Page 60 of Wolf's Whistle
Richard quickly finished his stew. “That was very good, thank you. I was hungry.”
“Have some cookies.” Marie slid a plate toward him. “Julien will show you to your room. Isabel will be up with another snack in an hour.”
“I am rather tired.” Richard yawned and pushed back his chair.
“Come, mon ange, I’ll take you up to our room.”
§ § §
“Was it very bad?” Julien asked sympathetically.
“Not at all. They asked about my parents, school, and Switched Power. I told them the truth. I didn’t think I had anything to hide.” Richard shrugged.
“No, you don’t, mon ange. You’ve behaved admirably, despite your troubles.” Julien bent down and kissed Richard on his nape.
Richard shivered.
“Do you want a nap? The Mates are in the media room. You can join them now or after you wake up.” Julien put his arm around Richard’s shoulders. “I’d stay with you, but I’m afraid I’ll lose control.”
“I’ll take the cookies up to our room, take a nap, and find the Mates after I wake up and eat. Are you going to join the Alphas?” Richard gazed up toward Julien’s face.
“Yes, I’ll be in the library if you need me. I’m putting Charles outside of our door so you won’t be disturbed until Isabel comes up with your food.” Richard followed Julien up the stairs. “We’re at the end of the hall. That’s always been my room. Outside of putting in a king-sized bed, I don’t think it’s changed much.” He trailed Julien down the hall to the rustic door with cast iron hinges.
“This house is unique. I like it.” Richard gazed around the corridor.
“I’m glad you like it. I loved growing up here in the woods. Everyone in the compound is either loup garou or a Mate. Tonight, before the mating, I’m going to take the council and Sean for a run around the property.”
“Sean?”
“Yes, he’s slightly more than half loup garou and can make the change. I’ll shower in the exercise room and come to you right afterward. Expect me at midnight. In the meantime, eat everything Isabel brings you. You’ll need the fuel.” They reached the door of the room furthest down the hall. Julien kissed him quickly on the lips. “I’ll leave you to your dreams.”
Bemused, Richard opened the door and slipped into the bedroom.
§ § §
Someone knocked on the door. “Come in, Isabel,” Richard called. “I’m starving.”
“I brought brats, mustard, and pickled red cabbage. Julio said you like that.” She set the plates on the table. “I also brought up potato salad, chocolate cake, chips, and soda. When you finish, if you want to find the Mates, they’re in the media room on the first floor.”
He rose from the bed and sat at the table. “Thank you, Isabel. I love brats and pickled red cabbage. Julio remembered.”
“Such a small thing…you have to make a list of foods you like so I can make them for you. I can cook anything,” she said with pride. “You’re having veal parmesan for your first supper. I’ll bring it to the media room at six.”
Richard rubbed his eyes. “What time is it now?”
“Four thirty, now eat.” Isabel wagged her finger at him.
§ § §
“Is there anything I should know before I go to him tonight?” Julien trembled and his palms were sweating.
“Has anyone explained how to stretch him open so you don’t hurt him?” Marc poured himself some cognac.
“I did. He knows what to do, and I’m sure everything will be fine. According to Sean, Richard’s level of experience was somewhat like his, a limited number of relationships. Like Sean, he’s had experience, but not enough that he doesn’t need to be gently handled. It’s been a few years. Sean said he had two affairs at MIT.” Armand stood. “Leave that bottle there. I think I’d like a drink too. We’ll go for a run later. I’ve never been to this property before. I think I’d like to explore it in my other form.”
“I had planned to ask you if you wanted to run at about ten this evening. I thought that by then I’d be half mad and a run would calm me so I wouldn’t ravish him at midnight. I’d be able to take my time. My other form centers me.” Julien scanned the room. The other Alphas, with the exception of Henri, who was pacing, were relaxed.
“Calm down, Henri. We are going to be here until Sunday. There is plenty of time for your Mate to show up. He might be part of Julien’s pack.” Rémy followed Armand to the bar.
