"I'm a cop, Ari, we're pessimists by nature."
"Warriors aren't much better." He gently tugged on her hand, and they slowly made their way through the golden city until they were back at his parents' home. He opened the door and they stepped into the foyer. "You run up to the bathroom and grab your stuff; I'm going to my room to grab my fatigues, duffel, and your gun from the safe."
"Fatigues?"
"Yeah, tomorrow Tau unit is training, so our fatigues serve as our workout gear."
"Hmmm."
He flashed her a boyish grin. "I'll model them for you tomorrow."
She laughed and began to jog up the stairs. "Damn right, you will."
Once in the large bathroom, she discovered that someone had laundered and delivered her clothes. They sat folded neatly in a pile on the counter. The travel toiletry kit sitting on top made her smile. She scooped everything up and went to Ari's room. He was waiting for her by the closet. "Come here," he asked.
She followed him into the closet and he led her to one side where the wall was covered in different mirrors. He had her place her hand on the center mirror. "Now, you have access as well." She stared as the mirror slid aside to reveal a massive gun safe. "This is so damn sexy."
He chuckled and retrieved her gun. He showed her that it was loaded and handed it to her. She tucked it away with her things and he closed the safe.
"Your squire is a miracle," she said, holding up the kit. He handed her a small travel bag and she dropped her things in.
Ari's face brightened. "Leo has been taking care of us since before I was born. He's just as much a parent to me as my mother and father."
"So, what Meryn said about them being like Super Moms is true?"
"Very much so, in fact, it's probably one of the best descriptions I've heard for a squire. Granted, not all squires are the same. Most strive to become even a fraction as good as Sei Ryuu, Cord Danuthal, and Sebastian Hearthstone."
"So, we're just lucky?"
"Pretty much."
This time she didn't wait for him. She reached down and took his hand, earning her a bright smile. "I wasn't kidding when I said I was all in," she reminded him. They walked downstairs and into the warm evening air.
"Once you make up your mind, that's it, huh?"
She gave a half shrug. "I've always been that way."
Together, they walked through the streets, past the splendor of the Upper City, until they came upon a brightly lit building amongst some of the older homes on the street. The windows were thrown open, and male laughter could be heard from the walkway. Rising from the center of the large building, a towering holly tree created a dark green canopy overhead. She pointed to the evergreen. "Why a holly?"
Ari held open a simple iron gate. "We didn't always have one. But when Darian became a unit warrior, he donated a cutting from his family's tree so that us poor warriors would have someone looking over us. In return, we try to keep things as lively as possible for the Alina guardian."
Brie remembered what she learned about how Darian's entire family was murdered. "I think any guardian would like it here." She pointed to where the amber glow from the lights inside seemed to beckon them forward.
"We do our best." He opened the door, and the male voices were even louder.
"Ari! Welcome home! Done being important at the Lionhart estate?" a warrior teased as he walked down the stairs toward them.
"Ari's back?" another voice called out.
Soon, the foyer was filled with warriors. More than one reached out to ruffle Ari's hair in a brotherly fashion. Ari smiled at them all.
"Guys, I have someone important I want you to meet. This is my mate, Brie Wilson. Brie, these men are my fellow unit brothers." He puffed out his chest. "Isn't she wonderful?"
"Too good for a baby boy like you!"
“I’ll run your things up,” another volunteered. She handed off her small bag, as did Ari.
"A thousand blessings on your mating!"