Page 11 of The Betas: Rene
“Is that why I smelled Italian spice?” Frankie’s brows drew together as he tented his hands.
“Yes, Ma Vie. So, I smell like lavender?”
“Yes, but back to Mr. La Marche, how did he handle the Russian situation?”
His Mate was curious…good.“He took Vitas’ situation and turned it into an opportunity to bring Europe and Russia to heel. Now the European and the new Russian Council answer to North America and The Alpha runs the North American Council.”
“But how did he do it?”
“He captured Chernof and prosecuted him for killing humans and for claiming a Mate that wasn’t his, an offense that in my world is more heinous than murdering another loup garou which, before The Alpha, used to happen frequently. Chernof paid with his head.”
Frankie narrowed his eyes. “That’s barbaric.”
“No, that’s justice. We only have two basic laws, harm no human and tell only your Mate of the existence of the loup garou.” René grabbed Frankie’s other hand, clasping them together with his, and kissed Frankie’s knuckles.
“Yet you said taking another’s Mate is a heinous crime.” Frankie persisted in his questions despite the catch René heard in his voice as he nibbled on his Mate’s knuckles.
Frankie didn’t give up. René sighed. “Yes, the first two laws are made by the gods, the rest are custom and codified laws from the Council after the Burning Times.”
“The Inquisition?”
He smiled. Frankie possessed a sharp wit. “Yes. We came to North America right after the Inquisition murdered three thousand of our people in France.” René shivered. What if Frankie couldn’t love him and gave them away?
“I see. Do you have histories? I’d like to read them. I wanted to major in history but had to get an MBA so I could be employed by someone other than Dante. I’m an excellent financial manager, but I love history. All my elective credits are heavy in Canadian and Early American History up to the French and Indian War. How old are you?”
“I’m one hundred and fifty-two. The Alpha was one hundred and fifty when he found his Mate.”
“So, what Jason Jones said about age is true then.” Frankie cocked his head. “You sayfoundnotmet.”It seemed as if his Frankie followed every word.
“Yes, because we are charged by the gods with finding our Mate every cycle.” Growing worried, René let go of his Mate’s hands. Frankie had yet to commit himself.
Frankie cocked his head. “Cycles are lifetimes.”
“Yes…Frankie, will you have me?” René was having a hard time giving Frankie space. He wanted him too badly.
“Let’s go to dinner. I think I could grow to love you quickly. I know I want you, but I’m a very careful man. You need to be in my line of work. I need more information.”
Frankie stood and René rose and kissed his Mate hard on the mouth. “You’ll get that at dinner.” He grimaced and said under his breath, “You have to take me. I’ll die if you don’t.” Frankie stared back at him with a raised eyebrow. René ignored the inquiry and said, “I’ll get dressed.”
“Good, I’m starved.”
“That’s part of…”
“No, you explain there. Get dressed, and we’ll go see The Alpha. I imagine The Alpha Mate is in a panic.”
René chuckled. His Mate remembered what he’d told him about Sean. “You’re probably right.”
“Will their little girl be at dinner?”
“No, The Alpha will have her eat with Miss Beaumont, her governess, in the breakfast room. Things will be discussed that she is too young to hear.” At René’s statement, Frankie’s ears turned red. René smiled and prayed his Mate wouldn’t deny him. He didn’t want to think of the consequences now that Frankie knew their secret.
