She shook her head. "You need to clean up. I am going to see if Bethy needs help with Meryn." She stretched again. "I feel fantastic!"
Declan whimpered, and she shot him a sultry look. "My poor lion. I will not leave you hanging. Doc said no extracurricular activity, so try not to move." He nodded eagerly. "Lay back," she ordered. His eyes grew wide, and he immediately complied. She walked toward him, swaying her hips. He watched every single movement, his eyes shifting to a dark honey color. She slowly got on the bed and settled between his legs. Without warning, she leaned over and swallowed him completely down.
"Oh gods!" he shouted. She continued to work his long length in her throat. Using her hollowed cheeks to create suction, she worked his shaft. When she pulled back, she teased the slit at the tip of his cock and then swallowed him back down. Out of the corner of her eye, she could see him twisting the sheets in his hands. When she reached up and pulled on his sac, she heard a ripping sound and saw that he had sent his claws through both the sheets and the mattress.
Reveling in the power she was wielding over his body, she took a chance. She turned her head and sunk her fangs into the thick vein that snaked its way up the side of his cock. Shouting incoherently, he came. The taste of him was amazing. It was unlike anything she'd ever had before. It was tart at first, then sweet. The creamy mixture as satisfying as melted chocolate and just as addictive. She knew she would never get enough of him.
Declan was still breathing hard when she closed the bite with a swipe of her tongue and sat up on her knees. With her thumb, she captured a bit of his come from the corner of her mouth. With the twist of her wrist, she licked it.
"Thank you, my mate," he said between pants.
"My pleasure. You taste incredible."
"Do we have to go to dinner?" he asked pitifully.
"It is your brother," she reminded him.
"I know. That's why I'm asking."
Laughing, she got off the bed. "When you are able to move, get ready for dinner," she teased.
"Heartless woman," he muttered to himself.
She winked at him and left feeling better than she had in decades.
CHAPTER SEVEN
Kari sat next to Declan at the large dining room table. Everyone else had changed for dinner, and even though their clothes were far more formal, they looked considerably more relaxed than when she met them after Declan's attack.
Kari watched Rex as he sat across from Declan and beside Meryn. Meryn kept looking up at him as if trying to determine what she thought of him. Rex turned his head very slightly and glanced down at the small human, and as everyone was talking, he gave her a slow, long wink and then went back to his wine. Meryn nodded, her opinion seemingly cemented. She picked up a butter knife, sat it on the plate, and began spinning it. Ryuu and Sebastian walked around serving the appetizers.
Rex took another sip of wine and looked over at Declan. "I don't understand why you are second in command when you are clearly more suited to an advisory role." Rex tilted his wineglass back and forward, the red liquid shifting in the glass.
Kari could hear Declan's teeth grinding. "Because I'm tired of the game," Declan admitted. "If Father wants to play keeping up with the McKenzies, he can. I want no part of it."
Rex looked shocked. "What do you mean, keeping up with the McKenzies?"
Aiden's eyes widened as he looked from one brother to the other. "Yes, what about the McKenzies?" he asked.
Declan scowled at his brother. "As if you don't know."
Rex shook his head. "I have no idea what in the gods' names you are talking about."
Declan "We almost lost Mother because of his games."
Rex's eyebrows shot to his hairline. "Declan, we almost lost Mother when she gave birth to Ari; Father had nothing to do with that."
"And why did she get pregnant?" Declan asked. He continued without waiting for an answer. "Because Adelaide McKenzie had just given birth to her fourth son and Father wanted another to keep up."
Rex shook his head. "That is not..." he cleared his throat and looked around the table. "Maybe we should have this discussion later."
"Awkward," Meryn piped up, looking thoroughly entertained.
Declan gave a harsh laugh. "Why not now? I think everyone here has heard enough already. Why not hear the rest?"
"If that is what you would like." Rex set his wine glass down. "Mother had another child for you."
Declan tensed beside her. "What?" he demanded.
