"If anything happened to you, Declan would be devastated. Adriel would lose his second in command," Rex answered pacing the room.
Kari disagreed. "It does not make sense to go after the mate of the second in command to distract the unit leader."
"It would upset Magnus," Rex added.
"He has only known me three days," Kari refuted.
"I don't care," Declan said quietly. "I really don't care why. I just don't want it to happen again." He looked up at Rex who nodded.
"I'll get on the phone with Mother and Father. We'll have some of our pride join us as soon as possible. She will be protected," Rex promised.
Declan looked at his brother, a smile forming on his face. "Yes, I think Mother and Father would be very agreeable to this, especially after they find out that Kari is having their first grandchild."
Rex's mouth dropped suddenly. His face broke out into a huge smile. He gave a loud whoop, and before she knew it, she had been plucked off the bed and swirled around the room.
Declan jumped up and batted his brother's hands. "Put her down, you idiot."
Rex looked instantly contrite and gently put her back on the bed. "Are you okay? I didn't break you?" he asked.
She rolled her eyes. "No, I am not broken. I am fine." She smiled up at him. "I take it you are excited about the idea of becoming an uncle."
Rex nodded, laughing. "Of course I am. My baby brother's having a baby." He clapped Declan on the back. "Good job, little brother."
Kari looked at them flatly. "Yes, because he will be doing all the work."
Both of them looked a little bit apprehensive. The expression on her face must've been formidable.
"Anything you want, baby, and I'll give it to you," Declan vowed, kissing her hand.
"I did hear that there was a really good chocolatier on Level Six." She winked at Rex.
/> He held up a hand. "Consider it done. With your permission I'll tell Avery the wonderful news. Then we can make plans for our future niece or nephew. I leave my sister in your care, Declan." Kari nodded her permission. In all honesty she wanted to be the one to tell Avery he was going to be an uncle, but she was already beginning to feel drained from the healing session. Rex would be able to share Avery's exuberant excitement and it would give them a chance to bond, further cementing the ties of their new family.
Declan rolled his eyes. "Yes, brother."
Rex left the room as Kari began to giggle. "He is a bit domineering, is he not?"
Declan sat down in the chair with an amused expression. "He really does care."
"You look surprised."
"We were never really very close. The age difference between us made things difficult."
"You are lucky; family like that is important." Kari looked over at her mate. "Are you sure you will not be in trouble for not calling your parents? I mean Rex is the one telling them everything."
Declan paled, reaching for a phone. "Thank the gods for Meryn. We now have cellular and Wi-Fi in the city." He put the phone on speaker and set it on the bed beside her. They heard it ring, and then a deep male voice came on the line.
"Jedrek Lionhart, Declan is this you?" the voice asked.
Declan swallowed. "Yes Father, it's me."
"Well it's about damn time you called, boy. Your brother gave us an update on what happened. You would think after finding your mate, you would've given us a call," his father said, sounding hurt.
Declan winced. "Father, she's right here."
Jedrek broke the momentary silence by clearing his throat. "I'm sorry, my dear, it's just I really am disappointed that Declan didn't call sooner."
Kari took Declan's hand. "Of course, I understand completely. You are his father and should have been one of the first people he called." She winked at Declan, who was rolling his eyes.