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"Hey, Doc," Grant called out

Dr St John's head popped up "You're here Good You've been requested" He nodded his head to the three s up at Grant, tear tracks on their faces Grant winked at the Benji in her lap; she glanced at hih her

"I just can't get hiave hi a word, he lifted Benji into his arms; almost instantly, the child quieted, laid his head on Grant's chest, and promptly fell asleep

Susan's jaw dropped "That's impossible How did you do that?" she demanded

He shrugged Adriel pointed to the inflatedwickedly "Get comfortable," he ordered

Grant rolled his eyes but was actually grateful for a cha

nce to lie back down He cliently, both shifter fathers placed the two boys on either side of Grant

Stefan kicked back in a recliner soed out of one of the houses with little Clara in his lap Withinand tears slowly faded, and the sounds of even breathing filled the air All four children were asleep The parents looked on in amazement Clara's father shook his head "I don't want to kno; she's asleep Benji is asleep so we're going to turn in Grant, call us if you need anything; there's a baby monitor by the bed"

He yawned "Sure thing" The Hamiltons whispered their thanks and headed into one of the houses Adriel covered Stefan and Clara with a blanket "Sweet drea for a briefing" Grant barely heard Adriel and Dr St John leave; he was already drifting off to sleep

The next htly panicked, he looked around,sure that he hadn't accidentally rolled over and squished Benji or one of the Ha from one of the houses, he went to where he knew Benji lived with his foster fa a bit aard, he knocked on the back door Tobias opened the door wide, s, sunshine"

Grant nodded without comment, walked into the house, and headed to the kitchen Tobias followed behind hi The Hamiltons picked up the boys about an hour later We're finishing up breakfast What can I get you?"

Grant shook his head "I could use your bathroom"

Laughing, Tobias pointed the way After Grant splashed some water on his face and used the facilities, he looked in the mirror He didn't look any different than the other shifters Why did the kids want hi, he walked back to the kitchen

Clara was kicking up a fuss in her highchair, refusing any hchair's tray Susan, despite the previous night's rest, already looked worn out Grant turned to Benji, as sitting quietly in his own highchair, watching the entire scene ide eyes When he saw Grant, he raised his hands Grant moved almost subconsciously toward the child and lifted Benji into his arive you break," he offered Susan looked up surprised "Are you sure? We wouldn't want you to miss patrols"

Grant looked down at Benji "He's no trouble"

Tobias looked grateful "Thank you We will spend some extra time with Clara Maybe she needs to have mom and dad to herself for little while" Grant bounced Benji on his arain as he left Once clear of the houses and into the bustling atmosphere of the marketplace, Grant looked down at Benji "Well, it's just you and me now kiddo Think we'll be okay?"

Benji blew spit bubbles happily and clapped his tiny hands

"I'll take that as a yes" Balancing the baby on his arm, he ging down transport escorts; they always seemed to have some sort of snarky remark to make, but as luck would have it, out of the corner of his eye, he saw Micah running toward them

"Cute kid" Micah tickled Benji under his chin "I expected you earlier; you uess that's what happens when you get woken up at three o'clock in the " Micah placed a hand on Grant's arm

"Meeting still going?" Grant asked

"Just started actually, so you haven't missed much"

Micah floated the back up to start his own patrols Grant had only been to the Royal level a few times with Adriel, and he was just as nervous now as he had been then He knocked on the door and waited Monus' squire, stood sentlerasp

"This is Benji I'," Grant replied