Page 58 of Wolf's Whistle
“As I said, it’s a huge log cabin. The accommodations aren’t primitive, but they’re not elegant either. It’s more like a very large guest house for hunters than it is a home. The pack meeting hall is in the same building as the living area, so sometimes privacy is sacrificed for access. However, my parents love the area and Dad runs the logging business. My grandfather started logging when the country first pushed west. He died soon afterward and Dad took over. Grandfather left the business to me because I was born an Alpha and would need the funds. Dad runs it for me. Both Dad and Grandfather were high Betas, like Julio is a high human Beta. We also have a sawmill on the property to see to our own needs. The rest of the product gets sold to a distributor.”
Richard changed the subject. “If Julio is a high Beta, and Sean, Kane, and Donal are Omegas, what are Ian, Colin, and me?”
“I believe that Ian would be an Enforcer and Colin, pack. As far as you’re concerned, you’re pack, but an advisor to Alphas in your area of expertise. People listen when you speak.”
Richard considered that. “I am opinionated and tend to tell others what I think. That’s what got me into trouble at Switched Power.”
“At Garou, your input will be valued and acted on, especially if it concerns health and safety.”
The steward walked over and took the empty plate. He went back to the galley and brought back a huge slice of chocolate cake.
Richard fell on it even though he just finished two helpings of the jambalaya. “Who made the cake? It’s moist and the frosting is to die for.”
“Bianca. The frosting is chocolate silk Italian buttercream. A bit fussy to make but the result is exquisite.”
Richard smiled, his tongue licking some stray frosting from his upper lip. “I agree. This is the best frosting I have ever tasted.”
“Don’t let Isabel hear you say that. You haven’t tasted her apricot cake with apricot butter cream frosting. It’s to die for.”
“Ah, the competition rears its ugly head.” Richard giggled.
“The housekeepers take it seriously. Isabel can barely wait for her turn. She’s been planning since you first accepted my proposal.”
“So that’s the way it is. The loup garou are very competitive,” Richard observed.
“Better they compete in the kitchen than in the pit.” Julien said.
Richard shuddered. “She-wolves go into the pit?”
“It’s been known to happen.”
“I’m glad Armand put a stop to most of the fighting. I’d be constantly worried about your safety.”
“Don’t worry, mon ange, I can hold my own. Now come back over and sit on my lap. My arms feel empty without you in them.”
“Will it be this bad after we Mate?” Richard slipped onto the reclining seat alongside Julien.
“No, but we’ll still feel a sense of loss when we’re not together. That’s why I’m so happy that you’re going to work with me. I get to see you most of the day.”
“You’ll get sick of me soon enough.” Richard playfully punched Julien’s arm.
“Never, my love. I’ve waited so long for you. I cherish every moment.”
“Even when I tell you that you can’t have your present until after the mating?” Richard raised his eyebrow.
“Even then.” Julien brought his mouth to Richard’s and kissed him with great passion.
Julio giggled then said, “Get a room.”
“A little difficult at thirty-five thousand feet,” Richard snapped.
Julio laughed even harder.
§ § §
They arrived at EUG, the three-letter call sign for the airport in Eugene, Oregon at eleven, Pacific Time. The ride to the camp took forty-five minutes with the caravan of eight limousines and the eight Navigators interspersed among them. Richard’s eyes widened. The compound looked like a summer camp, about fifty cabins and a huge lodge. Again, they left the limos in order, and Julien’s parents welcomed them at the door.
“You’re our Julien’s Mate.” His mother greeted him with a kiss.
