own at her. At first, she thought he would argue for her to stay behind, but his expression was thoughtful. "Kincaid, see if she fits any of your Kevlar."
"You got it," Kincaid said, rising from his chair to stand next to the other warriors.
Kendrick turned to Thane. "I'll go. You stay behind and manage the portal and transport."
Thane shook his head. "No can do. You're staying behind and managing the portal while Justice and I tag along." Kendrick scowled and opened his mouth to argue when Thane looked at Anne. "Tell him to sit and stay."
Anne was smiling. "Darling, let the boys handle this one."
Kendrick looked at his mate incredulously. "What?"
She just smiled sweetly. "You know why you shouldn't go, now sit tight and let them do their job."
Kendrick's mouth just dropped as he looked around the room for some measure of support. Finally, the queen pointed to the chair across from her. "Welcome to my hell. Maybe, if you get frustrated enough with not knowing what is going on, you'll create a way for us to monitor our loved ones from here."
Brie felt like she was missing something huge. Of anyone, Kendrick seemed like the obvious choice to go. She watched the large witch as he basically threw himself into the chair. "If I am to stay behind, I require treats and snacks."
Anne sighed. "What are you, five?"
Meryn looked up at her squire. "Actually, snacks are a good idea. I'm going to be paving the way for them, so I needs foods."
Ryuu met Cord's eye, and they both nodded. Ryuu looked down at his charge. "Anything in particular you need, denka?"
"Meat kebobs," was the immediate answer.
"Bobs!!" A tiny voice shouted excitedly. Brie's heart melted every time she saw the tiny brownie. When she was first introduced to Creelee and Meryn's sprites, she decided right then and there, that no matter what evil she faced in the paranormal world, meeting those adorable beings made it worth it the danger.
Izzy rubbed his curls with her finger. "I'm sure Meryn will share Creelee."
Meryn winked. "Of course, he's my eating buddy."
Ryuu placed a gloved hand over his chest. "I will contact Sebastian immediately."
Darian glanced from Aiden to Ryuu, looking torn.
"I am fully capable of opening a portal to Noctem Falls, son, you go with your commander and help our people," the queen said to Darian.
He stood then walked over to her chair. He bent down and placed a kiss on her forehead. "Thank you, Mother."
"Aiden," Ari called out, getting the commander's attention. When Aiden turned, he continued. "We're heading to the warrior villa to get our gear. Did you want to roll out with Tau and Chi?"
"Sounds good. You all were slated to attend the Tribunal through this afternoon, so the other units are already covering for your absence."
"We can trade with Upsilon, if you'd prefer an older unit," Kincaid offered quietly.
Aiden frowned. "Older doesn't necessarily mean better. My mate is the youngest amongst us, but it's because she's so young that she sees things from a fresh perspective, without which, we would have probably lost Lycaonia and Noctem Falls. To be honest, I'm seriously thinking about finding ways to incorporate younger trainees into the units so that we get a jolt of curiosity and questioning that older warriors have lost."
With each word Aiden spoke, Brie could see the change in the Tau unit, including Ari. Each man stood a bit straighter and held his head up a bit more. "Youth is about all I have going for me with my spells going sideways all the time. But I'll do whatever is needed to help my brothers," Kincaid offered.
Aiden nodded. "Good man!"
Ari turned to the Tau and Chi units before taking her hand. "Let's go get our gear." He looked over his shoulder at Thane and Aiden. "We'll meet you at the official portal."
Feeling excited and a bit nervous, Brie walked out with the other warriors.
*****
Ari couldn't believe what Aiden had said. He viewed their age as an advantage?