"Gods help us!" he whispered.
*****
Ellie wasn't the only one who looked baffled at the men's expressions at lunch.
Meryn glared at Aiden as both Nigel and Neil clung to her on either side. "What did you do to my boys?" she demanded.
Aiden shook his head. "It was a special mission: classified."
Meryn turned her attention to Kendrick who was smirking. "What'd you do?"
He looked at her shocked. "Me?" he asked innocently. "I realized I owed Aiden for the educational experience he showed me in introducing me to those cookie ninjas. Since I am one of the few warriors with any real medical training, I felt it was my duty to help the men understand what you ladies will experience during childbirth. In fact, I knew we'd all need our strength today, so I ordered a special lunch. We have all types of comfort food on the menu."
Ryuu and Sebastian began carrying in deep dishes of steaming hot sides. Ellie inhaled and smiled. "Gods, that smells amazing." Her nose twitched. "Is that mac and cheese?" she asked.
Ryuu nodded. "We have mac and cheese, baked beans, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and even a turkey," he said, pointing to the cart that Sebastian was wheeling in. Carefully, Sebastian lifted a huge platter and set it in the center of the table. When he picked up a large silver spoon and inserted it forcefully into the turkey to dish out the stuffing, the twins screamed and bolted from the room.
"What in the hell?" Meryn demanded, looking confused.
Ellie looked up at her mate to see a fine sheen of sweat appear on his upper lip. She was more surprised to see that he wasn't the only one. Both Gavriel and Aiden looked just as pale and weak.
"Colton!" Rheia exclaimed as the blond shifter ran from the room, his mouth covered.
Childbirth? Ellie turned quickly to look at Rheia. She could see the other doctor had put two and two together as well.
Rheia's mouth twitched between frowning and smirking. She looked up at Kendrick. "You're bad."
Aiden shook his head. "No, he truly helped us understand." He looked up at Ryuu. "It looks wonderful, but no turkey for me today." His sentiment was echoed by the other warriors.
Meryn turned to Sebastian. "Can you check on the twins?"
He nodded and untied his apron. "Of course. I imagine they retreated to the communications hub. I will take them some sandwiches instead."
"Just not turkey," Colton said weakly from the door. On unsteady legs, he made his way back over to Rheia.
When he sat down, he buried his face in her neck. She rubbed his hair. "My poor mate."
Meryn scowled at Kendrick. "The twins are traumatized."
Kendrick winced at her statement. "I did not know they would be included. I would never have done that to them."
Meryn looked only slightly mollified. "You better spoil them for a while," she ordered.
Anne laughed. "As if he wasn't going to do that anyway?" Kendrick blushed at his mate's admission.
Magnus eyed the men, concerned. "I think I am extremely grateful I was not included in this."
Broderick chuckled. "I have a feeling I know what they saw." He looked at each of the warriors. "It's a thousand times worse in person. Watching a video or reading a book doesn't prepare you for the smells."
Colton held up a hand, tears in his eyes. "Please, for the love of all the gods, say no more."
Broderick smiled and nodded. "Very well, you'll find out for yourself in six months or so."
Meryn
elbowed her mate. "The butt sex isn't looking like a bad idea now, is it?"
Aiden moved over to sit in the empty chair where Nigel had been sitting. He pulled her into his lap. "I would take your pain if I could," he rubbed his chin over her head repeatedly.