Eva tucked the letter away under her pillow so she wouldn't lose it. She got up and headed to the bathroom. If she had to wear the same clothes from yesterday, at the very least, she would be clean. She quickly showered and dried her hair. She looked in the mirror and frowned. She didn't have so much as a ChapStick with her, and she doubted Meryn had any makeup. She definitely needed to get with Beth later for some help.
She went downstairs, following her nose to the coffee pot. Frowning, she noticed that there was no coffee. The pot looked like it had already been washed and put back, but she could smell coffee. Growling, she opened the pantry door and stepped back.
What the hell is this?
Quinoa, chia seeds, lentils, bran flakes, super green powder, whole oats. She slammed the door and opened it again. Yup, same stuff was there. She went to the fridge. When she opened the door and looked inside, she felt her mouth drop. One dozen eggs, whole milk, cottage cheese, bottled water, a drawer of green leaves, another drawer of vegetables, and yogurt. The man didn't even have a microwave.
"I'm gonna fuckin' die."
She was rubbing her temples, trying to stave off a caffeine withdrawal headache when there was a knock at the door. She swung it open, snarling. The two warriors she had met yesterday, Dimitri and Godard, stepped back. "We came to drop the twins off, but if this is a bad time..." Godard watched her carefully as if she were about to attack.
Eva stepped out on to the small porch. "No, it's fine. In fact, I was just heading down to Level One to meet up with Meryn."
Dimitri let out a breath of relief. "Great, they are all yours."
Eva thought it was comical the way the two grown men seemed to practically run to get away from them.
She leveled a look at the twins in front of her. "How old are y'all anyway?"
"One..." Nigel started.
"Hundred..." Neil finished.
"All right boys. Let's head down to meet with Meryn and no funny business. I haven't had coffee yet, so I won't feel bad about killing you until at least noon."
"Right."
"No worries."
Bleary eyed, she followed the twins to the transport tunnel, and they floated her down. She knocked on the large wooden door that acted as the entryway to Prince Magnus' home. Seconds later, the door opened and Sebastian smiled down at her. He looked at her a moment then frowned. "No coffee?"
She just shook her head. "He didn't have any food in the house either."
He swung the door open. "Adriel is very conscientious of the food he eats. He regards meals as ways to fuel the body."
"I'd kill for a pop-tart," Eva grumbled.
"Go ahead and seat yourselves in the dining room. Meryn is just getting up; I will bring coffee and breakfast out in just a moment."
"No organic wheat germ, right?"
Sebastian shook his head and smiled. "None, I promise."
Eva had to smile as she watched the twins walk through the prince's home. They stayed very close to one another, their eyes wide taking in everything in the room. Despite the lack of coffee, she felt her tiger begin to purr. She was always a sucker for young'uns.
Eva sat down in the same seat she had the night before, Nigel sat to her left, and Neil sat on the other side of his twin.
"This place is real swanky," Nigel said, staring up at the chandelier.
"Yeah, I'm afraid to breathe too hard," Neil confessed.
"Me, too," Meryn said, walking into the room her eyes half closed. Ryuu steered her to the table. She sat down and placed her cheek on the wood surface. "Ryuu, I can't do this anymore. I need coffee, real coffee. I'm tired of being fucking tired."
Ryuu stared down at her. "We'll try one cup and see how you do." He left and headed to the kitchen.
Nigel elbowed her side and bopped his head toward Meryn.
"Nigel, Neil, meet Meryn McKenzie. Meryn, when you're conscious, you can meet Nigel and Neil Morninglory."
"Word," Meryn croaked.
Neil covered his mouth with his hands to cover up a giggle.
They're just so dang cute.
"Here we go, ladies and gentlemen. Fresh ground coffee, biscuits, gravy, bacon, eggs, and assorted pastries." Sebastian swept into the room and started setting large serving platters down. The twins gulped, taking in the spread. All Eva was looking for was the coffee.
"Where's the coffee?" she and Meryn asked at the same time. Meryn opened her eyes and nodded as if to acknowledge their shared pain.
