Page 45 of My Eternal Light

The queen sat back smiling. “It is moments like this that remind me why life is so precious. We have lost so much, so many families, but this morning we were gifted twenty new souls and one of our warrior sons has found his mate. We have been truly blessed this day.”

“Auntie, guess what she does?” Meryn prompted.

“With you girls, I never know. What does she do, darling?”

“She’s a teacher, who specializes in early childhood education and behavioral sciences. Kinda perfect for traumatized kids huh?”

The queen turned to Zadie and the change in demeanor was immediate. The laid-back persona was gone and in its place was business and determination. “I know you have been through much and you may not have given any thought to how you will transition to our world, but is there anything I can offer to have you start as soon as you can with our children?”

Zadie blinked, then blinked again. “You’re offering me a job?”

The queen nodded emphatically. “Name your terms.”

Zadie turned to him. “Is she serious?”

He nodded, smiling. “You’ll learn that our queen takes care of all of her people, especially the children. She is both generous and decisive. I know you already have a job, and I would never invalidate what you do or your efforts there, but we need you desperately.”

Zadie looked back to the queen. “I want to create the curriculums. Given their past, I may have to tailor programs to each child which means additional costs.”

“You can have whatever you require,” the queen offered looking hopeful.

Zadie thought a long moment. “I need your full support. If I am to take responsibility for their development and education I cannot be second guessed or overridden. That’s not to say there won’t be room for discussion, just never in front of parents or the kids.”

The queen gave her a solemn look. “I would never gainsay you when it comes to the children, but, one thing to keep in mind. These children don’t have any parents. Up until this morning they were living in captivity, some in cages with little to no food, so you may be more hands on than you’re used to.”

Zadie was quiet for a few moments. “Can I speak with Kincaid first?”

“Of course, you’re mates after all,” the queen agreed.

Cord returned from the kitchen handing Kincaid a small glass bottle with a cork stopper. He then returned to his place by the queen’s side.

“Kincaid, do you need us for anything else? I’d like to check on the children and get settled ourselves,” his mother asked.

“No, we’re fine. As long as you don’t have any questions. You did get uprooted tonight,” he pointed out, tucking the bottle into his jacket pocket.

“Not uprooted dearest. Saved.” Both his parents stood and gave both him and Zadie a hug. “Make sure you get some rest; you both have been through a lot today.”

“Yes, mother,” he said, the agreement coming automatically.

Once the door was shut Meryn turned to Kendrick. “So, are we doing the slow, twisted shit or do you want me to nuke them?”

Kendrick’s expression went from exasperated to resigned to amused. “Let’s try the slow twisted shit first, then if they persist in their way of thinking, I’ll teach you how to nuke them better.”

“Promise?” Meryn asked.

“Yes.”

“Pinky promise?”

“Yes.”

“Yes!” Meryn and Pip gave each other fist bumps.

Laelia smiled and stood, dragging Radclyffe to his feet. “Just like old times. We’ll also be with the children if you need us. From the very little I heard, the bare minimum they’ll need are wellness scans. We can check them out before turning in ourselves.”

Cord stepped forward looking slightly worried. “If you would but give me a few minutes I can get quarters set up for you.”

Laelia shook her head. “We’ll stay with the kids.”

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