The phone went off like a small explosion on the nightstand.
Derek's eyes snapped open. For a second, he lay completely still. Then Declan's voice pushed through the mind-link, bypassing pleasantries entirely.
When did you start sleeping like a log? Get your arse out of bed and into the strategy room. Moonfang intel has something.
Derek dragged a hand down his face. Beside him, Kira stirred, pulling the duvet up over her shoulder with the determination of someone who had decided sleep was non-negotiable.
Then she opened one eye and looked at the window, where bright sunlight poured in. "What time is it?"
Derek checked his phone. "Noon."
A sleepy laugh escaped her. "Is it really noon?" she mumbled, voice thick with sleep. "We actually slept like normal people for once. Goddess, I thought kings weren't allowed to be lazy."
Derek's lips curved despite the tension already pulling at him. He rolled toward her, brushing a strand of hair from her face.
