My Champion(33)

Kari thought about it. "Magnus, I do believe there is a fine line between incompetency and sabotage. One is deliberate, but both can result in disaster."

Magnus cursed under his breath. "Thank the gods you found your way to us, Kari." He turned his attention to Declan. "So what exactly have you been trained in?"

Declan said nothing, and Kari elbowed him in the ribs. "There is no shame in who you are, Declan. I am finding this political side of you very sexy," she admitted.

His head snapped around as he turned to look at her. "Really?" he asked.

She nodded. "Smart is very, very sexy." She lifted her hand from his and tickled his upper thigh.

Declan turned to Magnus. "I have several degrees that may help."

Rex gave such an exaggerated eye roll that his head tilted. "Declan has degrees in political science, criminal justice, business law, and he speaks at least 25 languages. Recently, he received his MBA, a degree in foreign law, and for fun I believe, he challenged himself and studied human history." He turned to his brother. "How is your project going on documenting paranormal history as it clashed with the human world?" Rex gave Declan a sardonic salute.

Magnus and Adriel exchanged looks. Adriel tapped the table; even Kari could see he was becoming agitated. "You mean to tell me you have been running patrols for the past gods knows how many years when you have that education?" Adriel demanded.

Magnus scowled blackly. "I could have used your expertise! Do you know how many times I wished for at least one competent person around me?" he ranted, throwing his hands up in the air.

Declan winced. "I don't like politics. I have always enjoyed learning, so sharing what I have studied would be no hardship." He looked at Adriel. "And I like patrols. I like getting out and talking to people and getting to know their problems."

A little bit of understanding filled Rex's eyes, and he smiled. "When was last time you went home?"

Declan shrugged.

"Home?" Meryn asked.

"Ever since the end of the Great War, the Lionharts have called Éire Danu our home. Lions do well in the sun, so it is a very good fit for our pride. My father serves as the Shifter Elder, and our youngest brother Ari serves as second in command to Royal Consort Brennus Vi'Eirlea. Our family seat has always been in Éire Danu.

Meryn snapped her fingers. "That's why you came here. Declan went from Éire Danu to Noctem Falls, and you knew he would be have issues adjusting."

Rex shrugged. "He is my little brother; of course I had concerns, though he did adjust admirably well for a shifter," he said proudly.

Magnus eyed Declan. "Would you consider an advisory role?" Magnus asked. "You could stay with the Eta Unit and assist Adriel as he will be taking on more responsibility."

Adriel blinked. "I will?" he asked. Eva chuckled at her mate's expression.

Magnus ignored him and continued speaking to Declan. "I do believe that you will be better utilized in that capacity. It would be a waste of your intelligence not to do more."

Kari gave Declan's hand a gentle squeeze. She gave him a look as if to say it was up to him.

Declan nodded. "I would consider an advisory role, though, advisory only."

"Excellent!" Rex exclaimed looking much happier. "Father will be ecstatic when I call him later. Though you should call them yourself. Mother, more than Father, has a thing or two to say to you," he teased.

The color drained from Declan's face. "What did she say?" he asked.

Rex shrugged. "You know Mother. You almost died, got mated, and you never called. Yes, she's most eager to speak to you," he said diplomatically. Declan buried his face in his other hand, groaning, and Rex chuckled.

Mention of the attack reminded Kari to ask what would happen to her mate's attacker. She turned to Magnus. "What are we going to do with DuBois?"

Rex growled. "The rest of the council members will be coming in tomorrow. We will be deciding what to do with him.

"Will he be moved?" Meryn asked.

Aiden shook his head. "No, Meryn."

Magnus eyes narrowed. "What are you up to?"

"Two words," Meryn said holding up her fingers. "Plausible deniability."

Rex gave her an evil grin. "I like the way you think. I wish I could just skin that man alive and mount his head on my wall.

Eva gasped. Adriel wrapped arm around her shoulders. Rex, along with everyone else, looked on in confusion. "Was it something I said?" he asked.

Eva swallowed hard repeatedly, unable to speak. Adriel rubbed her back. "Eva lost her parents when she was young. As you know, she is a tiger shifter; her parents were hunted in tiger form and killed for their skin."