Page 12 of The Betas: Rene
Chapter Five
The Alpha’s Home
Washington Square
Armand’s Study
Armand sat behind his desk and Sean hovered above him. “Why can’t I call the rest of the Mates to come over?” Sean pouted. “We did that for all the others.”
Armand smiled and put his hand on Sean’s waist. “Because this is Beta business. I’m René’s Alpha, and you are his charge, so we are required. Martin is his brother and fellow Beta. Edward is Martin’s Mate. If we had other mated Betas who served the Council Alphas, with their Alpha’s permission, I would call them to come here with their Mates. But there aren’t any other mated Betas.”
Sean argued, “Don’t you think René is going to want more support than just Edward and me? Edward is intimidating. I remember I squirmed when I first met him when you were transferring the assets. He thought I was a gold digger.”
“He changed his mind quickly, once you showed no interest in my funds. He can’t consider Frank Ferone as searching for a rich husband. Frank has his own money. Besides, by now he knows that we don’t pick our Mates, the gods do.” Armand pulled Sean down onto his lap.
“Are you sure?” Sean played with Armand’s hair. Armand kissed the top of his Mate’s head.
“Baby, René knows who’ll be present, by custom. To bring the Alpha Mates would embarrass him. Beta Mates react differently than Alpha Mates to a mating. Most Beta Mates are not Omegas. They are other Betas, Enforcers, or Pack. I’ve heard of Betas in the past who’ve had Omega Mates, but in the present era the only Betas who have Omega Mates that have come to my attention are the Betas Alexei told us about in Russia.”
“Why do the Russian Betas get Omega Mates and our Betas don’t?” Sean put his head down on Armand’s shoulder.
“I’ll not assume because it’s foolhardy to do that where the gods are concerned, but I think it was because the gods found no Russian Alpha worthy of an Omega.”
At that remark, Sean preened and appeared almost mollified that René would not have his friends’ support.
“Wait here until they come. I need to speak to Martin.” Armand kissed Sean and stood, leaving him in the study.
Martin was sitting in a winged chair in the front parlor. He rose as soon as Armand strode into the room. The Alpha turned to see if Edward was in the room. He hadn’t arrived yet. That was a good thing. Armand could take Martin aside, privately. “Do you think The Alpha Mate should be there when we talk to Mr. Ferone?”
Martin gave an enigmatic response, “If you think so, Alpha.”
Armand frowned. Normally, Martin wasn’t reluctant to give advice because it was a necessary part of a Beta’s job. However, this concerned his brother and fellow Beta. He remained reticent so Armand commanded him to speak. “I need your opinion, so you will give it. I came to speak to you away from the others so you could talk to me freely without worrying about who you may offend.”
Martin sighed. “I think René expects The Alpha Mate to be with you when he brings Frankie. He guards The Alpha Mate, and he knows how he will react in most situations, how your Mate thinks. René wouldn’t be able to watch over him if he didn’t. He will have prepared Frankie to face all of us.” Martin shifted his stance and rubbed his hands together. “Did you tell Alpha Mate that it’s different with Betas and their Mates?”
“I tried. I told Sean Betas don’t mate with Omegas. I neglected to tell him why.”
Martin seemed to consider what he was about to say, as he ran his hand through his hair. “A Beta always courts danger, especially a Hi-Beta protecting an Alpha or an Alpha Mate. Being the Beta to Council Alphas and their Mates poses the greatest danger to a Beta. Being the Betas to you and the Alpha Mate is the most dangerous job a Beta can do. Frankly, René courts more danger than I do. You can help me defend you. The Alpha Mate can’t help René. I think that’s why the Mates for those of us in this position have always been Hi-Betas. Edward functions well when I have to be absent and accepts the fact that I could be hurt and if I die, both of us do. From Frankie’s previous, rather dangerous life, I think he can accept that. I believe it’s also safe to say that Frankie can survive René’s frequent absences, where The Alpha Mate could not survive yours.”
“As usual, you have analyzed the situation well. If you think that René has prepared Frankie, we will proceed as planned.” The doorbell rang. “That must be René and Frankie now.” Pierre opened the door.
“Mr. Francis Ferone and Beta René DuBois, Alpha.”
“I’ll see them in my study.” The Alpha strode into the room with Martin and sat in the oversized brown leather chair. As requested, Sean scanned the shelves in a dilatory fashion. As René and Frankie were ushered in by Pierre, Armand stood to shake hands. Sean waved.
“So, you’re trying to decide whether to join us.” Armand intentionally sounded frosty. The idea of someone rejecting one of his Betas didn’t sit well with him. He liked to think he had the crème de la crème and expected others to recognize that immediately. Armand acted as imperious as a Roman Caesar. He directed Frankie to the matching chair opposite his, and then motioned René and Edward to the upholstered loveseat by the fireplace. As always, Martin stood at his shoulder.
“I haven’t spoken to René yet, but I’ve already decided to join you, Alpha,” Frankie said quietly.
René gave a small yip, and quickly covered his mouth.
René’s wolf was very close to the surface because of the uncertainty of the state of his mating and the yip was in relief, so Armand let it go.
Frankie continued, “Once René showed me his wolf, my path was inevitable. I’m only trying to find out what I’m getting myself into here. In my stepfather’s world, you won’t live very long if you don’t look at least three times before you leap. I’m looking around in midair.” He gave a wry smile.
Armand adjusted his tone. “Welcome to the family. We need to straighten out your availability with Don Ferone, but otherwise, if he approves, you have a job here with René. As I explained to you in Alpha Giraud’s home, your salary is two hundred and fifty thousand a year plus you get an additional stipend from Garou for the same amount. You’ve met Martin and the Alpha Mate.” Sean perched on the arm of The Alpha’s chair. “You haven’t formally met your brother-in-law to be, Edward Kellerman. Edward serves as my personal attorney and also for the rest of the North American Council.”
Edward stepped up and shook his hand. “René told me what you did for your stepfather’s investments. You’ll be managing The Alpha’s finances. Martin and I would consider it a huge favor if you managed ours, too.”