Rex looked at his younger brother. "You were older of course, an adult, but the way you were raised, Mother was always regretful of it. Father and I spent a lot of time away from home, and Mother was always busy with societal demands. She wanted you to know how a family should be. So she begged Father for another child. When Ari was born, she knew she had done the right thing. Father returned home, and I took a position in Éire Danu to be closer to you and our new little brother so that I could take care of you both. You were finally able to experience what I had growing up with Mother and Father before he became an Elder. After Ari, we celebrated Winter Solstices and birthdays. For the first time in centuries, we sat down at the dinner table and listened to one another. It wasn't until Ari was older that I realized you were the only one who never had that growing up. I'm sorry I failed you, little brother. I'm sorry Father and I were too busy to give you the home you deserved."
Declan slumped back in his chair, and Kari reached for his hand. "For me?" he asked.
Rex nodded. "For you," he confirmed. "We are a political family, and yes, we have our fingers in many pies, but it has never been about keeping up appearances. Politics is what Father is good at it and what he raised me to be good at it. You learned watching us, and Ari is learning watching Father now. I said that you would be a good advisor not because of your blood, but because of how you were raised. What you gleaned from us growing up cannot be taught. Declan, you have the most important thing required to be a successful leader, and it isn't the Lionhart name."
"What then?" Declan asked.
"You have the people's trust." Rex sighed. "They respect me, and that's good; I am an Elder here, but they trust you. They care for you. That is why I get frustrated that you are being underutilized. You could do so much more for them in an advisory role instead of just being a grunt."
Aiden and Adriel cleared their throats at the same time. Rex nodded his head in their direction without looking their way. "My apologies," he said in an obligatory fashion before continuing. "Declan, do you do anything during the day that challenges you?" he asked. "Patrolling here can't be that stimulating. You may have these people fooled, Declan Lionhart, but don't ever forget that I am your older brother. I watched your mind take shape, and I know exactly how smart you are. Why you felt it necessary to become a warrior I'll never know. When did it become shameful to help your people as an Elder?" He raised an eyebrow at Declan.
Her mate shrugged. "When did it become permissible for the Council to live outside of the pillar city they served?" Declan challenged in return.
Rex winced. "That wasn't entirely my decision. The fae elder brought the idea forward. He could live here if he were on his own, but he has a mate and children. At the time, their firstborn needed the sun, and we did not want to separate the family. Magnus obviously could stay here as a vampire and their prince, so yes, we set up the council estate. It has helped the city in ways the city's founders would never imagine. We have access to the human city for commerce and supplies, but we can be here in a matter of moments through the portal."
"But it does set you up away from them," Bethy interjected. "The people feel like you don't care."
Magnus rubbed his jaw. "I understand why the fae and even the witches like to be above ground, and I agree that having a council estate is probably a good idea. There have been many times when having the council separate from the city has played in our favor." He paused a moment. "What if we created something like the Royal Gardens in the council quarters here on Level One. We could install
crystals in the ceiling to mimic the daytime sun and the nighttime stars. We do not have the fresh air you would get being topside, but they could get some sunshine."
Rex blinked. "You would be willing to do that?"
"Of course. I am willing to do anything that would help create a united front for the people to see. I would have done so ages ago, had it come up."
"But it did," Rex said, looking confused. "I wrote up the proposal myself suggesting something similar and left it with your office."
Magnus turned in Kari's direction. "Cheryl strikes again?" he asked, his voice tight.
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."
Around the table there were gasps. Meryn frowned and turned to Aiden. "When I thought Colton was killed, you said that shifters turn back to humans when they die."
Aiden nodded. "That's true for the most part. It's very rare to encounter a shifter that stays in animal form after death." He turned to the table. "Father and I are finding that the more endangered the species of animal the shifter is, the more likely it is that they remain as an animal upon death. With the skyrocketing number of endangered species now, more and more shifters are staying in an animal form when they die. It's making it very difficult to find people if they're killed while shifted."
Rex turned to Eva. "You have my deepest and sincerest apologies. I did not mean to bring up such horrible memories."
