"Douchebag," Meryn answered.
Around the table, everyone was nodding. Magnus turned and looked from person to person. "Please tell me he committed a major transgression."
"He called me a midget!" Meryn yelled angrily.
Magnus' mouth twitched. "Gods forbid that." He turned to Gavriel and waved his hand at everyone seated around the table. "I practically raised Bethy. Adriel has served me honorably for centuries. I feel I have done much for this family. Days after your arrival, Adriel is mated to a protective tigress, and you bring a tiny human cyclone to my city. What have you to say for yourself?"
"You are very welcome." Gavriel closed the book and sat back, a satisfied smile on his face.
Magnus collapsed against his chair laughing. "I was getting tired of ruling anyway."
"Uncle, don't speak like that. You have many supporters, just look at how happy the people are on Level Six. I've never seen our people act like a community before, opening up the city has saved us as much as it has saved others." Beth took her uncle's hand.
Meryn grinned wickedly. "Besides, there are four more Royal family members to back you up now."
Magnus sat up quickly. "Meryn, you are a genius!"
"I know, I told you, it's what I do." Meryn wagged her eyebrows at him.
Magnus looked from Gavriel to Adriel and back. "Two more Princes would dramatically shift the politics of the city."
Both Adriel and Gavriel winced, exchanging pained expressions. Gavriel turned to Magnus. "I do not know if I speak for Adriel, but I prefer to be left out of the city politics. The Founding and Noble Families believe I am a distant descendant and unable to claim any real power here in the city, I am very happy letting them believe that. I fully intend to return to Lycaonia with my Unit Commander when our visit is over."
Adriel nodded. "My own mother chose the name Aristaios and I am proud for what it stands for. Like Gavriel, I prefer to remain as I am. I enjoy being a unit leader."
Gavriel smiled. "Aristaios. The Greek legend of a man born from a human mother and an immortal father. It suits you, not that you are not welcome to claim Ambrosios. I would be honored and proud to claim you as family."
Meryn rolled her eyes. "They're already family."
Adriel inclined his head at Gavriel. "I know what he means." He turned to face her. "Despite my mate having a bright future ahead of her in politics, I will decline and remain Aristaios."
"What does he mean bright future?" Magnus asked.
"Eva's the one who drop kicked Ivan into the tunnel," Meryn explained.
Eva shrugged and smiled. "It's a gift."
Gavriel turned to Magnus. "In any other way that does not entail stepping forward in the political arena, you have my complete support."
"Mine as well," Adriel chimed in agreement.
"Very well." Magnus sighed. "We have already made huge strides since you have arrived, I believe more can be accomplished before you return to Lycaonia."
"Like tracking down the feral that attacked Eva," Meryn growled.
Eva turned to her mate. "Can those panels be sealed?"
Beth shook her head. "I've already looked into it; they are needed for maintenance."
"Do they have to be able to be opened from the inside past Level One?" Meryn inquired.
Beth thought about it for a moment. "No, I don't believe they do." She sat back, looking disgusted. "Why didn't I think of that?"
Meryn gave her sister a flat look. "Because you've been keeping track of everything else for everyone else. Me, I like being a self-centered bitch. It keeps my mind free of miscellaneous shit about other people, like housing requirements and birthdays. That way I can concentrate on important matters like Doctor Who, Supernatural and Wi-Fi."
"You mean keep your mind free to solve the problems no one else can," Aiden teased.
Meryn shrugged. "That too."
Magnus strummed his fingers on his chair arm. "I feel like we could do more to keep the city safe."
Meryn scrapped the bowl with her spoon. "I could always install security cameras in key locations throughout the city so that it could easily be monitored by one or two warriors, leaving the rest free to track down the killer."
Magnus turned and opened his mouth. But Sebastian waved him silent. He handed Meryn a pad and piece of paper. "Write down whatever you need, I will get in here by tomorrow."
"Sweet!" Meryn eyed Magnus. "Will you buy me a new laptop skin?"
Magnus frowned. "Of course, add whatever you would like, Meryn, you more than deserve it," he said gruffly. Humming happily Meryn started on her technical equipment list.
"Softie," Beth said before leaning in to kiss her uncle on the cheek.
He sputtered. "Well, she has earned it."
Eva turned to her mate. "Can we head back up to the barbecue? I'm dying for some of Adora's cherry pie."
Adriel turned to Magnus, but the man was already standing and licking his lips. "Cherry pie, you say?"
Adriel looked back at her. "I guess we are done here. Come on, my little guardian, time for you to relax."
Eva shook her head. She might look after others, but no less than her mate. "Time for you to try some cherry pie and Texas barbecue."
Adriel shook his head. "Just this once; do you know how much fat is in pork?"