"I'm calling Adair. He emailed me yesterday to let me know the program had been approved and they were starting ranking trials. The sooner we can disperse the trainees the better I'll feel." Meryn reached for her cell.

"Ranking trials?" Elizabeth asked.

Meryn nodded. "Yeah, it's the method they came up with to decide who went to what unit. They were supposed to hold trials and each trainee should have received a score. The highest score got to pick first, then the second highest and so on. Sydney texted me last night, according to the rumor mill, all but one of the top five trainees wanted to be assigned to Alpha. He said the trainee with the second highest score chose to go to Gamma instead to train with Sascha. I didn't realize the amount of prestige that went along with the unit assignments." Meryn put the phone to her ear.

"Hey Adair, what's the news, bud?" she asked.

Elizabeth stepped closer so she could hear his response.

"Hey sweetie. We've completed the rankings and the guys are packing up today. They'll be heading your way tomorrow."

"Tomorrow!" Meryn exclaimed.

"Yeah, didn't I tell you in my email yesterday?" He asked, sounding confused.

"No! No, you didn't. The only thing you said was that you'd be holding trials," Meryn said through clenched teeth.

"Sorry hun, I didn't mean to put you in a bind. I thought you knew that it wouldn't take long to get them ranked. Can you see if Aiden will be ready for them?"

Meryn looked at her watch and chewed on her bottom lip. "They're training now, I'll call you back when they go to their first break."

"Sounds good. Sorry again, kiddo," Adair apologized.

"No worries, I'll figure this out," Meryn said and ended the call.

When she looked up there was panic on her face. "Well fuckity fuck!"

Elizabeth laughed. "Your word choices are descriptive and surprsingly accurate."

Meryn blinked. "Was that a compliment?"

"Yes, hun."

"Well, I guess we have a couple hours before their first break. Let's get the rest of the personnel files done. I have a feeling the rest of the day will be getting the house ready for the trainees." She looked at Ryuu. "Can you start getting the linens and towels done? I would start emptying the guest rooms but I don't know which ones Aiden has designated for them."

Ryuu bowed. "Of course, denka. This program is important to you; I'll do whatever I can to ensure its success. I'll take an inventory immediately." He left closing the door behind him.

Meryn beamed. "He is so cool!"

Elizabeth had a feeling that Meryn had no idea exactly how 'cool' Sei Ryuu could be. But if the man himself hadn't said anything she wouldn't either. "I bet we can clear this stack and be done before they go on break," she said reaching for the next file.

"I bet we can, too. I can't wait to get rid of these musty old things." Meryn wiggled her nose.

Elizabeth laughed then looked down at her grimy hands. She couldn't wait either.

*****

"Denka, it's time for tea. Did you need to go speak with Aiden about the trainees?" Ryuu asked from the doorway.

Elizabeth looked at her watch. The hours had flown by. She looked over to the empty space on the floor where the files had been. Meryn was inputting the last one now.

"Ryuu, could you please dispose of these files in a secure fashion?" she asked, pointing to the neat stacks by the door.

"Of course." He easily lifted three of the stacks and walked away.

Meryn looked at her and she could tell that her friend was just as impressed as she was. Those stacks were heavy!

Meryn stood and stretched. "Okay let's go crash their training, they should be on break by now."

Elizabeth stood and followed her out to the training grounds. Meryn rubbed her hands over her arms. Neither of them had been smart enough to grab a coat.

"Burr! Damn, it's cold!" Meryn hurried to where the men stood panting, bent over and trying to catch their breath.

"Meryn! Where is your coat, baby?" Aiden pulled his mate close in an effort to keep her warm.

"Inside, I forgot it. But listen, I called Adair to check up on the rankings and he said that the trainees will be here tomorrow!"

Aiden blinked. "Tomorrow? As in tomorrow, tomorrow?" he asked.

She nodded. "Yup! He said they are packing today and our five will be here tomorrow. I have Ryuu getting the linens and towels together but I didn't know which of the guest rooms you wanted to designate to the trainees."

"I'll cut training short today so that we can help you get the house ready. That way the other units have time to prepare as well. We'll be in around lunchtime to get started. Thank you for waiting for our break time to tell me."

Elizabeth looked around and didn't see her mate. "Where is Gavriel?"

Aiden's face became grim. "He had a near miss. He's with Colton and Keelan on the back porch getting treated."

Elizabeth's heart picked up. "What do you mean 'near miss'? Treated for what?"

"Colton swung and Gavriel was just a shade too slow. He got clipped by the bokuto across the forehead. Keelan is tending to the injury" he explained.

Elizabeth didn't answer she just started walking towards the back. When she got to the corner of the house she stopped, she heard the men's voices.