My Guardian

Meryn's lower lip began to tremble. "I can't do this." She turned to Ryuu. "I can't do this!"

Ryuu looked at a loss for words. He turned to Aiden, who looked at Gavriel, who turned to Bethy.

Bethy frowned as she thought the problem over. "Uncle, you do have internet don't you?"

Magnus nodded quickly. "Of course. We have to use wired connections though."

Bethy thought for a moment more then went to Meryn, wrapping her arm around the small woman. "Okay, this is what we're going to do. Uncle will get in contact with one of our city engineers to get you a map that shows where all the Ethernet ports are in the city. That way you'll know where the internet is no matter where you go. How's that?"

Meryn sniffled. "I guess. But it's like I'm cut off; I can't see or hear anything."

Bethy rubbed her back. "I know, darling; we'll find you some long cables and, after a while, you won't even notice the difference."

"I'm being confined! Tethered! Chained!" Meryn shouted dramatically. Then she stopped and took a deep breath. "And I'm starving!"

Adriel looked over at Declan to see the warrior had turned to him. Adriel shrugged. He had no idea what to make of the crazy human, either.

Ryuu bowed to Magnus. "Sire, if you would allow me to make use of your kitchen, I could prepare denka her afternoon snack."

"Didn't she just eat like six snacks in the Marketplace?" Etain asked in wonder.

"Don't judge me! Meryn-two-point-oh likes to eat." Meryn rubbed her belly.

Etain nodded. "Of course, I didn't mean to offend."

"No need, Sei Ryuu. I've brought tea and small finger foods in case anyone was hungry from traveling through the portals," a light male voice announced.

"Sebastian!" Bethy ran to the handsome man and wrapped her arms around his waist.

Magnus chuckled. "Gentlemen, Meryn, may I introduce my squire, Sebastian Hearthstone. Without him I would starve to death."

Sebastian ignored Magnus glib remark and wheeled the serving cart into the room. "I see you have yet to ask our guests to be seated. Really Magnus, have I taught you nothing?"

Magnus rolled his eyes and gestured for them to take a seat among the room's many sofas.

Bethy giggled. "I told you Sebastian keeps him humble."

Aiden looked over at Magnus. "I know exactly how you feel." He indicated Ryuu, who also ignored him.

Ryuu bowed to Sebastian, who returned the gesture. "I have brought a pot of hot water in case your charge has a particular tea she enjoys."

Ryuu nodded and went to the large, rolling crate. He opened it and pulled out a small box. He carried it over to the cart Sebastian had wheeled into the room. He started to make a pot of tea for Meryn.

Sebastian watched carefully. "I say, is that blessed chamomile?"

Ryuu nodded and let the tea steep. "It was a gift from a friend. My denka is expecting, so I try to ensure she is kept calm; this tea helps."

"Understandable." Sebastian turned to Aiden. "A thousand blessings on your child, may they know only happiness all their days."

Aiden smiled. "Thank you."

Sebastian's smile widened as he walked over to Meryn. "Is this delicate creature your charge?"

Ryuu beamed proudly. "Yes, isn't she adorable?"

Meryn blushed furiously and ducked behind Ryuu.

Sebastian chuckled. "I remember when our Bethy used to do that. Ahhh, to have a youngster in the home again." He stared flatly at Magnus who threw his arms up in the air.

"It is not like I have not been looking for a mate, you know," Magnus countered.

Sebastian sighed. "I know."

Meryn came around to stand next to Ryuu. "We can come visit after the baby is born; I mean you are family," she offered shyly.

Sebastian brightened. "That is right! Bethy adopted you. We do have a youngster in the home again."

Meryn frowned. "But I haven't had the baby yet."

Ryuu smiled and leaned down. "He meant you. By paranormal standards, you're still very young."

"Oh. Okay." Meryn absently played with the napkins on the cart.

Ryuu steered her over to Aiden, who pulled her onto his lap. She yawned and snuggled into his chest.

For a brief instant, Adriel remembered how it had felt to hold the elusive woman from his dreams. He shook his head, trying to dispel the image from his mind.

"Adriel, what is it?" Bethy asked, looking concerned.

"Nothing, dear heart. I have just been having odd dreams lately, that is all." He gave her a reassuring smile.

Bethy gave him an odd look. "They wouldn't be about a possible mate would they?"

Adriel stared. "How did you know? I have not told anyone about these dreams."

Bethy turned to Aiden. "Is it possible?"

Aiden was silent for a moment then nodded. "I think so. The way the spell was worded, I don't think it was limited to a certain city, just to unit warriors."

"What spell?" Adriel demanded.

"Y'all seriously need to work on your communication skills," Meryn murmured.

Declan sat forward as did Micah and Etain. "What spell?" They asked in unison.

Aiden exhaled and lifted a hand to rub the back of his neck. "Last year, due to reasons I can't go into at the moment, Lycaonia's matriarchs were concerned that we as warriors weren't being given enough opportunities to find our mates. So they convinced Lycaonia's witch Elder, Rowan Airgead to cast a spell to draw our mates to us. So far, all five of the Alpha Unit warriors have mated, with the exception of Keelan, who's... unavailable."