"Ugh." She rolled her eyes at herself and started the shower. When steam began to drift from behind the stone wall she stepped into the shower and let the hot water sluice down her body. She nearly moaned out loud in relief, the water felt wonderful. When she finished she dried off and wrapped a towel around her hair and body. She started to get ready and easily fell into the beauty routine she had been doing for years, the only difference being she added a bit of bronzer to her cheeks for some color and some concealer on her forehead for the bruise. She decided against drying her hair since she was too tired and instead wove her heavy hair into a side braid. She put her hair back up in a towel to soak up any water from the braid.

She went to her suitcase smiling. Picking out her clothes was her favorite part of getting ready. Today she chose an ankle length black and white plaid skirt with black leggings. She paired that with a merino wool black sweater and used a thin red leather belt to make the entire outfit pop. Instead of heels she stuck with a low heeled black leather boot. Best not to tempt Fate with heels today. She removed the towel from her head and hung it up in the bathroom. The braid was almost dry to the touch, which was perfect. She didn't want to get her wool sweater wet.

She grabbed her wristlet and stood up. The room swam for a moment and she had to grab on to the bed. She took a deep breath and let the room stop spinning. What was wrong with her? She walked with deliberate steps to the door and made her way down the hallway. When she got to the stairs she met up with Colton.

"Good morning, sunshine. I see that you're looking better this morning," Colton said smiling at her.

"Good morning, to you too. Yes, I'm feeling much better." She couldn't help smiling in return, his good mood seemed contagious.

"Great." Colton turned and went to head down the stairs when he noticed that she was hesitating. "You okay?" he asked.

"Actually, could you escort me down? If I take another tumble I fear Gavriel will lock me in our room," she confessed.

Colton gave her a wolfish grin and bowed ostentatiously. "My lady it would be an honor and a pleasure." He offered her his arm and when she placed her hand on his forearm as custom dictated he moved it so that it was tucked in his elbow with his hand over it.

It was more comfortable and casual than the formal way. She squeezed his arm in gratitude. "Thank you, Colton. You've been very supportive of me since I've arrived."

He shook his head. "Think nothing of it. Ever since you and Meryn arrived every day has been fun. I never realized how much of a rut we had gotten ourselves into."

"I have a feeling Meryn will keep you on your toes," she said grinning.

He threw his head back and laughed. "You have that right."

They were soon at the bottom of the stairs. Colton kept her hand and continued to escort her to the dining room. When they entered the men stood, Gavriel's eyes went from grey to red. She felt Colton tense under her hand. She quickly removed her hand from his arm and patted his shoulder in a sisterly fashion. "Thank you for making sure I didn't fall down the stairs again." She walked over to where her mate stood glaring at Colton. When she was close enough Gavriel snaked an arm around her waist and pulled her close. He grabbed the hand that Colton had been holding and kissed it, putting his scent on her. She noticed that he had six empty blood stained glasses on the table that hadn't been taken away yet. If he was this aggressive now what would his apex be like?

"It was no problem. We wouldn't want you getting hurt," Colton said ignoring Gavriel. He pulled out his seat and sat down. "Oh thank the Gods! Bacon!" With boyish enthusiasm he began to shovel it onto his plate.

"Hey! Leave some for us," Darian protested and grabbed the platter from Colton also ignoring Gavriel's aggression.

Gavriel took a deep breath, his eyes returning to grey. Elizabeth could feel the frustration and regret radiated from him. She leaned in and kissed the side of his neck and winked at him saucily. Shaking his head he pulled out her seat for her. She sat down and he scooted her in. He turned to Colton. "Colton I ..." he began.

Colton interrupted him. "So what do you think happened in the Unit Commander suite last night?" he asked, taking advantage of the fact that neither Meryn nor Aiden was downstairs yet. Colton grinned at Gavriel who nodded his thanks at his understanding before answering. "I have a feeling we'll find out soon enough."

Ryuu walked in from the kitchen with another platter of bacon which he set in front of Aiden's plate. He placed a cappuccino at Meryn's seat before placing one in front of her.

"Ryuu, I hate to impose, but could you possibly make me a double espresso? Just serve it black," she asked.

He nodded. "Of course. Did you not sleep well?"

"I slept wonderfully. I just can't seem to wake up. I've had more accidents than usual and I think my body is struggling to catch up. Even my bruise from last night hasn't healed yet."

Gavriel turned to her. "Do you need me to take you to the clinic?" He reached up and traced her face with his hand.

She shook her head. "No, I'm fine, just tired. I don't think Adam can do much about that."

Ryuu picked up the empty platter of bacon from between Colton and Darian. "I'll get started on that double espresso right away." He was about to head back to the kitchen when they heard feet running down the hallway and then down the stairs. Seconds later Meryn burst into the room and flew behind Ryuu.