Where is Meryn?"

Gavriel, Adriel, Aiden, and Magnus exchanged looks.

Aiden pointed to the far hallway. "Still in the bedroom."

Rex frowned "Isn't she supposed to be out here?"

Aiden spread his hands wide. "We're working on it."

Kari patted Declan's arm. "Give me a moment. I will see if I can go help Bethy."

He leaned down and nipped her ear. "Good luck."

Kari walked toward the guest quarters and stood at the open door. There, Tarragon was still fussing over Meryn's arm.

"It should be better by now, but I'm so hesitant, you're human after all."

"Get this freaking sling off me. I can't even wipe my butt," Meryn groused.

Tarragon rolled his eyes. "Thank the gods Bethy wasn't like you."

Meryn stuck her tongue out at him. He carefully removed the sling and gently made her extend and then flex her arm.

"Is there any pain?" he asked.

"Nope, I'm okay," Meryn insisted.

"Okay, I'm going to go to the antechamber for a glass of wine"--he looked at Bethy--"or three." Then he left the room.

Ryuu stood in the corner watching his charge, a smile on his face.

Bethy turned. "Meryn, you need to start getting ready."

"No," Meryn said. "I don't want to eat with that asshole."

"And I do?" Bethy asked. "Listen to your Yoda. Sometimes you have to make nice with jerks. It's part of being an adult."

"Fine," Meryn said.

"Fine?" Beth asked.

"Yeah, I quit being adult." Her clothes shimmered, and she stood before them in her Simba pajamas.

Kari laid a hand on Bethy's arm. "I guess this is just beyond her." She turned to Meryn. "Go eat your pudding, dear."

"What's beyond me?" Meryn asked, her eyes narrowing.

"This dinner." Kari clucked her tongue. "I keep forgetting how young you are."

"I'm not that young," she protested.

"It might be better if you do not attend. You are so very blunt."

"I totally nailed Daphne at that sewing circle."

"Oh yes, Bethy told me about that. Sweetheart, that is like bragging you stayed in your lane at the go kart track to an Formula One racer."

Meryn gasped. "I could totally do this."

Bethy looked unsure. "Maybe you should stay in tonight and get some sleep."

Kari nodded her agreement. "Meryn, there is nothing to be ashamed of. I think it is admirable you know your limitations."

"Whatever, heifer; I got this!" Her clothes shimmered again, and she was now wearing a red sequined dress.

Kari tilted her head. "Were you going for high class Vegas call girl?"

Meryn screeched in frustration. "Don't make me assume my ultimate form!"

"And what is that, dear? A homicidal hobbit?"

Meryn's mouth dropped, and then her lips began to twitch. Soon, she was giggling. "Okay that was fun."

The red dress shimmered, and she was in a black dress with pearls. Kari winked at Bethy and then turned to Meryn "There is nothing more satisfying than winning the game."

Bethy's mouth dropped open. "You totally just handled Meryn."

"Game?" Meryn asked.

"Politics." Kari answered. "It is the ultimate strategy game."

"But how do you know if you're winning?"

Kari winked at her "You will know."

The doorbell rang, and she looked between Bethy and Meryn. "Game on," she said, echoing Meryn's earlier sentiment.

By the time three of them arrived in the antechamber, tensions were already high and fake smiles were flashing all around. Holding a wine glass, Ivan DeLaFontaine stood between Magnus and Aiden.