Rex crossed his arms. "I heard you almost died. Did you call Father? Mother?"
Declan shook his head. "I was kinda unconscious, then in surgery, then unconscious again. I am just now waking up, so no, I haven't called Father yet."
At the mention of surgery, Rex's eyes softened. "Are you really okay?"
Declan nodded, ducking his head. "Yeah, Bubber."
"Okay." Rex smiled at the term Bubber.
Kari turned her mate. "Bubber?"
Declan grinned evilly. "I couldn't say brother when I was a child."
"That is so cute!" she gushed.
Though he pretended to be indifferent, Rex wore a smile. She could tell that he liked the affectionate term.
"Try not to agitate my patient. He needs to lie still for the next couple of hours," the doctor huffed, picking up his clipboard before sitting back down.
Rex ignored the doctor. "You know an Elder seat may be opening up in Storm Keep," Rex began.
"No," Declan said, shortly.
Rex scowled. "You haven't even let me finish."
"I don't need to. I know I don't want to become an Elder; I've never wanted to become an Elder. I hate politics, yet somehow I always seem to find myself in the middle of these situations."
"Maybe if you became an Elder, you wouldn't be getting cut up mediating disputes between two factions that should know better," Rex said, biting off each word.
Declan crossed his arms. "I like what I do here. I help people. That's all I've ever wanted to do."
"I just want to keep you safe, little brother," Rex admitted.
Declan nodded. "I know, but keeping me safe and running my life are two separate things."
"I don't want to run your life, Declan. Just ensure that you're happy."
Declan looked over at her and winked. "Something tells me I'm going to be real happy," he leered at her.
She raised an eyebrow. "We will see," she said, noncommittally.
Rex chuckled. "Sounds like you got yourself a smart woman there, Declan." He stopped and tapped his chin. "You know what, as a mating gift to both of you, I'll call Father and let him know what happened. I'll run interference for as long as I'm here."
Declan's his face became a mask of disbelief. "Really? You'd do that for me?"
Rex flicked Declan's big toe causing him to flinch again. "Of course. I have a feeling that I'm going to be here for a few more days." He raised an eyebrow at Magnus. "Someone still needs to explain to me how this entire debacle happened."
"I suppose that is my cue to invite you back to my office for an explanation," Magnus said.
Rex inclined his head. "That would be most welcome."
Kari didn't know what to do. She should be there with them to help document anything that was said or any agreements made, but she was loath to leave Declan's side.
"Kari?" Magnus called her name softly.
When she looked up at him, he winked at her. "You do not have to start for a few days. Take some time to get to know your mate."
"We will, however, expect you both at dinner," Rex threw out over his shoulder as he walked out of the room.