“Absolutely,” she said at once. “As long as we go overboard about protection for Niall. I want full-on neurotic, Dragos. I’m ready to face any and all adventures and problems we may encounter, but I can’t bear the thought of anything happening to the baby.”

They’d had many discussions about security since they’d mated, and, if anything, Pia had been the voice for sanity. Otherwise Dragos would have her constantly surrounded with half a dozen guards at any given time. The fact that she gave him permission to go overboard filled him with immense satisfaction.

“Full-on neurotic it is,” he said with a fierce smile.

The four settled in the living room to discuss options. In the end, they decided that whenever Pia and Dragos chose to investigate, Bel and Graydon could keep the babies with them. Bel’s Elven attendants provided a constant guard presence at the perimeter of their property, for whatever good that would do. Eva and Linwe could also take shifts to maintain eyes on both babies at all times.

Tiago and Niniane arrived while they were in mid-discussion. After greeting everyone and getting updated on current events, they offered to help guard the babies. In the end, even Pia had to agree they couldn’t have found a more Powerful or capable babysitting team if they’d tried.

While they strategized, Eva and Linwe left to retrieve the dog that Dragos had left with others when Pia had called for help. When the women returned, Skeeter bolted to Dragos and leaned against his leg.

“I can’t believe you got a dog,” Linwe said, smiling. “It doesn’t seem like you.”

“I know, right?” Niniane exclaimed. “I couldn’t believe it either.”

As Dragos opened his mouth to strenuously deny it yet again, he caught a glimpse of the hilarity dancing in Pia’s expression. Her return to laughter was so welcome he rolled his eyes but decided not to respond.

Instead, he said telepathically to Graydon, Pia won’t let me hire someone full-time to look after it.

The Gryphon’s expression was suffused with repressed amusement. She won’t?

He glowered. I do not live the kind of lifestyle that allows for looking after live snacks.

That is actually an excellent point, Graydon conceded. You already had to leave him behind once. Maybe he just needs to stay home based.

Please hire a dog walker for him. Someone who is willing to be available 24/7. He paused. They must love dogs. I think they should be open to adopting him.

Graydon covered his face with one large hand. Help me out here, Dragos. How is that different from hiring someone to look after Skeeter full time?