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"Ugh" She rolled her eyes at herself and started the shower When steaan to drift from behind the stone wall she stepped into the shower and let the hot water sluice down her body She nearly moaned out loud in relief, the water felt wonderful When she finished she dried off and wrapped a towel around her hair and body She started to get ready and easily fell into the beauty routine she had been doing for years, the only difference being she added a bit of bronzer to her cheeks for some color and soainst drying her hair since she was too tired and instead wove her heavy hair into a side braid She put her hair back up in a towel to soak up any water fro out her clothes was her favorite part of getting ready Today she chose an ankle length black and white plaid skirt with black leggings She paired that with a merino wool black sweater and used a thin red leather belt to make the entire outfit pop Instead of heels she stuck with a low heeled black leather boot Best not to tempt Fate with heels today She re it up in the bathroom The braid was almost dry to the touch, which was perfect She didn’t want to get her wool sweater wet

She grabbed her wristlet and stood up The roorab on to the bed She took a deep breath and let the roo with her? She walked with deliberate steps to the door and ot to the stairs she , sunshine I see that you’re looking better this , to you too Yes, I’ in return, his good ious

"Great" Colton turned and went to head down the stairs when he noticed that she was hesitating "You okay?" he asked

"Actually, could you escort me down? If I take another tumble I fear Gavriel will lock rin and bowed ostentatiously "My lady it would be an honor and a pleasure" He offered her his arm and when she placed her hand on his forearm as custom dictated he moved it so that it was tucked in his elboith his hand over it

It was more comfortable and casual than the forratitude "Thank you, Colton You’ve been very supportive of me since I’ve arrived"

He shook his head "Think nothing of it Ever since you and Meryn arrived every day has been fun I never realized how otten ourselves into"

"I have a feeling Meryn will keep you on your toes," she said grinning

He threw his head back and laughed "You have that right"

They were soon at the bottom of the stairs Colton kept her hand and continued to escort her to the dining room When they entered the rey to red She felt Colton tense under her hand She quickly removed her hand from his arm and patted his shoulder in a sisterly fashion "Thank you for ain" She walked over to where her h Gavriel snaked an arrabbed the hand that Colton had been holding and kissed it, putting his scent on her She noticed that he had six elasses on the table that hadn’t been taken away yet If he was this aggressive noould his apex be like?

"It was no problenoring Gavriel He pulled out his seat and sat down "Oh thank the Gods! Bacon!" With boyish enthusiasan to shovel it onto his plate

"Hey! Leave sorabbed the platter froression

Gavriel took a deep breath, his eyes returning to grey Elizabeth could feel the frustration and regret radiated from him She leaned in and kissed the side of his neck and winked at hi his head he pulled out her seat for her She sat down and he scooted her in He turned to Colton "Colton I " he began

Colton interrupted him "So what do you think happened in the Unit Coe of the fact that neither Meryn nor Aiden was downstairs yet Colton grinned at Gavriel who nodded his thanks at his understanding before answering "I have a feeling we’ll find out soon enough"

Ryuu walked in from the kitchen with another platter of bacon which he set in front of Aiden’s plate He placed a cappuccino at Meryn’s seat before placing one in front of her

"Ryuu, I hate to impose, but could you possibly make me a double espresso? Just serve it black," she asked

He nodded "Of course Did you not sleep well?"

"I slept wonderfully I just can’t seem to wake up I’ve hadto catch up Even ht hasn’t healed yet"

Gavriel turned to her "Do you need me to take you to the clinic?" He reached up and traced her face with his hand

She shook her head "No, I’m fine, just tired I don’t think Adam can do much about that"

Ryuu picked up the empty platter of bacon froet started on that double espresso right away" He was about to head back to the kitchen when they heard feet running down the hallway and then down the stairs Seconds later Meryn burst into the room and flew behind Ryuu