Meryn sniffled. "Okay, so not Jack." She tapped her lips with her finger. "What about Jackie or Jacquelyn?"
Beth shook her head laughing. "No Meryn."
Meryn shrugged and turned to Serenity pointing down at her belly. "Do me."
Serenity shook her head. "I've been trying, but your baby is turned in such a way I can't tell. But I can tell you this, they are very happy. I've never seen a baby radiate such happiness. They know they are loved."
Meryn blushed and stared down at the floor. "It's probably the Magic Pudding," she said quietly.
Ryuu placed his hands on her shoulders. "Come along denka, you still need your quiet time, especially if you wanted to be rested for tonight's feast."
Meryn brightened. "Oh yeah! Tons of squire food."
Ryuu rolled his eyes as he steered her out of the room. "Yes, because you're so deprived of squire food," he teased.
Serenity took Micah's hand. "We'll give you some privacy." They were about to turn toward the door when she found herself in Gavriel's arms. When he stepped back his eyes were still bright but the tears had been wiped away. "Thank you," he said simply.
"It's why I'm here," she answered.
She walked hand in hand out of the room with her mate leaving Gavriel and Beth alone to discuss their daughter.
*****
Once outside by the transport tunnel Micah turned to her. "Where to next boss?"
Serenity pulled out her phone from her pocket and checked the time. "When will dinner be?"
"Usually we meet up for drinks in the antechamber around six, then dinner is at seven. We go around the table and everyone reports in. We get our medical updates from the doctors. Unit updates from Adriel and Aiden. City updates from Gavriel, Kari and Beth. And the rest of us just fill in anything pertinent."
"So, we have a couple hours then." She put her phone away. "How about we check on the children?" she suggested.
Micah smiled. "You're on a roll. It wouldn't surprise me if you cure everyone by dinnertime."
She blushed. "If they are cured any time soon it will be because of the tireless efforts of Rheia, Vivi and Ellie. Those three are truly miracle workers. Working with so little they've managed to not only treat a growing patient load, but also figure out a partial cure. They've used human ingenuity and science, which to me is amazing. I feel like I fall back on to my magic too quickly. I'm hoping to learn as much as I can from them while I'm here. I bet Laelia and Radclyffe will feel the same way."
"I'm just teasing. Trust me, I know how much these ladies have done. But you really should get used to the gratitude and the compliments, if Magnus is able to join us tonight everyone will be singing your praises," he said as they stepped into the tunnel.
"Why?" she asked feeling confused. She really hadn't done much, just lower his testosterone levels and end his stalled transition.
When they stepped onto Level Six he placed a hand on each shoulder and turn her to face him. "Because you didn't have to come. In fact, coming here could cost you your position. But that didn't stop you. You may feel like you've only done small things, but those small things are tipping the odds in our favor. Even if what you do gives us a slight edge, that tiny advantage could mean the difference between celebratory dinners and another tragic funeral."
"Well said Micah," a male voice commented.
They turned to see Adriel beaming at them. He walked up to Serenity and hugged her. When he stepped back his mate took his place giving her another embrace.
Eva's smile was contagious. "Meryn texted us what happened. We understand a general announcement can't go out yet, but those of us who have been living out of Level One and fighting this day in and day out know what you've done. Everyone who received an update is walking around grinning like an idiot."
Serenity smiled feeling a bit like a fraud. "I keep telling Micah I didn't do much."
"And as my wise unit brother already told you, what you have done, no matter how small, has giant ramifications," Adriel reminded her.
Serenity threw up her hands. "Fine! You're welcome," she said laughing.
Eva bumped hips with her. "That's the spirit."
Adriel turned to Micah. "Have you considered my offer?"
Micah nodded then pointed to her. "I have, but need to run it by my mate before I can give you a final answer."