Ari looked at his mate. "Not that I'm not ecstatic that you're doing well, but how?"
Brie shrugged. "Part of the job mostly. Yesterday threw me for a loop because I wasn't expecting to walk in on a mass murder scene. Today, I was kinda expecting it." She nodded her head to Darian, Brennus, and Oron. "Plus, I have some distance from the situation. I didn't even knew fae existed yesterday morning, and I have no loved ones amongst the dead. It helps me to process."
Brennus turned to his mate. "You all should head home and get some rest. We start assigning warriors tomorrow to help process the dead. You won't be missing anything by having dinner at home." He grinned sadly. "Besides, Leo has all but threatened to come here and drag the two of you back by the ear if you don't show up."
Ari exchanged quick glances with his brother, and they both stood. "We'll take our leave," Rex said, inclining his head.
Once standing, Ari wrapped an arm around Brie. "We'll swing by the warrior villa to get your robes. Leo will ensure your clothes get washed tonight."
Brie laid her head against his shoulder. "I could use another bath," she said, rubbing her face on his arm.
Gods, she was adorable!
"Of course, sweetheart." None of them had actually handled the dead, that had been the other units, but being in the same room with those poor souls made him want to wash away the cloud of sadness that followed them back from the warehouse.
Walking back to the estate, Ari wondered how many confrontations they avoided by having his brother with them. As a unit warrior, the citizens were used to walking up to him and the other warriors to start conversations, but an Elder wasn't as approachable.
At the warrior villa, the men gave them some space while Brie ran up the stairs to grab their things.
"Thank you for waiting for us," he said to his brother.
Rex bumped his shoulder. "I figured it was the least I could do to help. You and Brie have done so much to organize and investigate these horrors. Truth be told, I'm feeling quite useless."
Ari stared at his older brother. To him, Rex could do no wrong. "Rex, simply having you home and assisting helps more than you know. Our people and the fae adore you."
Rex smiled warmly. "I'm just glad I
could be here for you."
Ari ducked his head. "Thanks." It was no secret to anyone that Rex was his hero.
As Brie was coming down the stairs, Balder walked up from the back of the villa where the kitchen was. He handed him a flat pan. "Broden made these for you this morning when we came off shift and heard what was going on. You can leave your gear in the foyer, I'll get it put away," he offered.
Ari sniffed, and his mouth began to water. In all their family, only Broden had managed to master their great-grandmother's recipe for Sun Brownies—a mix between a lemon bar and a blondie; they were the best of both of them in one pan.
"Gods love my cousin."
Rex whimpered and Ari smiled. "Of course, I'll share with you."
His brother smiled at him. "I have the best baby brothers in the whole world."
"What smells amazing?" Brie practically had her dainty nose against the foil.
"Sun Brownies, family specialty. We'll have them after dinner."
Brie licked her lips. "Maybe a small piece…"
Ari hugged the pan to his chest. "No. After dinner."
Rex sighed. "Might as well give up, Brie, he's an absolute stickler when it comes to food. To him dessert is after a meal."
Brie leveled a look at him. "He can do whatever he wants, but if I make or buy dessert and want them before dinner or even as dinner, that's what's gonna happen."
Ari stared at his mate. "But that's not right."
"I'll even have popcorn for dinner," Brie continued.
He stared at his mate in horror. "No, you need a balanced meal."