"No, not everything. But I'm working on it. See you soon." Rex hung up, and Ari could just imagine him issuing decrees at the speed of light.
Declan scuffed his foot on the hard concrete. "He really does care, doesn't he?"
Ari frowned then punched Declan as hard as he could in the upper arm. He smiled in satisfaction when his older brother howled. "We both do, you big dorkus."
Declan was primed to pounce on him when they heard Brie. "Ari! Time to go! We have reports to give at the palace!"
Declan narrowed his eyes. "Saved by your mate."
Ari looked around to make sure no one was watching, and he stuck his tongue out at his brother.
Declan's booming laughter filled the warehouse. "See you in a little bit," he said.
Ari waved. "See ya real soon, big brother."
He jogged back over to Brie and looked at the collection of stumped witches. "The Lionharts will be purchasing the warehouse outright. Declan and the Noctem Falls' wolves will be providing guards around the clock, and Rex is arranging for portals so transportation to and from the warehouse is easier."
Thane clapped a hand on his back. "Excellent work."
Ari shrugged. It wasn't like he was doing any of the actual work himself, just setting things in motion. "We won't be able to stay at the palace long. Declan and Kari are going to take advantage of the portal and will be coming to dinner." He licked his lips. "Leo is making his famous London Broil for Declan, I can't wait."
Brie eyed him. "To visit with your brother or to eat?"
Ari shrugged. "Both."
"London Broil?" she asked, swallowing hard.
"Oh, yeah."
"What are we waiting for?" she asked, marching toward the front office where the portal shimmered just out of view.
Ari watched her ass as she walked away. "What are we waiting for indeed?"
Chapter Fourteen
When they stepped through the portal, the first thing Brie noticed was the no
ise. It seemed there was more people in the queen's outer meeting room than the room could accommodate. Everywhere she turned, fae were weeping and holding tight to their loved ones.
"There she is!" a voice called out. All at once, she and Ari were surrounded.
"Thank the gods for you!"
"Gods blessings on you both!" The voices were full of gratitude and warmth.
The crowd soon parted as the queen made her way over to them. She first went to Ari, pulling him into a tight hug. Moments later, the queen did the same to her. Before the queen pulled away, she whispered in her ear. "Thank you! Thank all the gods for you." The queen stepped back and nodded. "Is there anything I can do for you? A favor I could grant?"
Ari shook his head. "You never have to reward a warrior for doing his job," he answered.
The queen turned to Brie. "You are new to our world and not a unit warrior. What can I do for you, as a show of thanks, for the lives of my people?"
Brie thought about the offer. If she refused it might seem like she didn't value the lives of the fae. She looked around the room where the warriors beamed in her direction. "Tonight, one of the most invaluable pieces of equipment was a set of thermal imaging goggles I had on loan from the Monroe SWAT team. Is there any way you could secure these goggles for every unit warrior and Vanguard that may be facing these invisible perps?"
The queen blinked. "You mean to tell me there is a way for our warriors to see these invisible wretches, and they don't have the equipment they need?"
Aiden stepped forward. "Your Majesty, as you know, personal wealth cannot be used to supply items for public use. It was a major point of contention my brother faced when updating our clinic. The same holds true for the warriors. We are not able to purchase items with our own funds to add to our armory." He rubbed the back of his neck. "Though, to be honest, we didn't know these goggles existed. We have night-vision goggles, but had no idea thermal imaging technology was now available in tactical gear. That is my fault and mine alone." He hung his head low.
The queen actually snorted. "And when exactly, Aiden McKenzie, did you have time to re-evaluate the men's gear? It's been less than six months since the first reaper appeared, and in those months, your warriors managed to save and secure Lycaonia, uncover a device that can strip a witch of their magic, discovered what their damned necklaces do and what they are, revealed treachery at the committee level, defended Noctem Falls from an internal incursion, and cured a magic-made virus. You managed to do all this despite not having these special goggles, so what does that actually say about your leadership skills?" she asked.