Ryuu set a cup in front of Meryn as Sebastian did the same for her. After adding her cream and sugar, she took her first sip.
Meryn shivered. "I think it touched my soul."
Eva sat back in the chair, holding her mug to her chest. "I know mine did."
She and Meryn nursed their cups of coffee, while the twins started decimating the food platters. Eva thought that Sebastian would get upset, but he was grinning from ear to ear. "I have not had to cook for a young appetite in ages. You boys keep eating; I will make fresh for the girls here." Whistling, Sebastian headed back toward the kitchen.
By the time Eva was done with her coffee, Meryn's eyes were open, and she was staring at the twins. "They are like baby Keelans!"
Neil looked over at Meryn with a mouth full of food. "Ooo no, Keelan?"
Eva gave him a look. "Don't talk with your mouth full."
He chewed quickly and swallowed. "Yes ma'am." He looked back at Meryn. "Do you know Keelan Ashwood?"
Meryn's joy seemed to dim. "Yeah, I live with him at the Alpha estate."
"That's so cool!" Nigel said.
"Do you know his brother Kendrick?" Nigel asked, practically holding his breath.
Meryn nodded. "Yeah, we're like this." She held up crossed fingers. "He's staying at the Alpha estate; we watch Doctor Who together."
The twins looked at each other excitedly. "He watches Doctor Who?"
Eva looked from Meryn to the twins and back. "Who's Kendrick?"
"Keelan's brother," Meryn said.
"Only the coolest witch that has ever lived!" Nigel exclaimed.
"Yeah! We used to hang out around the archives when we were growing up just to catch a glimpse of him. He's so awesome," Neil sighed.
"When we could get our courage together, we'd go down and ask him questions so we could pass our warrior exam, though sometimes, he was in the middle of an experiment, and he'd threaten to disembowel us, but even that was cool," Nigel explained.
"He's really good peeps; he stuck up for me when the asshole committee members were trying to trash talk me in Lycaonia. He was like, 'I don't think so peasants' or something like that. And I was all like, 'Ha! Eat that!' and they had to just suck it up and take it. He was so badass," Meryn said, waving her hands about.
Nigel and Neil bobbed their heads up and down in agreement.
"Denka, what would you like for breakfast," Ryuu asked.
"Magic pudding," she promptly replied.
He inclined his head and then went to the kitchen.
"What's magic pudding?" Neil asked.
"Is it good?" Nigel wondered.
"It's the best pudding ever. It's the only thing that settles my stomach. After having a cup of coffee, I feel almost normal." Meryn looked around the room. Her eyes landed on the coffee carafe. She eased from her chair and tiptoed over to the sideboard. She poured herself a second cup and then snuck back over to the table. She added her cream and sugar and took a sip. "I've missed this."
Eva frowned. "Should you be drinking coffee, being pregnant and all?"
Meryn shrugged. "I feel better this morning than I have in weeks. I think the baby likes coffee, too."
"That remains to be seen," Ryuu said, walking in with a large bowl. He set it in front of Meryn and picked up her wrist with his thumb and forefinger.
"That's a lot of power," Neil said, shielding his eyes. Nigel had also turned away.
Ryuu looked at the twins and smiled. "Not many witches can perceive this type of magic. While I'm here, if you have any
questions, you can come to me." He looked down at Meryn's wrist and a look of surprise appeared. "You're right denka; the coffee has actually helped your condition. Let's not overdo it though. Stick to two cups in the morning. If I don't see any detrimental affects to the baby, we can add another cup in the afternoon." He shook his head. "Your child would do better when exposed to coffee."
Meryn patted her belly. "That's my little Meryn two-point-oh!"
"Ah, sir, what should we call you?" Neil asked.
Ryuu placed a hand on his chest and bowed. "Forgive my manners, I was preoccupied by my denka's condition. My name is Sei Ryuu; you can call me Ryuu."
Nigel smiled shyly. "No one else besides Kendrick could see the magic we could."
Ryuu's eyebrows shot up. "You know Kendrick Ashwood?"
