Chapter Eight

Zadie woke up feeling delicious. She couldn't think of a better term. She was warm and cozy, and Kincaid's body cradled her without squishing her. At some point she had pulled his arm over her body to hold between her breasts like a pillow. She could lay here forever, if only she didn't have to pee.

"God damn bladder," she muttered quietly.

A soft chuckle let her know Kincaid was awake.

"You could have got me up."

"And give up my place in heaven?"

She took his hand, and they threaded their fingers. She didn't want to say anything, but she could definitely tell all of him was awake this morning. Feeling his hot length against her, she couldn't help the dirty thoughts that were making themselves known. She shifted slightly, trying to gauge exactly how much of her butt and back had that warmth against it.

"Uncomfortable?" he asked, sounding concerned.

No, I'm just being pervy.

"No, I'm fine," she replied. She couldn't help it. She moved again loving how he felt.

"Oh. I see. What do you need, my love?" he asked, pulling his hand free to trace down her side.

"Maybe, just a little bit…"

His hand wandered down until it dipped down past her hip. "Just a little bit, huh?"

"Yes."

"Turn to face me," he ordered.

Never in her life had she moved so fast. Lying on her back she looked at him lying on his side, his hand now on her lower belly.

"Good, now I can see your beautiful eyes."

"They're not as pretty as yours. I always wanted dark blue eyes, mine are just washed out."

"They are gorgeous, a faint blue, almost silver. But, if I look real close around your iris, there's a line of periwinkle. I think you have the most striking eyes I have ever seen."

She couldn't help but smile. No one had ever said anything like that to her. She reached up to trace his jaw. "Kiss me?"

He was on her instantly.

His lips felt amazing. Not too wet, just firm enough and he knew exactly how to use them. He nibbled and teased until she had to break away from him to catch her breath.

Gasping, she tried to slow her breathing when she felt his hands pull at her underwear. She lifted her hips, and he tossed them across the room.

"Let me?" he pleaded.

"Sure?" she said, not knowing what he wanted.

A look of pure bliss crossed his face before he dove between her legs. Those talented lips were now dancing across her clit and all she could do was grab at the blankets. "God! Fuck! No, higher!"

When his tongue hit the right spot, she spasmed. It was the only signal he needed. He repeated his slow motions over and over again until she felt wave after wave of ecstasy crash over her. Involuntarily she clutched her thighs around him, grinding him against her.

When she was truly wrung out, she simply fell limp on their blankets. "Oh, my, god," she whispered, her mouth and throat dry from the screaming. She had never come so hard or so fast before.

When he lifted up to look at her, the amount of satisfaction she could see on his face was nearly her undoing. "Not, fair. You're too perfect."

He ran his thumb under his lip then licked it. "I could say the same to you. I'm addicted. I will want to do this at least twice a day, minimum."

"Gee, I don't know…" she gave him a goofy smile.

"I'm serious. I don't think I'll ever get enough of you."

"What about you? You being hard got me going this morning."

He winked. "Later. I want this to be about your pleasure."

"Kincaid, we have a problem."

He frowned. "I didn't hurt you, did I?"

She shook her head. "No, but I really had to pee before we started, now I seriously have to pee, but I can't feel my legs."

With the biggest shit eating grin, she had ever seen he got to his knees, scooped her up and stood.

"Dammit Kincaid, you have to stop doing sexy shit or we're never leaving this mausoleum of a bedroom."

Chuckling, he carried her to one of the bathrooms. When the door opened, he stopped. "It looks…"

"Normal. I didn't really notice last night. Why does this look normal, but out there is hideous?"

Kincaid set her on the toilet. "I bet it's because they had to gut the room. Remember, no one has lived here in thousands of years. They would have had to run electric and plumbing."

"The toilets work right?"

"They should."

"Good. Leave."

Laughing he left, closing the door behind him.

She'd never tell the queen, but Kincaid was offering the best perk of all.

*****

They ate a small breakfast from the basket Cord left for them. She was grumpy about her forgotten coffee until Kincaid pointed out the warming box. It wasn't a microwave, it just kept things at the perfect temperature. She retrieved her coffee and sighed happily. "I need clothes."

