My Champion(77)

Avery danced from foot to foot. He was about to say something and then looked up and saw Declan. "Congratulations," he said, looking down at the floor. It was as if Avery had forgotten that Declan was there for a moment.

Kari looked at Avery. "Do you need sister time?"

He hesitated and nodded.

Declan smiled. "You're not going to hurt my feelings, Avery. I'm sure there will be things you will need me for too." He kissed the back of Kari's neck. "I'll be waiting for you by the tunnel."

Kari shut the door, took Avery by the hand, and led him to the bed where they sat down. "Where's Warrick?"

"He returned to his house, I could tell he wanted to stay but," Avery pointed down to the double sized bed and giggled.

Kari shook her head at the image of Warrick trying to fit on the tiny bed. Then she looked at her brother. "Okay, what is going on?"

Avery shrugged. "There have been so many changes; everything is moving so fast."

Kari wrapped her arm around his shoulder and pulled him close until his head rested on her shoulder.

"Warrick has not..." she started to ask.

Avery sat up straight and turned to her. "No, no, no! He's been a perfect gentleman. He's so sweet and kind and considerate," he blushed furiously.

She smiled. "Good. You deserve all of those things."

Avery's smile faltered. "But I miss home. I miss my own room and my library."

"I know; I miss home too. But I think we are needed here, and we have found our mates. I know they need us."

"And I'm going to be an uncle," his eyes widened. "When can we go shopping for the baby?"

She laughed. "No idea, we have only been here three days. I think Rex has already picked out furniture."

Avery giggled. "He's really nice. He said I could call him brother now," Avery admitted.

The soft spot that Kari had for Rex grew larger.

"Hey, tomorrow is the fair. You're going to be there, right?" Avery asked.

"Of course."

Avery was quiet for another moment. "Do you think we are the way we are because fate needed us this way to help everyone? That we aren't broken? It's just that our pieces need to be put together differently to fit here?"

Kari blinked. She had always known that Avery considered himself different in a bad way. "I think so. I think Fate made us the way we are because she needed us this way. It helps knowing we are where we belong."

Avery nodded. "I could even give up my library for Warrick."

Kari laughed. "Remind me later to tell you about Magnus' library here in the city," she winked.

Avery's eyes grew wide. "Oh Kari, I would do anything to see his library."

"I will see what I can do, kiddo." She stood and kissed him on the forehead.

"Hey," he said. She turned. "Take care of my niece or nephew. I'm an uncle, after all."

She laughed. "Yes, you are."

She closed the door and walked down the hallway. She met Declan and Rex by the transport.

"So you let Mother and Father know what was happening?" Declan asked.

Rex nodded. "Father wasn't happy that you hung up on him, but I think he understood that you needed more time with your mate. I can just as easily get him up to date. He'll be sending a lion security detail soon."

Kari shook her head. "Can we ask them to turn around? There are going to be so many people here."

Declan turned to her, not looking the least bit concerned. "They can stand all around you, for all I care. That said, the more people protecting you, the safer you will be."

Kari laid a hand on Rex's arm. "Will you be at the fair tomorrow?" she teased.

He rolled his eyes. "These things are not really my forte."

Declan elbowed him in the ribs. "Head to old man Richter's stand. He sells meat pies that are to die for. If you buy a couple dozen, they let you sit there at the stand and they serve beer."

Rex's face brightened. "That is not a bad idea." When Kari yawned, he pointed to the tunnel. "Go get your sleep. You health is of the utmost importance, good night." Rex leaned at the waist until his face was near her belly. "Good night, baby Lionhart; your uncle loves you very much," he said in baby talk before walking away. Declan looked shocked.

"Why so surprised? He totally dotes on you."

"He drives me nuts."

"He is your brother."

"Yeah, I guess our child could do worse than Rex, Ari, Law, and Avery for uncles."

She giggled. "Avery kept saying 'uncle', 'niece' and 'nephew'. He is like Rex; he cannot wait to go shopping for the baby."

Declan took her hand. "Tomorrow, I'll make sure Avery walks around and goes to the stalls. They have some handmade things that you can't buy anywhere else."