Page 36 of Wolf's Whistle
“Don’t worry, we’ll get our rings, even if Mr. Blanc has to come here.” Julien’s voice was firm. “This man will not delay our mating.”
The phone rang, and Marcel answered then turned to Julien. “Alpha Bellaire, it’s The Alpha on a matter of some urgency.”
Julien practically ran to the phone. “Yes, Alpha?”
“I’m sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but my sources tell me that Detective Stawski was suspended today pending a disciplinary hearing. He is still in New York. The hearing won’t take place until they finish their investigation of Stawski’s handling of the Kasun case. They put him on desk duty, but he took paid leave. That means he’s at loose ends until then.”
“What should I do?” Julien respectfully asked Armand.
“Don Ferone suspects that he is coming to get Richard. Ferone found out that Stawski is owned by the Serbian mob. They wanted Kasun dead, and it’s in their interest to have the Chicago police investigate elsewhere. Stawski didn’t pick the right candidate to take the blame. He had no idea Richard had Garou behind him.”
“He didn’t until Gilbert found him for Alpha Mate Reyes.”
“Unfortunately, that’s true. The story of the engagement is a good cover since you plan to marry your Mate soon anyway, but you need to get to Blanc’s to buy rings. Julio and Etienne have volunteered to go to Blanc’s with you tomorrow.”
“They are welcome to come, but I called Mr. Blanc and asked him to come here. I thought about the rings, but there was so much else happening. Thank you, Alpha.”
“I have already called Blanc to backdate your receipt and to say you left the rings to be sized. Since Mr. Blanc is coming to you, Richard should be sufficiently protected.”
“I’m sorry, Alpha, I should have been on top of this. I should have known he wouldn’t give up.” Julien pinched the bridge of his nose.Damn, what was I thinking?
“It’s excusable. We all lose a little of our concentration when we find our Mates. I wound up in the pit with La Farge. Sean believes that the gods pick the Mates for our Alphas to strengthen the whole of the council. I think it will be Richard and Julio who protect Donal and Henri’s Mate. I wonder what Henri’s Mate will bring?”
“Whatever it is, I hope it comes soon. Henri is despondent. It was okay when there were two of us, now that he’s alone, well, it isn’t a good thing.”
“Sean has a bit of the sight, and he says that Henri will find his Mate while we are on the West Coast for the wedding. I have told this to Henri. I hope Sean is correct.” The Alpha had moved out of formal mode.
“Thank you, Armand, for the warning.”
“As soon as I get more information from Don Ferone, I will pass it along. Now go eat your dinner with your Mate. You keep forgetting to feed him.”
“Isabel has already scolded me.”
“That’s why we get the housekeepers at age twenty-five. They take the place of your mother and can scold you when necessary. I know Meg never misses an opportunity.” The Alpha laughed. “About the other subject we discussed. You will only knot after you bite and only in his channel. Oral intimacy is safe.”
Julien’s face grew hot. “Thank you, Alpha.”
“Good night, Julien.”
“Good night, Alpha, thank you, again.”
Chapter Nine
Julien’s Townhouse
Great Room
Saturday Evening
They ate dinner at seven in the dining room with Charles, Gilbert and Denis. The men ate two roast Cornish game hens apiece, long grain and wild rice, and broccoli. Isabel made fresh peach ice cream for dessert, and Richard appeared as if he were in heaven, smiling and filling up his plate. Dinner though was a quiet affair.
“I can’t believe that man is persisting in this nonsense. Richard didn’t even get out of the car when Kasun was on his doorstep.” Charles dissected one of the hens on his plate.
After dinner, they adjourned to the great room. “I think maybe I should go back to Chicago and straighten all of this out.” Richard hung his head.
Julien spat. “You will not put your life in danger by returning to Chicago. This man is a tool of the Serbian mob who is trying to protect someone else by pointing their finger at you. Armand has this in hand. You will do what he says until this matter is resolved.”
“Don’t you dare yell at me. I didn’t ask for any of this.” Richard stood up, and it seemed as if he was going to leave the room until Isabel came out of the kitchen and put her hand on his arm.