"We can swing by the shops," he offered.

"It might be easier to get my stuff, I doubt my credit cards work here."

Kincaid frowned. "I have accounts at most of the major stores in the city. We could use those."

"I didn't want to presume."

"Given the precariousness of the Witches Council, I'd prefer to stay in éire Danu if we could. I know we have to get your belongings along with whatever else you need to get set up. But, until we know more about the situation I'd feel safer staying within the city's borders."

She nodded. "That makes sense. Do the shops have anything besides the fancy pajamas?"

"You mean the fae robes? Of course. I'll take you to Baba's she has everything."

"She was the nice one who helped Izzy right?"

"Yes."

"Okay, good."

She found a pad and pen in the kitchen and before they left, they wrote out everything that would need to be changed. Not only for their own personal quarters but also to set up her main office and the spaces for the children.

"I want to keep the school room and activities on the first floor. I want the kids to feel like their rooms are their own and a place they can go to relax."

Kincaid made more notes. "We have more than enough rooms on the second floor. How do you feel about moving the guest rooms to the first floor? We shouldn't have too many guests, and it gives the kids an extra layer of privacy."

"Let's go with that."

He looked over his notes. "I know this is going to sound weird. But, I think we'll need more bathrooms on the first floor or have public style stalls put in." He added notes. "And more changing tables. The five-year-olds, I think are potty trained, but we'll have five infants in the house. I'm not running upstairs every twenty minutes, bouncing a kid with a full diaper around."

She couldn't help but laugh at the image. "Speaking from experience?"

He nodded. "The triplets. The bathroom was on the second floor at mother and father's."

She took in his facial expressions. "You helped raise your siblings and you'll be helping out here, does that put a damper on wanting kids of your own?"

He looked up sharply. "Of course not! The idea of a little girl with your eyes and brown hair running around fills me with a longing I can't quite express."

"Good, because I've always wanted a big family."

He wagged his eyebrows at her. "Well, you've seen my parents."

"I don't mind a brood, but I don't think I can handle multiples."

"I agree. After the triplets were born, when I'd visit home, there was no such thing as sleep."

"I can imagine." She pointed to the paper. "Think we got everything?"

"Nope, but we can add to it later."

"I'll grab Cord's basket, let's head to the palace. I am in desperate need of more coffee."

"Far be it from me to stand between you and coffee. After you, my lady."

"Smart and sexy," she said.

*****

When they entered through the courtyard doors, Zadie wasn't quite sure what she was looking at. The room was filled with children, yet most of the noise came from Kincaid's three younger sisters. The queen looked like a serene and calm island around which the children swirled.

Zadie's eyes kept going to the extremely quiet group of children who sat off to one side watching everything with wide eyes. "Are they?" she whispered.

Kincaid nodded as a little boy ran up to him. "Mr. Kincaid! You're back."

"Good morning, Cody. How was breakfast?" Kincaid asked, kneeling down to get on the boy's level.

"We had yummy oatmeal again." He leaned in. "But, I'm kinda hungry again," he whispered.

Kincaid looked over at the other kids, then up at Zadie. She saw it too. They were all hungry, but didn't want to say anything. The exuberance of Kincaid's sisters was keeping the others silent.

She stepped into the room and clapped her hands. "Okay children, one, two, three, eyes on me. Who can sit and listen the best?" She smiled at each and every child who met her gaze. The fae children shuffled forward at once and each one took a space on the floor at her feet. Cody made sure he sat down first and beamed up at her. "I see Cody has his ears on. Who else?" she pointed to the girl at his side. "What is your name?"

"Cana."

"I see Cana has her ears on."

She went around the room and even the older children were smiling at the exercise. When Kincaid's sisters saw that the other children were getting praised, they ran over and sat down quietly.

"Look at all my wonderful listeners. I am so proud of you. Now, Mr. Cord, I think our wonderful listeners deserve a big snack, they look like they could do with a second or third breakfast." She made a face at the children. "Maybe a fourth?"

"Maybe a forever breakfast!" Cody said, giggling.

