Grant cuffed him upside the head. "Micah! They are mated!"
Micah rubbed the back of his head and frowned up at his friend. "I didn't mean sex, you insensitive clod. What I was going to say is that it's getting late, and I'm sure these two beautiful goddesses are getting hungry. I know for a fact that Sebastian has been cooking up a storm in our absence, and I'm pretty sure I smelled cinnamon wafting up from Level One." He winked at Bethy.
"He remembered!" Bethy was now all smiles.
Micah snorted. "As if that man has ever forgotten a single thing about you. He started stocking up on your favorites the second he learned you were returning to the city, and that means lots of cinnamon and vanilla."
Meryn licked her lips. "What'd Sebastian make?"
Bethy spun to face Meryn. "It's the most wonderful dessert I've ever had. He creates this masterpiece with graham cracker layers, homemade vanilla pudding, cinnamon, and whipped cream. Gods, it's divine!" she gushed.
Meryn looked around. "So, we're done here right? Good. Let's go." Meryn grabbed Bethy's hand, and they practically began to run toward the transport tunnel.
"Meryn! Wait for Ryuu! Do not jump into that net!" Aiden yelled after them.
She was just one human female; there was nothing she could do that his units couldn't handle. Right?
*****
Adriel looked around the large dining table. He had never been invited to dine with Magnus before; the prince was usually too busy hosting dinners for the Founding and Noble families, keeping them placated.
So he had been pleasantly surprised when Bethy invited the entire Eta Unit to dinner. Aiden had been given the seat at the end of the long table opposite Magnus. Adriel sat to his left and Meryn to his right. To Adriel's left were Declan, Etain, Broderick and Caspian. Across the table, Micah sat to Meryn's right, then Grant, Gavriel and Bethy. The four corners of the room were filled with Tarak and Kuruk on opposite sides acting as guards and Ryuu and Sebastian across from them.
For once, Magnus looked relaxed, as if he was truly enjoying himself. Adriel knew more than most how difficult the past couple months had been on their prince. He hoped that Aiden would be able to provide the support needed to get their people to safety.
Bethy's voice brought him back to the present.
"Meryn, didn't you pack? When Darian escorted us to the portal, all you had was your backpack, and Aiden only carried a small suitcase."
Meryn glared at her mate. "No. I've been wearing my super gown because someone won't let me go get maternity clothes because they are being a paranoid, drama bear."
Bethy blinked. "You're using the Gown of Éire Danu for maternity clothes?"
Meryn nodded. "I think it likes me. I mean, think about it. It has all this cool power but only gets pulled out a couple times a year for the same ole boring stuff like, poufy dresses. I could be wrong, but I think I gave it a graphic tee shirt addiction."
Bethy groaned and buried her face in her hands.
Gavriel rubbed her back trying to fight back a smile. "There, there love."
Etain was staring at Meryn, his face a mask of concentration.
Meryn caught him staring. "What?" she demanded bluntly.
Etain tilted his head. "Is that truly the fabled Gown of Éire Danu? One of the most powerful fae relics in existence?"
Adriel really looked at Meryn and saw what Etain was talking about. Meryn had on a tee shirt that looked like it had zombie teddy bears on it. Over the tee, an unzipped grey hoodie covered her arms and, if he remembered correctly, earlier Meryn wore faded jeans and scruffy sneakers.
Meryn rolled her eyes before she closed them. Seconds later, the air around her shimmered, and she was now wearing an emerald green gown with an empire waist that draped demurely over her rounded belly. Her short curls were arranged and a silver circlet sat on top of her head.
"There, better? Does it look all regal now?" Meryn pointed to the dress.
Etain smiled. "I don't know why, but I think you're right Meryn. I feel like the gown is having fun dressing you."
Bethy shook her head. "Zombie. Care. Bears. Meryn! Where did it get the idea for Zombie Care Bears?"
Meryn concentrated on her silverware. "I may or may not have a Pinterest board dedicated to tee-shirts I like, and it may or may not be on there for reference." Meryn closed her eyes again and her tee shirt, hoodie and jeans were back.
"What's wrong with a nice pair of khaki capris and a light green cardigan with pearls? Or a sundress and sandals? Why zombies?" Bethy asked.
Meryn picked up her butter knife and set it on her empty dinner plate. Absently she began to spin it. "Because when I wear dresses my thighs rub together, and it sucks. Capris are weird because sometimes they aren't short enough when I'm hot, but too short when I'm cold. Jeans and hoodies are always perfect.
Declan turned to him. "I never knew women felt that way about dresses."
Adriel shrugged. He had never given women's fashion a second thought; evidently more planning went into it than he knew.
A throat cleared and the table turned to look at Sebastian. "Meryn, while you are here, I could take your measurements and begin some stylish yet comfortable maternity clothes for you. I make all of Bethy's clothing."
Bethy's face lit up. "Sebastian, you are a life saver! We've been trying to get her to a tailor for months!"
Meryn scowled. "They poke me with pins on purpose! And it's always, 'Hold still!' and 'You can't have to go to the restroom again!' Mean old biddies!"