Bethy shook her head, looking worried. "She's not trained, anything she might get could be unreliable."

"She could do it. In fact, she does it naturally." Aiden commented. "She really only has two readings, 'friend' and 'asshole'. She can tell you if she likes someone or she if she doesn't. It will be completely subjective though. And she can usually tell when someone is lying, but not always." He looked at Magnus. "But the second she gets tired or it's too much, that's it. I don't care where that leaves us. Her health comes first."

Magnus inclined his head. "That goes without saying. Sebastian would have my head if I put that child at risk."

Aiden smiled. "She has both of those squires wrapped around her finger."

Gavriel just stared at his friend. Aiden sighed. "Yes, she has me completely wrapped too, but I'm her mate; that's only natural."

Magnus stood. "Looks like we at least have a plan of action." He looked at Adriel. "Increase patrols in the Grand Hall and track down Augustus Pettier." He looked at Declan. "Start recording every incident the unit warriors experience with disrespectful vampires. If I have to go to the council for their support, I will need evidence."

Declan nodded. "Yes, sire."

Finally, Magnus looked down at his niece. "And let us get those houses built, the sooner the better."

"Yes, Uncle," she replied.

Adriel stood and headed for the door.

"In a hurry?" Declan teased.

Adriel stopped and turned to the room, wincing. "Yes, actually I am. I have a mate to locate and then grovel before."

Aiden nodded in sympathy. "There's an old man that gives me advice back home for when I mess up with Meryn. When you fuck up, chocolate and jewelry are your best friends."

"Thank you for the advice, sir."

"Good luck, son." Magnus grinned at him.

"I have a feeling I will need it."

"She's a strong woman from Texas, who happens to be a tiger shifter. You don't need luck, you need Kevlar," Beth teased.

Gods help me.

*****

As soon as he was clear of the doorway, he lifted the new handheld up. "Micah, come in."

"Yes, sir?"

"Where are you?"

"Do you mean me or your luscious mate?"

"Remind me again why I do not kill you?"

"Because I'm one of the most experienced witches you have since Leif and Travis have returned to Storm Keep, and you don't want to risk getting another headache like the twins as my replacement."

Adriel growled at Micah's smug tone. "I might chance it. Now, where is my mate?"

"At your home. She met with the wolves for a bit then insisted on seeing you, but as you were in a meeting, she decided to wait for you at home."

"Thank you."

"You're welcome."

Adriel jumped into the transport tunnel and flew up to the unit level. He blew past the men doing drills and made a beeline for his home. He walked up to the door and froze. He had no idea what to say. He was about to open the door when it swung open. His mate stood before him, looking anxious.

He frowned. "Are you well?"

Her face relaxed. "Yes, I'm fine. How are you?"

"Good."

They stood there staring at each other.

Finally, she rolled her eyes and grabbed his shirt. "Get in here."

Adriel walked into the house behind her. "Before anything else is said, I must tell you how much I love you, and that I would never in a thousand lifetimes hurt you. I did not mean to reference you earlier when I was speaking of the refugees. In my mind, you belong here. This is your home now." Adriel paced back and forth in the foyer.

"I know. It hit me when I was defending you to the pack that you didn't mean it the way it sounded." She leaned against the banister.

He stopped. "You defended me?"

"Of course I did; you're my mate. They were making assumptions just because you're a vampire, and I didn't like it."

"I believe there have been a lot of assumptions and stereotyping going on in the city lately. It does not help when actions validate some of those beliefs."

"You were right in saying we shouldn't jump to conclusions; I was just so angry."

Adriel walked over and pulled her into his arms. "I am sorry about your friends."

She laid her head on his shoulder. "They were good people, Adriel, great parents. Now that little boy will never know them."

"You are very protective of little ones are you not?"

She shrugged. "Even after I joined the pack, I was still larger in shifted form than the Alpha. I kinda take care of everyone. But I think my tiger likes to protect little ones. She views anyone smaller than me as a cub."

"I am not smaller than you, will you let me protect you?"

"Only if I get to protect you, too."

He kissed the tip of her nose. "Deal. I declare our first and last fight officially over."

Eva laughed. "I have too much of a temper for this to be the last one."

"I love it when you get feisty." He grabbed her hand. "Come on, I have something for you."

"Really?" she asked softly, her face lighting up.

"Yes. I hope you will like it."

 "Lead the way, cowboy."

CHAPTER TEN

Eva held on to Adriel's hand as he led her deeper into the dark, unused portion of the unit level. They had been walking a few minutes, and she still had no idea where they were heading. She was about to ask him where they were going when a familiar smell hit her.