Colton laughed. She removed her hands and glared at him. He held up his hands in surrender. "You didn't get the full story. Aiden put her in his trunk after she knocked him out with the back of his toilet and used his head as a kickboxing bag. She ended up denting the shit out of his trunk."
Amelia blinked and slowly began to smile. "Ryuu did mention that bear shifters were susceptible to toilet decks."
Aiden growled. "Anyone would be. Those things are heavy!"
"Again!" Penny yelled, her face glowing with excitement.
Rheia shook her head. "No pumpkin dumpling, the ground shaking isn't good for the house." Penny frowned looking disappointed.
Aiden winked at the small child. "How about we give your grandmother a couple hours off this afternoon, and you can help me train the men again?"
Penny brightened and rewarded Aiden with a smile. " 'Kay!"
Aiden looked like he would swagger in his chair if he could. He was that proud of himself for making the small child smile.
Amelia felt Penny's excitement and could relate. The days she got to 'play' with her brother's units were some of her best memories growing up. She'd have to give Penny pointers before they left.
Meryn clapped her hands together. "Okay, if we don't have any more revelations or earthquakes about to happen, let's head over to Adelaide's. If we time this right, we can get a second breakfast from Marius."
Ryuu stared at his charge. "You can't be hungry."
Amelia giggled. "I don't think he knows about second breakfast," she said in an exaggerated accent causing Meryn to laugh.
Ryuu turned to Rheia. "Are you sure she doesn't have a tapeworm?"
Rheia shook her head. "Afraid not." She turned and kissed Penny on her forehead. "Let's get you settled in the front room before I head to the clinic."
"You're not coming with us?" Beth asked.
Rheia shook her head. "I wish. We're getting one of the two necklaces back from the council. We'll be running tests on live cultures to see what happens. Fun times."
Colton looked over at Aiden, and Aiden nodded. "I've already assigned Delta and Zeta to guard the clinic. Epsilon and Beta have patrol, and Gamma will be joining us for training. I've sent the trainees back to Adair for the rest of the week to help him get the newer cadets trained up. They will be assisting in drills." Colton looked relieved.
Meryn grinned evilly. "Gamma is coming over?"
Aiden nodded. "They should be here any moment."
Meryn stood. "Let's go."
Everyone walked toward the front door. Ryuu handed coats to Beth, Meryn, Rheia, and her.
Darian grabbed her hand and let the others pass them in the hallway. He cupped her face.
"Are you sure you're okay?"
She turned her face and kissed the center of his palm. "Yes, I'm fine. Have fun with the boys."
"Thanks to you, I will. I haven't enjoyed the company of my friends in so long, thank you."
"No charge," she quipped.
Hand-in-hand, they entered the foyer. Colton was saying goodbye to Rheia and Penny. When he walked to the door, she let go of Darian's hand, approached the little girl, and knelt in front of her. "Hey, Penny."
"Hello," Penny replied in an adorably sweet voice.
"I was raised by my brothers, and they used to have me help train, too. Want some tips?"
Penny nodded enthusiastically.
Amelia leaned in close making sure none of the men were listening. "They are used to being the tallest people around; if you need to go around them, go vertically. They hardly ever look up." Penny nodded. "Also, if it's a matter of speed and it looks like they're about to get the upper hand, make it look like you're about to fall. They will instinctively slow down and try to catch you." Amelia winked at the small child. Penny gave her a thumbs up and raised her hand. Amelia slapped her a high five.
Rheia watched her as she stood. "Should I be concerned?"
Amelia shook her head. "Nah, if I lived through it, so can she. Shifters are sturdier than witches."
"Fair enough." Rheia turned to her daughter. "Be a good girl."
" 'Kay!"
Darian walked up behind her and wrapped his arms around her. "Be a good girl," he whispered in her ear. She shivered and turned in his arms. "Only for you."
"Okay break it up you two, virgin eyes over here!"
Amelia and Darian turned to see Sascha leaning against the doorway. Amelia was about to tell him what he could do when Meryn walked passed her toward the door. Without pausing, she extended her sonic screwdriver and stunned the unit leader. He dropped to the floor with a loud thud.
Meryn jumped, throwing her fist in the air. "Yes! This shit is awesome!"
Aiden sighed, but the grin tugging at his mouth showed that he really wasn't too mad. "Meryn, no stunning the men. We need them able to protect you," he chided gently.
She shrugged. "It was worth it." She stepped over Sascha's body and tilted her head back for a kiss. Aiden chuckled and gave her one.
Keelan stepped past Sascha's body, looking smug. "It worked better than I hoped."
Aiden turned to Colton. "Drag him to the training course."
Colton grabbed Sascha's ankle. "I'm not even going to complain about dragging his heavy ass. It was worth it to see him go down." He turned and was about to take his first step when Rheia's voice stopped him short. "Do not let his head bump with each step. I don't have time to tend to him this morning."