Page 53 of Wolf's Whistle
“We can, but not all in one day. We’ll hit Central Park then Times Square and the theater district today. I’ll see if I can get us tickets to one of the more popular plays for when we get back. How does that sound?”
“Really good.” Richard pulled Julien down on the bed, and they began towatch television.
§ § §
Sean and Armand’s Townhouse
Washington Square
Wednesday, Noon
“Richard, you’re here.” Julio ran up to his friend and kissed both his cheeks. “You know everyone.”
“Yes, it’s a pleasure to be here.” Richard handed Sean a box of chocolates.
“You brought a box of chocolates from Jacques Torres.” Sean turned to the other Mates. “In case you cheapskates don’t know, Jacques Torres is one of the premier chocolatiers in the city.” Pivoting back to Richard, Sean said, “I like you. What did the rest of you pikers bring?” He laughed.
“Next time I’ll bring you a stuffed rabbit.” Ian pinched Sean’s cheek.
“Ow. At least Richard has manners. You should bring something when you show up at someone’s house to eat. My mother taught me that.”
Ian looked at Colin, Julio, and Kane. “Do you remember Sean ever bringing something to lunch?” The Mates shook their heads. “What about you, Donal? I remember you bringing Katya’s cream cakes, Julio brought some of Bianca’s pastry, and our fearless leader talks about us!”
Sean started to bluster. Julio stepped up and put his arm around Richard. “Don’t think it’s you. They’re always like that.”
“I’d hate to think I started a revolution,” Richard said in an intentional dry tone. Sean blushed.
“Ian and Sean are always sniping at each other, but they’re as close as brothers. For that matter, we all are. We must be. We occupy a unique position. We’re the husbands of the most powerful men in North America.” Julio led him into the dining room.
“So, now we’re seven. I think Henri’s Mate is going to show up at your wedding, Richard.” Sean seated them in order of precedence. Meg brought out a tureen of tomato basil soup.
“Why at my wedding?”
“Because it seems as soon as one Mate is found the other follows quickly. Alexei and Donal came back from their mating and had Julio come over. Etienne felt a compulsion to stop to see Alexei, even though he was going to see him the next day. Etienne arranged for security for Julio before he even told Julio who or what he was to him. That compulsion saved Julio’s life.” Sean moved his gaze down the table. “So, what are the plans for the wedding?”
“I don’t know much. Julien secured Armand’s permission to move the mating and wedding to the pack’s logging camp in Oregon where Julien’s father runs the logging business for him. Armand said since it was his third home and as long as all of his pack Alphas could travel to the site, we could mate there.” Richard took a spoonful of soup. “This is very good. I’ve never eaten so well as I have since I arrived in New York. If not for my new metabolism, you’d have to roll me to Oregon.”
“No dress up party, I wanted you to see my tux.” Julio pouted.
“We’re having a dress up party when we get home. Frankie Ferone is coming.”
“Frankie Ferone? Why?” Ian made a moue of distaste.
Richard shook his head. “You’re wrong about Frankie. He’s not a Ferone, just Don Ferone’s stepson. He’s a Fitzgerald. He’s actually full-blooded Irish with green eyes. He received his MBA from Harvard and didn’t want to work for his stepfather who doesn’t like gays but loves Frankie’s mother. He can’t get a job elsewhere because of his last name. He’s really a nice guy.”
Ian raised an eyebrow. “After dealing with Sal, Ferone’s nephew, I’ll have to reserve judgment on that, but I’ll keep an open mind.”
Julio lifted his gaze from his soup bowl. “Do you think he might be a Mate?”
“Julien thinks he’s Mate to one of the Betas. He says that everyone believes Henri’s Mate has something to do with the Russian situation,” Richard answered.
Donal chimed in, “Alexei says that Chernof doesn’t respect the mating bond.”
“But if Henri’s Mate is Russian, that breaks the pattern of green-eyed Celts.” Ian kept chewing as he spoke while Meg served hot turkey sandwiches with stuffing and gravy.
“Close your mouth, Ian. Do I have to tell you that every Wednesday?” Sean murmured in disgust.
“There they go again. Stop it, you two, you’re going to give Richard a bad impression, and he’s not going to want to come to lunch,” Kane scolded.
