Page 5 of My Pleasure

“You trying to get me killed?” Hunter protested.

Graham just laughed and disconnected the call.

Hunter fired up his ATV and headed for the Nu estate to check in with his unit brothers.

*****

“No. Stretch the balloon over the grapefruit,” Meryn ordered.

“Baby, the balloon will snap on my fingers when it breaks,” Aiden countered.

“Ryuu, didn’t you look up the size of the baby?” Meryn asked.

“Yes, denka. The closest fruit in size to a baby’s head at birth is a grapefruit.”

“If my shit has to stretch to give birth, then you can risk your fingers getting snapped!” she yelled.

“Okay! Okay, I’ll try,” Aiden said, turning back to the task at hand.

Hunter knew he was failing miserably keeping his smiles at bay when he walked into the kitchen.

“And how is everyone’s favorite lil’ mama?” he asked, heading to Meryn to ruffle her curls.

“Doing better today,” Meryn said, then brightened. “Hunter, can I have some of your bacon? You requested the cayenne, honey version, right?”

He nodded. “Of course, you can.”

Behind them, Genevieve got out a large gallon bag of bacon with his name on it. “I told her you would say yes,” she said and handed over the bag.

“I didn’t want to be rude,” Meryn said, already reaching for the bacon.

Laughing Hunter passed her the bag. Just seeing her eyes light up was worth a run to get more bacon for himself. She dove into the bag with glee. “You can eat whatever you want Meryn. If anyone says shit, send them to me.”

She sniffled then went to wipe her eye, and he grabbed her hand quickly, causing Aiden’s head to snap up. “Watch it!” he ordered.

“Sir, she has cayenne on her fingers,” Hunter reminded his commander.

Aiden relaxed. “Good catch.”

Ryuu walked over to the sink and wet a washcloth for his charge. “You have my thanks,” he said, when he came over and handed Meryn the cloth.

Hunter sat down next to Meryn and watched as she carefully wiped her eyes.

“Sonofabitch!” Aiden exclaimed.

Meryn grinned and kept eating her bacon, then turned to look at him. “Did ya get any closer to the kids?” she asked.

He shook his head. “No, but both of my parents want to meet them soon,” he paused. “Is it technically kidnapping if I take them, if I’ll eventually be like a parent to the kids?”

Meryn just nodded. “Yup. Plus, if you scare them, your mating will definitely hit a snag.”

Aiden sucked on his fingers then looked his way. “Wait until your mate comes home.” He smiled. “I had Meryn track her down. Your mate already left her place of employment and is on her way here. It may take longer with the portals down, but now you know she’s on her way.”

Hunter exhaled. “Thank the gods for you, Meryn. If you want any more bacon, just let me know. I’ll run out for you.”

Meryn popped another piece in her mouth and smiled. “I’ll update your tab color later.”

Hunter sat up straighter, feeling proud of himself for making her happy. Then he stilled. “When did she leave?”