Eva shook her head. "No, it's okay; you didn't know. Besides we have happier news to discuss. Did I hear that someone else is pregnant?" she asked smoothing over the painful subject.
Meryn laughed. "Someone else is preggo? Sweet. Who else is joining the bloated, cranky, and crazy team?"
Adriel turned to Declan. "Rachelle," he informed him.
Declan smiled wide. "Get outta here! Are you serious? That's freaking awesome." Kari could see the wheels turning in her mate's head. Declan was now twice as glad he was hurt instead of either Rachelle or her wolf mate. Rex groaned and put his face in his hands at Declan's language.
Kari smiled. "Yes, darling, I can see politics is definitely not one of your fortes."
Meryn flashed Declan a thumbs up. "I've been trying to tell Aiden that sometimes you guys act too stuffy."
"Stuffy?" Magnus asked incredulously.
"Yes, stuffy," she said, pointing to his suit and tie. "Would it kill you to wear a pair of sweatpants?" she asked.
Magnus and Bethy's eyes widened, and they shuddered in unison. "Sweat. Pants?" Magnus asked, enunciating each word.
Bethy leaned over and looked down the table at Meryn. "You just stop that crazy talk. The Prince of Noctem Falls in sweatpants?"
Meryn looked confused. "Don't you have sweatpants? Doesn't everybody own sweatpants? They are the most comfortable things ever." Her clothes began to shimmer, and then right before her eyes, Kari watched as Meryn's normal t-shirt and jeans morphed to sweatpants and a hoodie.
Kari turned to Declan. "How did she do that? I thought she was human."
Declan chuckled. "She's also the person who inherited the Gown of Éire Danu."
"You are kidding me. That gown is famous. She was just wearing a t-shirt."
Bethy groaned. "Yes, t-shirts. There have been zombie t-shirts and Care Bear t-shirts. T-shirts, grungy sneakers, and jeans: That is what the Gown of Éire Danu has been reduced to."
Meryn shrugged, stretching the fabric of her hoodie
out in front of her. "This is so comfy, Bethy. You should really try this. I mean especially when you start showing. Your belly won't fit in those fancy dress pants of yours."
Bethy gasped and looked behind her.
Sebastian was already moving "Do not worry. I will take measurements and make you a whole new wardrobe of fashionable maternity clothes. You will be comfortable and beautiful."
Bethy exhaled. "Thank the gods!" She looked at Meryn's hoodie and shuddered again.
Meryn looked Magnus dead in the face. "Stuffy."
Magnus chuckled. "Maybe we are a bit formal."
Adriel looked over at Kari. "Kari, how is your brother doing?" he asked conversationally.
She nodded and then looked at Meryn. "He has made friends here, and I cannot tell you what a gift that is. Even now he is having dinner with Nigel and Neil. He normally just spends his time by himself or reading. He has never been able to make any friends on his own, never mind a paranormal his own age. I was already so grateful to find my mate after coming here, but the second blessing is for Avery to have friends."
"Avery's good peeps," Meryn said. She tilted her head. "I can't adopt him as my brother like I did the others because he's yours, but I can tell he is definitely going to be good friend.
Aiden blinked. "Brothers?" he asked.
Meryn nodded. "Yep! So they are still my minions and Baby Keelans, but Ryuu helped me figure out that that means I care for them like brothers. So they are my brothers now."
Aiden, Adriel, and Magnus blinked. Adriel leaned forward to look at Meryn. "Wait, have you formally adopted them?" he asked.
Meryn frowned and looked up at Rex. "How can I make it official? Can you help?" she asked.
Rex nodded. "Of course."
Aiden scowled at him. "Don't help. She needs to stay out of trouble."
Rex leaned down and whispered to Meryn conspiratorially. "Come see me later, and I'll help you with the paperwork."
"Nice!" she said and held out her tiny fist. He just looked at it. She sighed. "Hold up your hand." He held up his hand. "Now make a fist," she instructed. He made a fist. She took her little hand and bumped his. "Like this. It's a fist bump."