Page 19 of Henri's Little One
“Hughes, you promised that you could get all of us out. You damn well better make good on that promise. We need to follow them to Manhattan,” Chernof said. He turned his head toward the driver. “For once, you did something right. Now you and Maxim have to get us away from here, Hughes can’t be seen with us.”
“We’ll get away. We’ll be gone outside of the city limits before they can mount a search. I’ve hired a seaplane to get us to Oregon and from there we’ll fly commercial to Manhattan. Where’s the girl?”
“Collateral damage. I left the she-wolf behind. If she’s smart, she’ll claim innocence and join the household, if not, she’s on her own.” Chernof shrugged. “Hughes, you live in Armand’s household. You should be able to easily get information on what they’re planning. The old man, Pierre, shares everything with you.”
“Of course, he does. He’s teaching me his job. You said I only had to help you once and then you would pay me, and I’d be free of you.”
“We didn’t succeed, so I need more from you. You’re in no position to give me orders. Now you’re as deeply implicated as I am. It will go worse for you. You’re a turncoat.”
Hughes cringed.Should I go to The Alpha and confess? No matter what I do, it’s my head. Maybe if I confess, he’ll pay the debt, and I’ll get out from under Ferone. Chernof is here not in Russia.Armand has the power here, not him.With that thought, Hughes got out of the auto at the dock and made his way back to the hotel.
§ § §
Julio was next to Vitas as they walked into Henri’s suite. “How did you know?” Vitas asked him the same question Armand and Etienne had asked. Julio moved his eyes around the room and spotted a divan. He sat down and brought Vitas with him. Julio thought he should give his new friend more information.
“I told you, I used to be a prostitute. You get a strong frisson up your spine that cries outDanger. The one time I didn’t listen was when I took on Nigel Bales as a client. He was the one who put me in the hospital. When I went back to my apartment from Donal and Alexei’s townhouse, I was too goofy to listen to my inner radar because I met Etienne late that afternoon. I admit I pouted because right after meeting me, he left. I found out later he was arranging for my security. If he hadn’t, I wouldn’t be speaking to you now.” Julio shrugged.
“How terrible for you. Donal told me that Etienne took you into his home to heal because there was no one else, and you didn’t know what he was to you or what you were to him. That must have been difficult for you considering your life experience. I should have been warier after being held prisoner by Chernof.”
“It was. I’m a natural skeptic. I couldn’t conceive of someone doing something for me just because they were kind. I even suspected Alexei of an ulterior motive when he offered to pay for me to become a hair stylist and open a salon just because I treated Donal like a human being. I worried that he was going to hurt Donal and if he was bribing me to look the other way.” Julio sighed. “My attitude is something I had to work on. I know now that I can trust the Alphas, their Betas, and the Mates implicitly. I’m actually totally open with Etienne, and all of his pack, but with people and loup garou that Etienne and the other Alphas have not vouched for, I’m suspicious.”
“Hey, your suspicions just saved me from Chernof. You’ll get no complaints from me. Outside of Henri, you’re my new best friend.” Vitas’ serious little face scrunched up in thought.
“Easy now, you’re safe here. The Alphas and all the Betas are looking out for you and believe me, they’re formidable. Chernof doesn’t have a chance. Let’s get you your supper. You need to eat.”
§ § §
Jacqueline set the now hot stew in front of Vitas, and he methodically ate his dinner without paying any attention to the taste.
Alerted by Richard, one by one the other five Mates came to Henri’s suite, joining Vitas and Julio at the breakfast table. Vitas moved his eyes over the suite. “Why is there a table in the bedroom and why do they call it a breakfast table?” he asked Julio.
“The Alphas and the Alpha Mates usually have breakfast in their suite unless they have company. This way they can shower after breakfast and not worry about jam on their tie.”
“I really love raspberry jam. Last time I had it we were in Ireland,” Vitas said wistfully.
“Ask Aline.”
“No, I’ve brought her enough trouble already.”
Aline brought up the second helping, and Vitas took a forkful into his mouth. “Oh gods, this is really good.”
“You’re just noticing that. You already finished a large portion.” Ian pulled up a chair.
Vitas felt his nose wrinkle. “I was thinking and not paying any attention to my food. My mother was an indifferent cook, and I got scraps from Chernof.”
Ian’s shoulders tensed and his eyes conveyed that his temper stood at a slow boil.
“Easy, Ian.” Julio smirked at Vitas. “To Ian, the ultimate torture is depriving him of his daily calorie intake.”
All the Mates, including Vitas snickered.
Sean adroitly changed the subject. “Vitas, do you have any questions about the mating? I know I did.”
Vitas face heated. “I was wondering about the penetration and the bite. When it is wolf to wolf, the Alpha dominates the Beta or the Omega when they are making love. Does penetration or the bite hurt?” he asked Sean.
“Penetration doesn’t hurt if Henri takes the time to adjust your sphincter muscle to stretch properly. The first time may burn a little, but the numbing lube generally takes care of that. All of our Alphas knew how to ready us for their shaft, and I’m sure that Armand has told Henri how to get you ready to receive him,” Sean reassured Vitas. “He gave advice to all of the others and everything went smoothly for all of us.”
“As far as the bite is concerned, it pinches a bit the first time, but after that, each time is pure pleasure.” Julio smiled. “Etienne is very accomplished in the bedroom.” He took his spoon out of his pot of crème and wound up with a chocolate mustache.