"Sort of. We just followed him around a lot when we were living in Storm Keep," Neil said, blushing.
"I'll speak with him later. I believe he is the best one to recommend learning materials for your type of magic. I'll arrange an assortment of books to be delivered later." Ryuu turned to Meryn. "Denka, while you are in your communications hub, I will be with Sebastian learning how to make your magic pudding."
"You're the bestest Ryuu!" Meryn threw her arm in the air.
Eva thought the poor twins were going to pass out from shock. Neil was even swaying slightly in his chair.
"Just for us?" Nigel whispered.
"From Kendrick himself." Neil turned to his twin. "Pinch me, are we dreaming?"
Absently, Nigel pinched Neil who squeaked. "Nope, we're awake."
"Ryuu, make sure you get everything they need. I'm hoping they can create cool magical devices like my sonic screwdriver. I am adopting them as my baby Keelans!" Meryn announced.
Ryuu placed a hand over his heart. "As you wish, denka."
Nigel looked around confused. "What does that mean?"
Meryn waved her spoon at him. "It means I'll help look after you."
"But we've been assigned here; we're unit warriors," Neil said.
Meryn shrugged. "That's cool; Keelan's a unit warrior too."
"We tend to get in trouble..." Neil started.
"A lot," Nigel finished.
Meryn's answering smile was downright scary. "Then you're in perfect company."
Sebastian was still humming happily when he walked back in the room. He set a plate of breakfast in front of her.
Eva eyed the excited twins then Meryn, who she could tell was already up to something. She looked up and Ryuu winked at her.
Oh well, life was gettin' too borin' anyway.
"Sebastian, could I have another cup of coffee? I think I'll need it." Eva held up her cup.
Ryuu nodded his approval.
Sebastian poured her second cup. "I love having young ones about."
Eva grinned. "I guess it's not too bad."
*****
"Meryn, where do I put this?" Nigel asked, holding up a box.
"Can you unpack it? It should be the routers. I'll need them over here." Meryn was uncoiling cable after cable.
Nigel and Neil worked together seamlessly to unpack the routers. When they were done, they carried them over to the large workstation that Magnus had provided. One by one, they handed them to Meryn, and she began to hook them up.
When they were done, they all stood back.
"It looks like a summoning circle for computers," Nigel said.
"Hopefully, it will summon my damn Wi-Fi and cell service into this city." Meryn checked her phone. "Where is Etain?"
"I am here, my lady." Etain smiled as he walked in. "There was a bit of trouble on one of the levels, but when I explained that what I was doing would give them wireless internet, they were more than willing to help."
"A city of assholes, I swear," Meryn muttered.
Etain walked around the room and placed portal after portal, dozens of them, where the wall met the ceiling. Wiping the sweat of his forehead, he sat down in one of the chairs. "That should do it. I made the trip out to the cell towers first thing this morning. Work your magic."
Meryn was already moving. She checked the internet signal on each of the routers. She pulled out her phone and let out a loud whoop. She held up her phone. "Look, I have service!" She ran over to a large box and started to drag it across the floor. In seconds Nigel, Neil, and Etain were at her side. Etain lifted the box and carried it to the table. "What's this?"
"A present from the Alpha Unit." Meryn grinned.
Etain reached in and pulled out a small handheld. "Are these like phones?"
Meryn nodded. "They're walkie-talkies. I used them with the units back home. Once you establish what channels are for what type of communication, these babies will allow you to position the guys as needed. For example, channel one back home is for Aiden and the council members to make big decisions. Channel two is for the unit leaders to receive orders or relay their location. Channel three is for everyone to receive orders. These actually carry a tiny portal on the back of the battery panel so that you have reception no matter where you are. Cool, huh?"
Etain shook his head, grinning. "If I wasn't sure my commander would gut me, I'd kiss you for these." He handed Nigel and Neil their handhelds.
Meryn pulled out six and set them aside. "These are for me, Aiden, Magnus, Tarak, Kuruk, and Eva. When we leave, y'all will have two extra you can use as needed." Meryn tossed one to Eva.
