Page 54 of Wolf's Whistle
“You two sound like a couple of bickering schoolboys.” Colin shook his head, frowning.
Richard laughed and looked at Julio. “I remember when we were like that.”
Sean tapped his glass. “Is everyone packed for tomorrow?”
“Yes, oh fearless leader, we’re all packed and ready.” Ian smirked.
“So ready…” Richard mumbled.
Julio giggled. “Someone’s eagerly anticipating the mating.”
“Of course, I am. I want to belong to Julien, and he wants to belong to me.”
“Guess he told you.” Sean passed plates to Meg so she could serve her warm peach cobbler with peach ice cream.
Richard smiled up at Meg. “Oh peaches, my favorite. Thank you.”
“Sean, your manners are shot to shit. You haven’t introduced Richard to Meg, Pierre, and Rene,” Ian teased.
Richard stood. “It’s nice to meet you. Lunch was wonderful. Pierre, your wife, is an excellent cook. Rene, I’m happy to meet you. You know Charles, I’m sure. He’s Julien’s second Beta and my protector.”
“You’re correct. Alpha Mate Bellaire, Rene and I are old friends. He, Martin, Denis, and I trained together under Julien’s old pack Alpha, may his soul rest in the arms of the gods. It’s good to see that Alpha Bellaire has found his Mate.” Charles stepped back behind him.
“We have a surprise for Richard,” Sean chirped.
“We’re taking you to Zachary’s to get your haircut and get you manscaped.” Ian smirked.
“I heard about that in Chicago, but couldn’t afford to go,” Richard mused, “but Julien will worry.”
“No, we got his permission. Now let’s go. We promised we’d have you home by three. You’ll travel with Charles and three Enforcers in case anyone gets any ideas.” Sean stood and made ready to leave the table.
The party proceeded to the salon. They waited in a private room for eight, and Richard caught Julio closely examining the products.
“What? I have to know what the competition is doing so I can do them one better.”
Richard laughed. “Julio, you will alwaysdo them one better. You’ll be very successful. I know you will.”
After being massaged, waxed, buffed and shaved, Richard went into the waiting room with his friends where Charles sat, reading the paper.
When Charles saw Richard, he rose. “Alpha Mate Bellaire, we must say our good-byes. We leave tomorrow for Oregon, and I believe our Alpha wants you to pick out the clothing you wish to pack.”
Richard shook the Mates hands in turn. “Sean, Ian, Colin, Kane, Donal, it’s a blessed thing to make new friends and to reconnect with old ones.” He gave Julio a hug. The concierge showed them to the door.
Richard turned to Sean. “Don’t we have to pay?”
“This is our treat. We do it for every new Mate.” Ian walked up behind Sean, making him jump.
Colin pouted. “Every Mate but me. They forgot and Dr. Artis had to do it. Marc was growling at him for a week.”
The Mates each kissed Richard in turn. “We’ll see you early tomorrow.”
Their cars pulled up, and Charles followed Richard and the two Enforcers into the limousine. “You did well, Alpha Mate. All the others seem to like you. It’s so important that all the Mates get along; that way there are no challenges.”
“Julio told me that. The Mates are all very friendly, and I like them. I hope the feeling is returned.”
“I’m sure it is.” Richard glanced out the window, not really seeing anything. He was wondering at the paradigm shift his life had taken, and he didn’t notice they were already at the townhouse.
“We’re home.” Charles opened the car door and helped Richard out.
