She sat up. "You would do that for me?"
"You're my mate; I would do anything for you. But you must have realized by now that you're needed here."
"So are you."
"Your happiness will always come first. Besides, Warrick just got disowned so I could see them living with us in your super condo."
She laughed then stopped. "Is he going to be okay?"
"Look who is now worried about Warrick?" he teased.
"He is just so...so..." she couldn't find the right word.
"Gentle?" he prompted.
"Yes. He is gentle. I feel like I have to take care of him." She gasped. "Oh gods, how can a man that size be my little brother?"
Declan laughed. "I know how you feel. Warrick is as old as most of us. But despite his size, a lot of guys find themselves watching out for him. It's not that he's naïve or innocent. It's his gentleness that makes us want to shield him so he doesn't lose it." His face darkened. "We have never seen him lose control like he did today with Andre. I know a lot of warriors who are going to be pissed that Warrick was pushed that far."
"What are we going to do about my condo? Do you think Warrick would move to be with Avery?"
"I'm pretty sure Warrick would walk through fire to be with Avery. As for your condo, let me see what I can do. There's not much I wouldn't do for you either." He sighed. "It must be nice to have a sibling that worries so much about you."
Kari turned her head. "You are kidding, right? Rex adores you."
Declan winced. "It's just hard trying to walk in those shoes. He casts such a large shadow."
"Then why try? You have Declan shoes, and he has Rex shoes. The only thing that man wants is for you to be happy, so cut him some slack."
"Since when are you team Rex?"
"Because he also loves the man I love." She heard his quick inhale at her declaration.
"I love you too, Kari; you are my heart now." His arms tightened.
She looked over to the nightstand at the alarm clock. "It is almost time for dinner."
"We do have a bathroom to break-in," he wagged his eyebrows at her.
"No way, Declan. I heard shower sex sucks."
"There are many ways to do many things. If you're lucky, I'll show you a few of them." He hopped out of bed and strutted toward the bathroom. He turned and winked at her. With an exaggerated swagger, he marched into the bathroom.
I am mated to an absolute idiot, she said to herself.
And I would not change a single thing about him.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
By the time the Kari and Declan joined the others for dinner, the meal had already been served. Everyone was smiles as they sat down.
Meryn whistled. "Nice bite marks, Declan." He grinned and gave her two thumbs up.
"Congratulations on your mating," Magnus said.
"Thank you." Kari blushed.
She'd never admit it of course, but there was something a little bit embarrassing about everyone knowing you had just had sex and claimed your mate.