My Champion(78)

They returned to the Unit Level and were slowly walking down the main street toward their home when she turned to him. "You never doubted Meryn for a moment, did you?" she asked.

Declan shook his head. "She is the least judgmental person I've ever met in my entire existence. Her not liking somebody is almost like a knee-jerk reaction. The only person that gets that sort of reaction is an asshole."

Declan unlocked the door and they made their way upstairs to their bedroom. She sighed when she saw her suitcase. Declan simply stripped and got under the covers naked, his clothes in piles on the floor. She felt her eye twitch, but she was too tired to take him to task over it. She carefully laid the borrowed dress over a chair and dug out her favorite sleep shirt. She slipped under the covers then poked Declan until he moved over so she could take his warm spot. He grumbled, but moved over for her. She pulled his arm around her, holding it tight.

"What did Rex have to say about your parents?" she asked.

"That they're excited. My mother was still chattering away when Rex was on the phone with them. Father, of course, wasn't happy that I hung up on him, but he understood. He has a mate, after all. He'll be sending a lion detail to us. I'm pretty sure it might be a couple of cousins," he shrugged.

She yawned again. "Why am I so tired?" she asked.

"Oh, I don't know, probably because you've been through a lot in the past couple of days."

"Avery misses home and his library. I do, too." She felt him tense under her hand. "This does not feel like home. It is like we are just visiting."

Declan tightened his hold. "Do whatever you need, change whatever you want at the house. As for Avery, you could tell him that Magnus has one of the largest libraries in the world."

Kari giggled. "I reminded Avery of that tonight."

"I'm serious, Kari; this is your home. We'll do whatever it takes to make you feel comfortable and wanted here."

"What about Avery? He cannot stay in Magnus' guest quarters forever."

"I was assuming he would be moving in with us."

"Really?" she asked. "You do not mind?"

Declan snorted. "Course not. That way I can keep an eye on little guy. In about a month or so, I'm pretty sure he will be moving in with Warrick."

She exhaled, sighing.

"We're right down the street, Kari; it's not like he's moving to a different level."

She brightened at that "You are right. Maybe I should just turn over both houses to him to decorate."

She felt Declan yawn. "Whatever the little guy needs."

"There is nothing that you would want for yourself? He and I show up and you are changing your entire life."

Declan shook his head. "Not life, existence. I existed before you. I may have smiled and laughed and spoke, but I didn't truly begin to live until I opened my eyes and saw you."

She clutched his arm to her tight. "Me too."

"Get some rest. We have a long day tomorrow and lots of food to eat."

She laughed. "You are just like one of the children. You are looking forward to the food and the games, are you not?"

She felt his lips on the back of her neck.

He smiled. "Of course. Like the children, I know what's important in life. And that's to have a good time and eat good food."

"Declan?"

"Yes?"

"I love you."

She felt one hot tear drop on her neck and then another. His voice was hoarse when he responded. "And I love you too, always."

Feeling more complete than she had in her entire life, she drifted off to sleep.





CHAPTER FOURTEEN





Kari and Declan got ready. Each moving in different directions. It didn't take Declan long to get dressed, find his shoes, and make his way downstairs. After a minute, Kari smiled as the sound of the espresso machine grinding beans signified that Declan was still waking up.

She pulled on a pair of black slacks that were actually yoga pants made to look like business pants, a comfortable pair of black sneakers, a white shirt, and a black cardigan. She hoped to look professional but be comfortable during the fair. She grabbed her legal pad and walked downstairs. To her surprise, Declan stood in front of the espresso machine, a scowl on his face.

"You don't get any."

She opened her mouth to protest but then remembered why. Rolling her eyes she smiled at his misplaced concern, she'd just grab a coffee later from Sebastian. She went to the refrigerator and opened it. For someone who enjoyed food as much as Declan did, his refrigerator was surprisingly empty. She turned to glare at him. He held up both hands.

"We can stock it later. Besides it's a fair, I'm sure we'll be able to grab breakfast upstairs."