Page 78 of Grayson’s Challenge

“Finally,” Charles said, “somebody recognizes what I’m dealing with on a daily basis. Maybe I should get my own lab.”

Wesley turned to him. “You had your own lab. And see how that turned out.”

“Hmm.”

“What happened?” Monique asked curiously.

Grayson grinned. “His mate, Roxanne, put the kibosh on him working out of the basement of their home. Apparently, she was sick of the explosions rocking the foundation of the house.”

Charles lifted his hand in protest. “Hey, it wasn’t that bad. Besides, it was my choice to move my operation to headquarters. I mean, who would keep Wes in check if I weren’t here?”

“I don’t need to be kept in check,” Wes protested.

“Do too.”

“Thanks guys,” Grayson said quickly, and took Monique’s arm. “We’d better leave.”

They left the lab, while Wesley and Charles continued arguing, and walked back toward the elevators, when Monique suddenly heard what sounded like babies crying. But she had to be wrong.

She glanced at Grayson. “Do you hear that?”

34

Grayson pushed the double doors to the medical center open, and entered, Monique by his side. The large room looked like any emergency room in a midsize hospital. In the middle was a nurses’ station, and around it, along the walls were several treatment berths with curtains separating them for patient privacy. On one end of the room were several private patient rooms as well as Maya’s office.

“Wow,” Monique said, looking around. “And Maya runs this place?”

Grayson nodded. “Yes. This is her domain.”

“It’s impressive,” Monique said.

Grayson motioned to the people crowding around the entrance to one of the private patient rooms. Gabriel stood there with Brandon King, while Maya stood near the bed, and Ryder sat on the edge of it, a newborn in his arms, while Scarlet held the other twin.

When they walked closer, Gabriel looked over his shoulder.

“Hey,” he said, “what was that commotion earlier?”

“Little explosion,” Grayson said casually and peered into the room.

“Wesley?” Gabriel asked.

“Yep. At least the spell worked. We’ve got a pretty good idea where Cain and Samson are being held.”

“Guess that means I don’t get to hold my grandsons right now,” Gabriel said.

“Take a few minutes,” Grayson said. “I’ll call everybody in, so we can work on a rescue plan.”

When Brandon approached the bed, Scarlet put her son into his arms. Grayson stood there for a moment, just watching the scene. Monique leaned closer to him, and he put his arm around her waist.

“Oh my God, he doesn’t weigh more than a feather,” Brandon said with a look at his daughter. “I don’t remember you being so small when you were born.”

“Congratulations, Scarlet, Ryder,” Grayson said, and both of them lifted their heads and looked at him.

“Thanks, bro,” Ryder said. He looked at his two sons, then at Scarlet, and pressed a soft kiss to his mate’s lips. “I love you, baby. You did great.” When he looked up again, his eyes were shimmering golden.

Grayson cast a sideways look at Monique, feeling the urge to kiss her rise up inside him. “We should…”

She nodded. “Yeah.” Then she addressed Scarlet and Ryder, “Congratulations to you both. The babies are adorable.”