Cord looked at the children licking their lips and nodded. "At once."

"Mr. Cord? I think maybe the children could do with some eggs. Let's do some cheesy eggs." She rubbed her belly. "One of my favorites. Eggs are wonderful sources of protein that will help you grow up big and strong."

Cord nodded, then immediately left for the kitchen.

"I'm gonna be a warrior!" Cody shouted.

"Excellent, Cody! While we wait for Mr. Cord can I get the older children to stand."

Six fifteen-year-olds stood, including Giles. "Until we get everyone settled into their own routines at the house, I would like to rely on you all for your help. Do you think that is something you can do?"

All six shrugged.

"Let me rephrase the question. You do not have to look after the little ones if you do not want to. I know that you have been tasked with that job for too long. The reason why I am asking for your help over the next few days is because the children are already familiar with you. But, you have every right to say no."

One of the older boys stepped forward. "Will we get in trouble?"

"What is your name?"

"Aeron."

"Aeron, of course you will not be in trouble. If you say no, I will simply ask others to help out. The choice is yours."

Aeron looked down at the faces looking up at him. "I don't mind helping. They're my brothers and sisters after all. It's my job."

She held up her hand. "No, it's our job," she said, pointing to the adults. "Your job is to grow strong and to learn. To be kind and help others. Does that mean you won't be asked to help from time to time? No. But, taking on the responsibility of the smaller children will no longer be your job. You are free to be a kid for a change."

Aeron smiled shyly. "We can help if we want to, right?"

"Of course."

The other teenagers all nodded.

"Wonderful. Now, I'm sure we have paper and markers somewhere?" she looked at Kincaid who nodded and pointed to the sitting room.

"We do Ms… what's your name?" Cody asked, tilting his head to one side.

"My name is Ms. Zadie Williams. I am mated to Mr. Kincaid. I will be your teacher going forward. Let's start with the front row, everyone please introduce yourself."

Each child stood and proudly stated their names. She noticed immediately that they only used their first names. They didn't identify themselves as Eirsons.

"That was wonderful children. I am so happy to have met you all." Out of the corner of her eye she saw Cord waiting at the doorway that led to the kitchen. "It looks like Mr. Cord is ready with your eggs. What I would like you to do while you eat is draw some things for me. Your favorite color, your favorite thing and what you want to do when you get older." She looked down at Cody. "What could you draw to show me you want to be a warrior?"

He thought on it for a long second then smiled. "Auntie Brie's gun!"

"That is a great idea. Okay children, let's stand." She waited until the kids were on their feet. "On careful feet, walk, don't run to the sitting room to work on your assignment. You may speak, but no yelling. When you yell you could be distracting someone else who is trying to think," she explained "Someone will be in to check on you in a bit."

Aeron clapped the way she had. "Alright kiddos, let's show Ms. Zadie we have our listening ears on."

Together the kids marched comically into the sitting room and shut the door.

"Oh, thank fuck you got here," Meryn whispered.

Around the main dining table most of the adults were rubbing their temples. Meryn simply had her cheek on the table. "I'm never having kids," she mumbled.

Amelia, looking pale, shook her head. "You know darn well it's too late for that."

"One and done," Meryn sat up. "Ryuu, I need coffee or I'm gonna lose my shit."

Ryuu placed a hand on her head. "I sent Izzy into the kitchen when Lady Zadie appeared. I expect she is needing her coffee as well."

"Ryuu, I'd kiss you, but newly mated at all," Zadie said, taking an empty chair.

Kincaid kissed her instead. "There's your kiss." He sat down next to her, then looked around. "Why does everyone look so worn?"

The queen and Kincaid's mother smiled.

His mother answered. "The children were up at dawn. Most got nervous being alone, so they went knocking on doors to find Mr. Kincaid, Mr. Aiden Mr. Darian and Auntie Brie."

"Oh, no. I told them I'd be there for them," Kincaid said, looking regretful.

Aiden yawned. "We all did. I don't think we anticipated them being up at five in the morning."

"Auntie, whatever you were going to offer her, double no… quadruple it if she can get the kids settled in the house by tonight," Meryn begged, bleary eyed.

