Page 10 of Henri's Little One
“Could you call him for me?”
“I’ll do it.” Kane ran out of the room. With a wolf’s speed, Henri was standing beside his Mate within fifteen seconds.
Henri took Vitas’ hand. “You will never be anything but beautiful to me, little one. Let me provide what comfort I can.”
Sean smiled.
§ § §
Henri sat down on the bed behind his Mate, careful not to jostle Vitas. The antidote was beginning to work. Vitas vomited, and Donal kept a cool cloth on his head while Richard cleaned the basin and made sure it smelled fresh. Henri held his head, braiding his hair to keep it away from his face. Sean and Kane kept talking, but the biggest burden was carried by little Vitas who could only clutch the hot water bottle to his belly and retch until there was nothing left in his stomach to let out. Henri was in tears, rubbing soft circles on Vitas’ back and whispering words of encouragement in his ear. Finally, after three seemingly endless hours, Vitas began to slow down. He no longer had the dry heaves and hadn’t thrown up anything for half an hour.
Isabel came up to the door. “Let’s see if he can hold down some chicken broth. The pheromones are going to hit him as soon as the antidote takes the poison out of his system.”
Vitas sat up against the six pillows Richard had fetched. Isabel brought a clear, rich chicken broth upstairs and Henri fed him spoonfuls until he fell asleep.
At ten, Dr. Artis was at the door. “I think the boys can leave to go to their beds. I’m removing the IV. He should be able to make the change before the wedding in the morning.” One by one the Alphas fetched their Mates to their suites.
§ § §
Early Saturday Morning
Vitas woke at six cradled in Henri’s arms, and Henri stared at him in obvious contentment. “Are you feeling better, pet? Would you like a bath?”
The young wolf rose carefully and sat for a moment on the end of the bed, taking inventory of his body. “My chest is a little congested, my ribs feel better, but I’m still sore. I think I can make the change but, I’d love to take a bath first. I hate dirty fur.”
Henri broke out into a full-throated laugh.
Vitas took off the soft cotton pajamas that Julio had brought back from Macy’s, and Henri picked him up and carried him into the en suite bathroom. The Alpha sat Vitas on the vanity bench while he filled the large claw-footed tub with steaming water. He put in a few drops of oil that smelled of sandalwood and lowered him into the tub. His Mate took a natural sponge, added soap, and washed Vitas’ chest in sure, soft strokes, cleaning the still lightly bruised skin. The Alpha frowned.
Vitas’ face went slack. “My body doesn’t please you?” He cast his eyes downward.
“Oh, little one, your body pleases me infinitely. The bruising upsets me. I get angry when I think of what Chernof did to you.” Henri washed Vitas’ hands and feet using a soft brush, a file, and clippers to clean the dirt embedded under his nails. He unbraided Vitas’ hair then wet it with the spray nozzle, adding shampoo with conditioner, and gave his scalp a sensuous massage, making sure his hair was squeaky clean. Vitas moved his head into Henri’s hands and rubbed against his new Mate’s arms. Henri washed Vitas’ genitals quickly and stood him up, rinsing him off, and then helped him out of the tub.
He handed Vitas his oversized bath towel. The Alpha was trembling. Vitas peered at him. An erection was tenting Henri’s pants and his skin was flushed.Was the Alpha upset because he wanted him?
“What’s wrong, Alpha? Did I do something to make you angry at me? You’re shaking.”
“Vitas, you have to pull up your towel. I need to make sure I don’t take you before the mating. I want you so much and have waited for you too long. I’m afraid that I’ll lose control. Now make the change, little one, and let me see you all better. Then I’ll go and let the boys dress you for Richard’s wedding.”
The air shimmered, and in Vitas’ place sat a very small, pure white wolf wagging his tail. He jumped up on Henri and licked his face.I have a Mate, a real Mate.
“Yes, you do.” The Alpha laughed with unrestrained joy. Vitas changed back and dove under the covers. “I don’t have a robe.”
“I’m sure Julio bought you one.” Henri grinned.
“Who is Julio?”
“One of the other council Mates, a most unusual one. You’ll meet them all at the breakfast after the wedding. Take the sheet down to your waist and let me see your skin.” Vitas glanced down. All the purple and red bruising had disappeared.
“I’m going to call Dr. Artis to check you over and see if you’re healthy enough to mate. My pack is ready. We only have to fly on Armand’s jet with the others, and we’ll be in Anchorage before evening.”
“Can we eat after the doctor checks me out? I’m so hungry.” Vitas pulled the covers up under his chin. “I have no clothes to wear.”
“I’ll get Dr. Artis, then I’ll have Isabel bring you something from the kitchen, and after that, the boys will be up to give you your new suit to wear to Richard’s wedding. We’ll get you better suits in Manhattan, made to fit you. We’ll also pick out our rings. Now give me another kiss, and we’ll get started.”
Vitas upturned his full lips, and Henri cupped his Mate’s chin in his hand and quickly kissed him on the mouth. Henri’s body trembled. It took all his willpower not to take his Mate.
Chapter Four
