Marigold

Chapter 15 - Meira

When one o'clock rolled around, Meira knocked on the door to the orphanage. Wren answered with several of the kids hanging off his legs. 

"Hey Meira," he said, "Thanks for coming. We appreciate it."

"No problem," she walked past him into the house then heard a growl from behind her. Looking back she saw Wren blocking Desmond from entering. "Oh sorry I'm bad at introducing people. That's Desmond. He's with me."

"Why do you need him?" asked Wren not moving out of the doorway.

"He thinks he's going to keep me from getting hurt, and he said he'd help with the kids," said Meira.

"We won't let anything happen to you while you are with us," said Killian, "But here you go." He passed Lucian off the Desmond and quickly walked away. 

Desmond looked down at the baby changing into a bird in his arms. "What is wrong with this kid?" he asked holding Lucian as far from him as he could.

"Nothing!" snapped Lupine coming down the stairs with Luna in her arms, "He's a chameleon shifter and can't control it yet. Just hold tight and he'll change back in a minute. Hey Meira. How are you?"

"Hey Lupine," said Meira, "Do you have anything in mind for the year this time, or just whatever I feel like?"

"Have fun and do what you want," said Lupine.

"Just know that the kids run through and on everything so maybe think sturdy," said Wren.

"Cool," said Meira, "and this is why you are one of my favorite places to work. I'll start out back." She headed through the house and out the kitchen door. "Uh guys," she called, "do you know there's a pig back here?"

"Yes," said a new man coming to stand in the doorway in a three piece suit, "That would be one of my men that the little witch Calista turned into a pig and can't seem to turn back. His name is Leon. After cleaning the rugs about twenty times Lupine has banished him to the backyard."

"I've been told not to get on her bad side, yes," said Meira, "but who are you?"

"I'm Rossi," said the man reaching out a hand, "You may have heard of me. I'm the head of the Rossi family and one of Lupine's mates." 

Desmond stepped closer a low growl emitting from his chest. "Watch yourself wolf or you may lose that paw."

Rossi dropped his hand, "And you are?"

"I'm Desmond, Meira's ma-"

"Friend," Meira cut in, "He's my friend."

Desmond growled again but didn't correct her.

"A very protective friend it would seem," said Rossi, "Well let me not stand in your way, I'd hate to be the reason Meira didn't finish her work." 

Rossi stepped to the side and as he was walking past Desmond deposited Lucian into his arms.

"God dammit! Jaqueline, where are you?" they heard through the door. 

Desmond and Meira both snickered looking around the yard, "So where do we begin?" asked Desmond.

"You begin by entertaining the children like you promised," Meira stated pointing at the group of five children walking closer to them.

"What is he?" asked a small timid boy, "He smells weird."

"A dragon, you idiot," said one of the girls, "and I'm sure he eats little woods that can't defend themselves."

The little boy started to cry and ran into the house.