Declan's mouth opened, and he stared at Law.
Kari yawned, and Law steered her into Declan's arms, ignoring his shell-shocked expression. "She always tires after a healing, so go get her to bed before dinner."
"I can take care of my mate," Declan protested, still looking bewildered.
Law kissed her on the cheek then headed back to the dining room.
Yawning, Kari lifted them up to the Unit Level, and they made their way back to the house. Before she knew it, she was in their bedroom, and Declan had her undressed and in the bed.
"I think I like your brother. I wish you'd told me he was Law Ashleigh," Declan said.
"Why?"
"Because he's one of the most powerful witches in our world."
Kari snorted and buried her face in the pillow. "Surely not."
Declan poked her in the back. "Why do you think he was invited to dinner?"
She rolled over and looked at him. "He never said anything about being important."
"He wouldn't," Declan grunted. "I think that's why like him. I wonder if he was really involved with my brother?"
Kari hid a smile and ignored the question. She knew Law was having fun at her mate's expense, but she had to admit she was enjoying Declan's confused expressions too much to tell him otherwise. She crossed her fingers behind her head. "I wish I had known he was bringing me a security detail. We could have saved your father the trouble."
Declan pulled her into his arms. "You don't know my father; he won't be satisfied until you're surrounded by our pride members."
Declan buried his face in the back of her neck and placed a protective hand over her stomach. He began to purr. Ultimately, it was his purring that put her to sleep.
*****
When Kari woke up, Declan had already left. On the nightstand, a single flower waited for her with a note.
Heading out to meet with the guys before dinner. Bethy dropped off a present. Miss you already. Love, Declan.
The flower was beautiful; it looked like mother-of-pearl and shimmered in the light. She had a sneaking suspicion that he had plucked it from the Royal Gardens. Smiling, she immediately jumped out of bed to look for a vase. She pulled one from the cabinet in the kitchen then ran back upstairs before adding some water from the bathroom and putting it on the nightstand.
After she got out of the shower and did her hair and makeup, she looked around and there, lying across the chair, was a gorgeous black silk dress. It was the gift from Bethy. She wouldn't have to worry about what to wear while she was here. At least, not until the rest of her things arrived. She sighed, thinking about leaving her condo, and then put that thought out of her head. Tonight, she would concentrate on the DeLaFontaine dinner. She slipped her feet into her own black heels, touched up her lip gloss and winked at herself in the mirror. As she exited the home Gidan stepped in behind her. She nodded at him and made her way to the transport tunnel. As she walked past the unit estate, she heard a few whistles. She turned and waved.
"Go get 'em," they yelled.
"You know I will," she said, waving.
She floated down to Level One and then rang the doorbell for the Magnus estate. Sebastian was there in a moment, opening it up and smiling at her.
"You look absolutely lovely," he commented.
"Thank you, Sebastian. Where is everyone?"
"Most of the men are in the antechamber having wine, and..."--he hesitated--"Bethy and Tarragon are fussing over Meryn."
Her eyes narrowed. "Is she being difficult?"
Sebastian smiled slyly. "When is she not being difficult? I think it is part of her charm."
Kari walked in, and Declan's head immediately turned to her. His eyes widened and low whistle escaped. "Baby, you look amazing."
He crossed the distance of the room and pulled her into his arms, before laying a hot kiss on her lips. When they broke apart, she looked up, and his eyes were shimmering gold.
She winked at him. "Did you miss me?" she asked
"Always," he took her hand.
Gidan nodded at Declan and took up his position in the corner.
Declan acknowledged the guard before his eyes darted to Adriel, and Kari nodded. They walked over to his unit leader where he was speaking with Magnus and Gavriel.
"Adriel, I've got something to ask you."
Adriel looked confused, and Declan smiled. "I have already discussed it with Kari, and we would like for you to be our child's athair."
Adriel's mouth dropped, and Eva began to smile "But I thought for sure it would be Grant or Etain," Adriel whispered. "Why me?"
Declan laid a hand on his shoulder. "Etain and Grant will make great uncles, but we all decided that you would make the best athair. The three of us watched how you were with Bethy. We know, no matter what, any child in your custody would receive the utmost care. Don't be surprised if they ask you to be athair for their children too. There's no one we trust more."