My Guardian

"Hey kiddo, it'll be okay." Eva ran a hand over Meryn's hair.

Meryn scowled up at her. "I don't like it here!" Meryn clutched at her chest.

Now, Eva really was concerned. This didn't look like a normal reaction to the confusion around them. She looked around frantically, trying to find anyone who knew the tiny human.

She looked at her mate; he wore an equally concerned look. "I take it this isn't normal behavior for her?"

Adriel pursed his lips. "I do not believe so. She is a bit different, but she looks to be in pain, and that is not acceptable."

"Denka, I am here." A tall Japanese man said, walking up to them quickly, reaching for Meryn's wrist.

Within moments, Meryn's erratic breathing had slowed, and she looked calmer.

"Is she okay?" Eva asked.

"She will be once I get her back to Level One," he responded.

"I'm fine. I have to watch after Eva; she's my assigned person," Meryn protested.

Eva met the man's eyes and they both seemed to come to an unspoken agreement.

"How about you show me Level One? We can eat some of that pudding you were talking about," Eva suggested.

"You're being too nice. I hate getting like this." Meryn scrubbed at her face with her sleeve.

"What's wrong? Or is it something you don't like to talk about?" Eva asked.

Meryn shrugged. "Kendrick thinks I'm part witch, but I didn't get any cool powers like fireballs or flying, just stupid emotions."

"You're an empath," Eva said, understanding her dilemma. She looked around the room. They were surrounded by pain, confusion, and fear. "We need to get you back to this other level."

"I agree. Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Sei Ryuu; I am Meryn's squire. You can call me Ryuu, it would be an honor to escort you both back down to Level One where my denka can rest." Ryuu's eyes darted to Meryn's midsection.

"Oh my Gods, you're pregnant." Eva exclaimed.

"Yeah." Meryn's eyes were starting to go blank.

Eva turned to her mate. "Point me in the right direction, I'll get us there."

Adriel pointed to the opposite end of the hall. "The transport tunnel is located along the far wall. Under normal circumstances, I would not leave your side, however," he indicated to the crowd around them.

"You go take care of my people, and I'll be with Meryn on Level One. I'll be waiting," she promised.

His eyes darkened. He hesitated for a moment, she could see in his eyes the desire to stay with her, but his sense of duty won out. "I will come for you."

"Find Stefan or Demetrio Bolivar. Stefan is the current Alpha, Demetrio is the previous Alpha, either will be able to tell you if anyone is missing and help organize the people."

"My thanks." He lifted her hand for one last kiss then headed toward the Ledge opening to assist with the townspeople.

Eva grabbed Meryn's arm and began to push her way through the chaotic crowd. The further they got away from the mob, the better Meryn seemed to get. By the time they were at the tunnel, Meryn's green eyes were focused and alert.

"Meryn, wait!" They turned to see a man running toward them.

"Hey Micah. I thought you were helping to heal people?" Meryn questioned.

Micah nodded. "I was, but everyone has been transferred down so the other witches don't have to worry about acting as transport; they've been moved to healing. It's not my strongest ability, so Adriel redirected me to you." He turned and looked her up and down. "And who is this Amazon goddess?"

Eva smiled. "I'm Eva, Adriel's mate."

Micah's face turned tragic. He mimed as if he were getting stabbed in the chest. "Cruel Fate! To see such an ethereal site and know that you belong to my brother warrior, the tragedy."

"You're fun." Eva shook her head smiling.

Micah turned to Ryuu. "Sir, if you would transport our delicate flower, I will assist my goddess." He lifted his arm, indicating to the tunnel.

"Of course." Ryuu walked Meryn forward to the tunnel entrance.

"Halt. No shifters are allowed down to the levels, they must remain here in the Grand Hall," the tunnel escort sneered at them.

Meryn scratched her head. "But we came up from Level One."

"I highly doubt that. Level One is reserved for vampire royalty, no shifters are allowed," he scoffed.

"What about Broderick and Elizabeth Monroe; they're shifters," Meryn countered.

The escort's eyes narrowed. "They are royalty. Broderick Monroe is mated to our prince's own brother and Elizabeth is their daughter."

"And I am her sister." Meryn crossed her arms over her chest, glaring up at the escort.

"Elizabeth Monroe has no sister. Now get back to your charity cot, cow!"

Meryn's mouth dropped as her eyes filled with tears. Eva might not have known her long, but she was betting those were tears born of anger and frustration rather than fear or weakness. She wasn't in the least bit surprised when Meryn lifted her leg as if to kick the escort.

"This. Is. Sparta!" Meryn crowed. She went to kick but couldn't lift her leg high enough. The escort laughed mockingly.

Meryn turned to them. "I can't kick! I can't do my kung-fu!"

"You know kung-fu?" Eva asked.

Meryn shook her head. "No, but what if I wanted to learn one day?"