Eva shrugged and clipped it on to her belt. "I'm feelin' very official over here."
Meryn clipped hers on her laptop bag. "Now, I just need to come up with code names for everyone."
Etain turned. "Code names?"
"Yup. The guys use them at home."
Etain picked up the box that contained the handhelds for the other unit warriors. "I'll get these passed out. Thank you, my lady; you've done this city a great service today."
Meryn tapped away on her laptop. "Now I can check my Sim city and FarmVille."
Etain looked startled and turned to Eva. "Did she just restructure the entire city's technology so she could play internet games?"
Eva gave a lazy shrug. Knowing Meryn, it was probably half true. "I can check on my cats, so I'm grateful."
Meryn's head popped up. "You have the cat collection game? Is it any fun?"
"I like it, but then again, I like cats." Eva grinned.
"Oh, yeah." Meryn went back to her laptop.
"Thanks again, Meryn." Etain waved and headed out the door.
"Late-tah," Meryn said without looking up.
Eva leaned against the wall. Maybe keeping an eye on Meryn would be easier than she thought.
A few minutes later, Eva realized how naive she had been in assuming Meryn would be content to stay in the communications hub with her laptop.
Meryn closed her laptop with a click and looked at the twins. "So, what do you do around here for fun?"
Nigel and Neil exchanged glances. "We haven't been here that long; we just moved here from Storm Keep." Together, they looked at Eva.
Eva held up her hands. "Don't look at me, I just got here yesterday."
"When we arrived, they took us to Level Six, the Marketplace, which was fun. Plus, they have yummy food." Meryn rubbed her belly.
Nigel and Neil grinned. "We can take you," they said together.
"Let's boogie!" Meryn stood, looped her laptop bag around her shoulder, and headed to the door.
Eva followed. "What about your squire?"
Meryn shook her head. "He is on a mission of utmost importance and should not be disturbed."
Eva was confused until she remembered that Ryuu was learning how to make that pudding Meryn liked so much. "Whatever you say, squirt; you're the boss."
Meryn stopped and turned. "I like the sound of that. I'm the boss." She turned and kept going to the tunnel.
The twins lifted the four of them effortlessly up the transport tunnel to Level Six. When they stepped on to the level, Eva heard a low hiss to their right. The transport escort from the day
before snarled at them, his eyes red. Nigel and Neil stepped between him and where Meryn and Eva stood.
Eva had to admit, despite being small for witches, these two had courage. Over their heads, she left her eyes shift to her tigers and hissed back. The vampire snapped his mouth shut in surprise. Her tiger already considered the twins and Meryn cubs to be protected, and she didn't like the threatening manner of the escort.
"Wicked!" the twins said together.
Meryn pulled on her arm. "Come on! I smell meat kebobs!" Eva gave one last snarl and let Meryn pull her between the vendor stands. They had almost reached the outermost section when a large, richly dressed vampire stepped in their way.
"No shifters are allowed on Level Six; you are to remain in the Grand Hall until our prince has figured out what to do with you," he said, crossing his arms.
"Fuck. Again? Do I need, like, a visitor's pass or something?" Meryn complained.
"Listen buddy, I don't know who you are, but this is Lady Meryn McKenzie. She is a special guest of Prince Magnus," Nigel informed the sneering vampire.
"Yeah! And she's our commander's mate," Neil added for good measure.
"I am Andre DuBois, you pathetic excuse for a witch. And things were fine here before she and her mate came and started changing things. Noctem Falls is a vampire city; we do not need your kind here," he said angrily, waving his arms. By now they had attracted a crowd.
Eva sighed. They really needed someone like Beth, who was more politically savvy, because her solution involved putting this asshole in a body bag.
Around them, half the crowd muttered in agreement with Andre, some were silent, and some spoke out in Meryn's defense.
"You do not speak for all of us, DuBois! I met that little lady and her squire day before yesterday; they are fine people, shifter or human notwithstanding. She is welcome at my stand any day," an old man said before spitting at Andre's feet.
It was as if the old man's words shifted the mood of the crowd.