Page 39 of Henri's Little One
“Aline is in the catering kitchen getting ready for the reception this afternoon. Would you like an apple turnover or a blueberry scone?”
Vitas’ face lit up with a smile. “I’ll take the scone, please. I haven’t had one since we left Ireland.”
“Some hot tea?” Henri asked.
“That would be lovely.” Vitas giggled at the thought of an Alpha playing a waiter.
“Do you want lemon, milk, or cream in your tea?”
“Milk, please.”
Henri used two little packets to make Irish breakfast tea for them. Vitas watched the process with wide, curious eyes. After reaching up to the cabinet, he removed two stoneware plates and placed two scones from the breadbox on each one. He pulled a carton of milk from the huge refrigerator and poured it into a bright yellow pitcher that matched the dishes. The milk joined the scones on a toile tray. Henri walked over to another cabinet and retrieved a bowl of sugar cubes and placed them with the milk and scones. He reached into a drawer for forks, spoons, a pair of sugar tongs, and napkins and brought the tray over to the table.
Vitas dipped his scone in the tea, and his face was all smiles when he took a bite.
“You told me it was a great honor for a Beta to be chosen to guard an Alpha Mate. Why is that?”
“Because it means that the Alpha is trusting the Beta with the most precious thing in his life, his Mate. Thatisa great honor. Have you decided on a Beta?”
“Now I see why the Beta is so important. Your love is the most precious gift I have ever received. I’m glad that Regis takes care of you.” Henri smiled. Without thought, Vitas told him how much he loved him.
“Can I have Mathieu? He knows the city. Valery or Mikhail would have to learn it along with me.” Vitas’ face pinched. “I don’t want to offend anyone.”
“Mathieu would have been my choice for you, but I wanted you to be comfortable with the Beta you pick because he’ll constantly be in your company. If later, you decide that you might like someone else, you can always change your mind and no offense will be taken.” Henri drank some of his tea. “You seem to be right at home at my kitchen table, like it’s where you belong. You make me so happy. I’m so glad we found each other. I want to give you the world,” Henri whispered, his heart warming with love.
“I don’t need the world, you’re enough for me.” Vitas lifted his face for a kiss. Henri obliged, his body tingling with the growing sparks of arousal. He let out an affectionate growl. He’d never grow tired of kissing his Mate, but if he didn’t stop, they’d never make it to their wedding.
He pulled away, meeting his little one’s loving gaze. They finished their second breakfast in comfortable silence. No words were needed between them.
Aline came up the stairs, Kristina close behind her. “What are you two doing in my kitchen?” she scolded.
“Having tea and some of your delicious blueberry scones,” Henri told her. Vitas nodded in agreement.
“I would have brought you some pastry in the dining room.” Aline tapped her foot on the tiled floor.
Vitas’ face slackened. “If you want us to, we’ll go up to the dining room but it is cozier here.” Vitas looked down at the table. Henri gave Aline a hard stare.
Aline stammered, “Of course you’re welcome in the kitchen. I only meant that if you had called me, I would have heated the scones and put out some muffins.”
“The scones are wonderful just as they are,” Vitas assured her.
“Humph…are you still hungry?” Aline asked the little Omega.
In a small voice, he answered, “Yes.”
Aline went over to the breadbox where Henri had wrapped the remainder of the scones in a clean dish towel. “Do you want more scones?”
Vitas picked his head up. “I’d love some more.”
“I’ll heat up the scones and some raspberry muffins. They’ll be ready in a few minutes. Kristina, go downstairs and check on the wild rice.”
Obediently, the new kitchen maid disappeared.
Henri leaned back and steepled his fingers on the table. “How is she working out? Has she contacted anyone on the outside?”
“Not to my knowledge. She sleeps in the small bedroom off the kitchen opposite from our apartment and next to the two other maids. It was the one used for a junior lady’s maid. I haven’t heard her roaming around at night, and the other kitchen maids were told to keep a keen eye out. In the daytime, I keep her too busy to make phone calls.”
“Does she have a computer?” Henri asked sharply.
