"I must have done something right; the Gods are smiling down on me. First, my wonderful sister Meryn tricks the council members into renovating and upgrading the clinic, and now Fate herself has sent me a doctor with experience in treating paranormals. I may actually get a few hours sleep this week after all."
"When would you need me?" she asked.
"Would starting tomorrow be too soon?" he asked hopefully.
"That shouldn't be a problem; I'll have to make sure someone can watch my daughter."
Adam blinked. "You have a daughter?"
"Yes, will that be a problem?" she asked frowning. He didn't seem like he was a man to judge.
Adam shook his head smiling wide. "No, not at all. That means Colton is a father. I can't wait to congratulate him."
"We're still figuring things out, but he seems like he'll make a good father," she admitted.
"Anyone who can grow up around Aiden and keep his sense of humor can't be all bad," Adam teased.
Meryn turned to Adam. "Speaking of your brother, where on his body would be a safe place to stab him with a fork? Where it would be painful, but wouldn't take long to heal?"
Adam brought his hand up to his chin and tapped his finger on his lips as he thought about his answer. "Why don't you tell me, Adair and Ben what he's done and we'll take care of it, after all, that's what brothers are for," he offered.
Rheia had to admit, he handled Meryn fairly well. It was highly unlikely that his brothers would stab Aiden.
"He forgot to tell me about the two hundred plus warriors living out amongst humans in an inactive status," Meryn said sourly.
Adam stared at Meryn in disbelief. He blinked and then shook his head. "Outer thigh."
So much for brotherly love.
"Okay enough about my baby brother, I'd rather talk about my baby niece or nephew. Let's head to my office, it'll be more comfortable."
Adam led the way to a small office painted in a butter cream color. Rheia and Beth sat down on the office sofa while Ryuu stood outside the door. Meryn took the chair in front of Adam's desk.
He pulled out a folder and began reading the contents. Rheia knew from experience the news would not be good. Doctors always knew the contents of those folders cover to cover, before the patient even stepped into the room. He was pretending to look over the contents of the folder to gather his thoughts.
"Am I allowed to speak freely in front of everyone in this room?" he asked.
Meryn frowned and nodded.
"Okay then, to be honest Meryn, your test results worry me. The anemia hasn't gotten any better and if you didn't have Ryuu tending to you, I would seriously doubt you were taking your vitamins." He closed the folder and put it on his desk.
"But I've cut back on my coffee!" Meryn twisted her hands anxiously.
Rheia noticed Beth was on the verge of standing to go to her friend when the door opened. Ryuu walked in and placed a comforting hand on Meryn's back.
"What more can we do?" he asked Adam. Rheia noticed he didn't even try to hide that fact that he had been eavesdropping.
Adam took out a pad and began writing. "I'm recommending iron supplements to take in addition to the pre-natal vitamins I prescribed during your last visit. As I told you, human and shifters can have babies, but it may be a rough pregnancy. No caffeine, in any form and a diet with lean meats and lots of dark green leafy vegetables should help. No more long nights with no sleep. You have to start thinking of your baby, Meryn." His voice was gentle, but firm.
"I'll do whatever it takes. I'm going to be a good mom," Meryn said, her voice trembling.
Beth shot off of the couch and wrapped a supportive arm around Meryn's shoulders. "Of course you are. Whatever you need, we'll get it."
Ryuu was already on his phone. The way his finger moved rapidly over its surface, Rheia was willing to bet he had already ordered the iron supplements and was planning new menus.
Adam stood and walked around his desk to kneel down in front of Meryn. "I won't let anything happen to my niece or nephew."
"It's a girl. I keep telling Aiden we're having Meryn 2.0," Meryn said smiling.
Adam's eyes crinkled at the corners when he smiled. "Then I will help Meryn 2.0 into this world, because she has a lot of people already waiting to meet her." Adam stood. "Okay, I'll put you down for more blood work in about three weeks and then you can come back in for your three month check up." He walked back around to his chair and sat down.
Rheia frowned. "Aren't you going to do a pelvic exam?" Four sets of eyes turned to her.
Adam turned red. "Normally yes, but given the circumstances..."
Rheia stood, exasperated. "Men! Meryn, would you feel comfortable if I did it?"
Meryn nodded rapidly. Adam sat back in his chair, relief pouring from him. "Thank you, Gods!"
Rheia turned to him. "Do you have a room we could use? It shouldn't take too long."
Adam practically leapt from his chair. "I'll show you."
"Ryuu and I will wait here," Beth said.
"Be right back." Meryn waved.
Rheia and Meryn followed behind Adam. He opened a door to one of the smaller room and stood to one side. "Everything you need should be in here. I'll go wait with Beth and Ryuu." He shut the door and they heard him practically race away.
Meryn turned to her. "I'm so glad you're here."