Page 9 of The Betas: Rene
Chapter Four
René’s Home
Washington Square
René hurried down to his house, racing up the four steps of the stoop. He took out his key, opened the arched half-glass door and slipped inside. In hope, he took his spare key from the keychain. René put it in the Japanese porcelain bowl that sat on the Chippendale console along the wall in the hall. Martin teased him about using a priceless piece of porcelain to hold his keys and change. He shrugged. Despite what his brother thought, René believed that art was made to be used, not just admired. He went downstairs into the kitchen and took out the ingredients to make two drinks, hoping that Frankie would stay long enough to have one.
If Frankie isn’t receptive, I’m going to have to lie and tell him he guessed wrong.
The chimes sounded. Frankie was on the stoop. René took a deep breath and walked over to the door.
Frankie came in with both barrels. “I don’t know which is worse, that you may believe that you’re a werewolf or that, for a moment, I considered the possibility that werewolves exist and you’re one.” Frankie ran his fingers through his hair as he walked inside.
Frankie gave René a brief buss on the cheek. “I’m giving you a chance to either explain yourself or seek therapy because only seventeen hours has passed since we were together and, ridiculous as it sounds, I missed you. I missed you so much my gut wrenched. I shouldn’t admit that, but there it is.”
René regarded him eye to eye. “We need to have a conversation.”
“You’re right, we do.” Frankie took a deep breath and continued speaking. “I’m worried about you. I think you need to see a psychiatrist if you think you’re a paranormal entity. You had me half convinced that my mother’s embroidery thread was a golden tether. Even if you were kidding, that wasn’t funny.” Frankie huffed. His expression turned serious. “There is an excellent psychiatrist in the Village, Dr. Eugene Cote. I went to see Dr. Cote when I graduated from Harvard ten years ago and was forced to work for Dante. I’m sure he can prescribe medication that would help you.”
“If you think I’m nuts, why did you come tonight?” René smiled. Some part of Frankie believed the book and wanted it to be true.
“I like you, a lot. I don’t want anything to happen to you. You need to see Dr. Cote. He’ll rid you of the notion of werewolves.”
René laughed and lifted a brow. “When I had you on the phone, you referred to Mr. La Marche and Sean as Alpha and Alpha Mate. Why?”
“Yeah, I did. I read the book you told me about, and it made me dream in the daytime. But it didn’t take me long to realize you were either pulling my leg or certifiable. That’s why I don’t like reading paranormal novels. I’m too open to suggestion. Werewolves…werewolves don’t exist. When I was a kid, I believed in monsters.”
“Why don’t you follow me into the sitting room and I’ll fix us a drink. I have the makings of Sex on the Beach. Would you like one?”
“Yeah, I think I need a drink.”
§ § §
Frankie followed René into a sitting room with a deep-pillowed sofa patterned in a soft blue and dark gray. René had it paired with an antique mahogany breakfront that boasted curved glass doors. His fanciful boyfriend directed him to take a seat. While René made their drinks, Frankie mulled over what more to say. He could love this man, so he felt obliged to take care of him. Maybe their relationship could be salvaged if René went to see Dr. Cote.
René brought back the drinks and sat down next to Frankie. “I have to show you something. Promise me you won’t leave. I told you last night that I loved you. I was serious. You’ll see why in a moment. I’m going upstairs to put on my robe. I’ll be back in a moment.”
“I can get with the program if you’re getting undressed. I thought you wanted to wait until marriage to get naked.” Frankie winked at him.
“I do. Give me a moment.” René left the room and returned five minutes later in a beautiful robe make of sheepskin.
Frankie raked his gaze up and down. “Nice robe.”
“It was a gift from my Alpha last Yule. Watch.”
Before Frankie had time to object, the robe was on the floor, and a huge wolf replaced René. Frankie fainted.
§ § §
Frankie woke up and blinked. René, still naked, stood over him. Frankie sat up, rubbing his eyes. “I have to get out of here. I’m seeing things.”
“You’re fine, you witnessed my change.” René put on his robe. “I am a loup garou, and you are my Mate.” René tried to be patient. He wanted to jump on Frankie so he wouldn’t leave but he couldn’t do that.
“No, I didn’t see that. I’m going crazy and imagining things.” Frankie tried to get up from the couch and fell right back to a sitting position. His legs still wobbled.
“You’re not going crazy or imagining things. The Board of Directors of Garou Industries, their assistants, and security are all loup garou. Loup garou can have human Mates. Of the eight Mates of the Board of Directors—all the Mates save Sean and Vitas are human, and Sean is only a little over half loup garou.”
Frankie patted the seat next to his. “You might as well sit. I don’t know if I’m ready for this. I still think I’m imagining things. Maybe I’m still sleeping. After all the liquor I consumed yesterday, that would make sense.” He shook his head then put it in his hands and sighed.