"Yes, darling," the queen said, still trying to hide her smile.

Kincaid's father turned to his son. "There's something we'd like to ask you about that." He turned to his mate who nodded encouragingly. He continued. "The queen has offered us a position in House Eirson to act as house parents. It's an extremely generous offer, but we won't entertain it if you feel like having your parents here will encroach on your freedoms."

Kincaid's eyes went wide, and he turned to the queen. "Are you serious?"

The queen set her teacup down. "I cannot help but feel that the entire situation is serendipitous. You and your mate will be working out of House Eirson, and you can see your family whenever you wish. Most of all, everyone will be safe." She turned to his mother. "You are uniquely qualified having raised or are currently raising so many children in our world. Kincaid is one of our most talented and highest ranked warriors we have. You obviously did your job well."

Michaela sighed. "You wouldn't know looking at our girls."

Jessup chuckled. "They're just full of energy. Look how well they responded to Zadie. She will provide them with structure, and we'll reinforce it in their daily lives. Besides, they aren't the babies anymore," he teased, pointing to the infants Anne, Cas, Brie, Zoe and Amelia were cuddling.

Zadie turned to the queen. "We will need to bring in at least four others dedicated to the infants. Michaela and Jessup will be more than busy with the kids who can run around. I'd recommend a daytime and nighttime schedule until they're older."

The queen nodded. "I agree. I have reached out to someone I thought would be helpful. I was hoping you'd be able to meet with them this afternoon."

"Who did you ask, mother?" Darian asked.

"Kyla Vi'Aileanach. She is still mourning her sister, so I think helping with the infants would help."

"Won't she be kinda mad that the kids are Eirsons, and their dads killed her sister?" Meryn asked.

The queen frowned. "It is my hope that she will be able to rise above that."

"Would you blame infants, Meryn?" Zadie asked.

"Depends on how fucking loud they are," she retorted.

Aiden rubbed her back. "She isn't having a good morning."

"We didn't get up in the ‘morning'. We got up at night. I can stay up ‘til five in the morning, but getting up at five is like cruel and unusual punishment."

Jessup looked to his mate. "Do you want to tell her or should I?"

Michaela waved him off. "Meryn, honey, what do you think will happen when you have your baby?"

Meryn looked down at her rounded belly. Then looked at Aiden. "I fucking hate you right now."

Aiden's face fell. "You don't mean that baby."

"Don't tell me what I mean! I need sleep. You did this! You wanted an ankle biter and it's not like we could stop having sex once we started."

Aiden was trying everything he could to quiet his mate.

"Why is it wrong to sleep!?" she shouted.

Her loud exclamation woke the baby Brie was holding. The tiny cry silenced the ranting Meryn. She peeked over to Brie looking contrite. "Sorry."

Brie bounced the baby to quiet it and try to get them back to sleep. Grinning evilly, she stood and deposited the baby in Meryn's arms.

"What the actual fuck!" Meryn whispered, harshly.

"You wake it, you soothe it. Kinda like if you break it, you buy it." Brie sat down and grabbed a muffin off the platter enjoying the chance to eat.

Meryn stared down at the baby who was wailing. "Okay, I'm sorry little dude, I didn't mean to wake you up. I know how much that sucks." She awkwardly tried to rearrange the baby.

Ryuu stepped forward and helped her position her arms. When she cuddled the baby up to her chest, they quieted down.

Meryn continued to stare down at the baby. "Look. They're sucking on their fist. Ryuu, Aiden, look!"

The men were staring, but not at the baby. They were both watching Meryn's expressions with tenderness and love.

Meryn looked up. "Okay, this isn't so bad."

Michaela nodded. "It's even better when it's your own."

"I cannot wait to meet our daughter," Aiden said, tears in his eyes, as he watched his mate with a baby in her arms.

"Three months and counting." She made a face at her mate. "I thought you wanted a son?"

Aiden shook his head. "I changed my mind."

Meryn yawned and Ryuu reached down to take the infant. "Go back to bed denka , you need at least another four hours."

