"Brothers? Not servants?" Pip tilted his head.
"What?" Meryn asked frowning.
"Did you not bring me here for me to serve you?" Pip asked.
"No! I wasn't kidding when I said I just wanted you to keep me company. If that's not what you want, you can do whatever. I don't see you as a servant." She jerked her thumb toward Ryuu. "I can barely handle having one."
Pip twisted his hand nervously. "I do not understand. What am I supposed to do to earn my food?"
Meryn's mouth opened and closed. "Ryuu? I need some help here."
Ryuu stepped closer to stand behind Meryn and Pip. "Master Pip, my charge views you as someone to be protected. She does not require payment for things such as clothes and food. You bring her happiness by simply accepting her kindness. If you feel you must do something in return, help me watch over her and keep her safe."
Pip nodded quickly. "I can do that. Meryn is nice. Bad things should not happen to her."
"You will do very well here," Ryuu said smiling.
"Are we keeping him?" Nigel asked his eyes filled with tears.
Meryn nodded. "He's one of us now."
"This is awesome! We now have another brother!"
"What?" a deep voice asked.
Aiden strode into the room scowling. Immediately Pip popped out of his chair to stand in front of Meryn. He stretched out his arms. "You will not hurt her."
Aiden stopped dead in his tracks and stared down at the young man who was about the size of one of his legs. "Huh?"
Meryn giggled. "Pip that's my mate Aiden McKenzie. He would never hurt me, I have access to his unconscious body."
Aiden rolled his eyes. "And you love me."
"And I love you," she added.
Behind Aiden everyone else began to fi
le in for lunch.
Pip eyed Aiden suspiciously. He made a 'V' with his fingers and pointed to his eyes. "I will keep an eye on you." He sat back down in his chair and scooted closer to Meryn.
Aiden's mouth dropped as Colton burst into laughter. "Better sleep with one eye open tonight."
Aiden snarled at his best friend then realized that Pip was in his chair. Grumbling he sat down next to the odd vampire and one seat down from his mate.
"Who's the cutie?" Anne asked.
"Anne, everyone, this is Pip Maverick, my newest brother. DeLaFontaine is his sperm donor," Meryn announced.
Aiden inhaled and began to choke on his breadstick. "What? Again?"
"Yup." Meryn gave a single decisive nod.
"But you already have Jaxon, Noah, Nigel and Neil," Aiden stuttered.
"And? I can't have another brother?" Meryn asked.
"I think he is absolutely adorable," Bethy added.