I nodded my agreement. “My senses of smell and hearing are both much keener than most shifters,” I explained, “but I could hear the infant’s heartbeat before I noticed their scent.”
“Really?” Paul gaped at me, there was no other word for it. “You canhearhim?”
“Or her,” I agreed with a giggle.
“Her?” Paul’s eyes widened and his jaw dropped.
I laughed. “I was just saying it’s a possibility,” I assured him. “It’s much too soon for me to be able to determine gender.”
Paul’s sigh of relief made me laugh again. “I won’t push for an answer to my questions,” I assured him, “and you’re more than welcome to shadow me for as long as it works, but you know that eventually others will notice, yes?”
Paul bit down on his bottom lip. “I know, but my situation is a little complicated.” He shrugged helplessly. “I’m not sure what to do.”
“I understand.” I fished into my pocket and came up with a few of the chewy ginger candies wrapped in colorful papers that I relied on to settle my stomach. “Try these when your stomach is bothering you. The taste is strong, but they will help.”
“Thank you.” Paul surprised me by leaning over to hug me as Director Keir stepped into the room, a shorter, slightly heavyset man close behind him.
“Bari, would you mind if I had a word with you?”
“My pleasure, of course, sir,” I agreed, patting Paul’s arm lightly as I handed him my book. “You’re certain that you don’t mind running that back to the library, then? You’ll excuse Paul, won’t you, sir?”
“Hm? Oh, yes, of course,” Director Keir agreed promptly. “There’s someone I’d like to introduce to you.”
I’d always been extremely interested in the interpersonal interactions of others-or, as Ahearn had been wont to phrase it, nosy- so I didn’t miss the interest that flashed in the newcomer’s eyes as Paul rose from his seat, flashing me a grateful smile for arranging his exit. Interesting. I returned the smile warmly before turning back to the men standing before me. “Oh?”
“Bari, this is Sylas Rogers. He has agreed to assist us with your neglect issues, if you’re willing to allow it. Sylas, this is Omega Walsh.”
“My pleasure, sir.” I held in a sigh. “I imagine that my willingness to accept assistance will depend on his expectations of the services to be rendered, Director,” I said baldly. “I am not some impressionable young thing who will raise my tail to gain relief.” I narrowed my eyes at him. “I was under the impression that there were medications available for treatment?”
“There are,” Director Keir agreed hesitantly. “Unfortunately, none that have been tested in subjects with youruniquephysiological properties. We can’t be sure that they would be safe for the babies.”
Ah.
“I see.” I glanced at the Alpha beside him. “Alpha Rogers, I imagine I should be grateful for your sacrifice, then.”
Alpha Rogers appeared to be stifling a grin as he reached for my hand. “Yes, I imagine that you should,” he said just as baldly. “I can assure you that I am in no way interested in taking advantage of the situation to satisfy any twisted carnal desires.”
“In which case, I believe that we can arrive at an acceptable arrangement.” I quirked a brow at Alpha Rogers. “As there seems to be significant concern over my imminent demise, perhaps it would be best if we were to begin the negotiations immediately?”
“That’s fine,” Alpha Rogers agreed easily.
Director Keir’s eyes nearly popped from their sockets as I gestured for him to leave us. “Thank you for your assistance, but I believe that we can take it from here.”
He was mumbling under his breath about strange bedfellows as the solarium door closed behind him and I turned to my companion. “How would you like to begin?”