Meryn stood and blinked a few times. "That sounds like a good idea."

Pip and the boys stood with her. On the way out they could be heard making promises about helping out in the middle of the night.

Once the door was shut Aiden looked up at Ryuu. "We might need a nanny."

Ryuu rolled his eyes. "You give her too little credit. I feel like she will surprise you all."

Izzy walked in from the kitchen and looked around. "Where's Meryn?"

Aiden looked at her, then kept trying to steal peeks at the baby Ryuu was holding. "Had to go back to bed. Lack of sleep had her pegging out her evil scale," he answered.

Izzy walked over and handed Zadie hers. "I went with your normal afternoon cappuccino."

Zadie lifted the cup to her lips. "I can drink Meryn's." Grinning Izzy sat Meryn's drink down next to the cappuccino. "You're lucky, this is one of her drinks where she's allowed caffeine. Though, it may be a bit sweet for you."

After taking a sip she felt like all was right with the world. "I'll chance it."

"She'll need the caffeine if we're going to try and get the house ready for the kids to move in tonight," Kincaid said, pulling out his notepad.

Cord stepped forward. "We do have warriors coming by to help paint and organize. What else should we plan for?"

Kincaid looked at her and they both laughed before he turned to Oron. "Would you want a certain sixteen-foot wooden monstrosity of a bed with a canopy? It was in the master suite."

Oron frowned. "Why would I?"

"You were probably conceived in that bed," Kincaid teased.

Izzy made a gagging sound. "Fuck that."

Zadie nodded. "That's pretty much what I said."

Kincaid's mother turned to Oron, blushing prettily. "Would you mind if we took it? It would stay in your family home, but in our suite instead." She looked at her mate. "I've always dreamed of a canopy bed."

Jessup smiled. "Whatever you want, my love."

"Doesn't it squidge you out that it belongs to someone else?" Izzy asked.

Michaela looked confused. "Most of our furniture does."

Brie shrugged. "I guess it would be like getting an antique at an estate sale."

"I can coordinate with the warriors to move the bed," Cord offered. "What else?"

Kincaid opened his mouth, closed it, then simply held out his list.

Smiling Cord walked over and took it. "Hmm yes, more bathrooms do make sense." He looked over at her. "Do you really want every room to be painted off white?"

"Yes, for two reasons. One, the walls haven't seen any treatments, and the off white will serve as a base coat for whatever goes on next. I think the walls are so dry it will take two to three gallons per room. Two, I think the children should have a say in what they want their own rooms to look like. An off white will give them a fresh, clean slate to work with. Plus, it will brighten everything up. Right now, the heavy fabrics and greens make even rooms with a lot of natural daylight feel heavy."

Cas shuddered. "Tell me about it. My parents had the same color schemes when I was growing up. Thankfully, they redecorated for me before they faded. Those children need brightness and color in their lives."

Cord looked back at the list then to her. "The changes to the first floor can easily be done along with the request for a fireplace. I overheard Giles explaining toilets the other night, I think they'll be excited to get their own."

"Thank god," she said and finished her cappuccino.

"We can check on the kids and grab their assignment sheets. It should give us an idea of how to shop for their rooms. Then, I think I'd like to head back to the house and meet some of these warrior brothers I've heard so much about," she said and picked up Meryn's drink.

Kincaid stared. "You had them draw their favorite colors, objects and interests for the future, to help us decorate?"

She nodded. "I like using lessons that serve multiple purposes. Since they just finished the assignment, those things will be fresh in their minds, so, when they see those things reflected in the choices made, they will feel heard, validated and loved."

She was about to stand when the door opened and a pale-looking Portia entered.

The queen reacted immediately. "What? What has you looking so shaken?"

Portia took a deep breath. "Your Majesty, Kyrn Vi'Evlyer is requesting an audience to fill the position as House Eirson squire."

Oron stood. "What? How?"

"It is so very good to see you Master Oron," a deep male voice said.

"Babe, who is he?" Izzy asked, hugging Oron's arm.

"He was our squire," Oron whispered.

Zadie met Kincaid's eyes, then took a huge sip of Meryn's coffee.