Page 55 of The Betas: Rene
René spoke, and Frankie could see it was with reluctance. “Alpha, that would set a bad precedent. All the Russian and the European Alphas would begin to challenge you, one right after the other. It would be best if we could dispatch Prokhor and Mikhailov as per the original plan.”
“That is only possible if Dante cooperates and he will require compensation. Offer him me, Alpha. He can’t take me away from René, we’re married under the eyes of the law.” Frankie’s eyes filled with tears, but he was determined to do right by The Alpha, and if that meant a personal sacrifice, so long as he had René, he could deal with it. He bowed his head and disguised his emotions by accepting another cup of coffee.
“Beta Mate.”
Frankie straightened in his chair at The Alpha’s firm tone.
“You forget that you are now subject to the laws of the loup garou. This means that you cannot harm any human. That may be a difficult vow to keep if you go back to your stepfather. He will insist that you do what you were formerly unwilling to do.” The Alpha tapped his fingers on the table. “We will find another way.”
There was a creak as the door opened. The Alpha lifted his head up. His ears appeared to twitch. Frankie could see the wolf in the man. “Baby, what were you doing out there?” The Alpha’s forehead crinkled with lines of annoyance. Frankie had no wish to ever see that facial expression directed his way.
Sean stepped inside. “I was listening and before you have a hissy, I know what to do.”
“If it involves you, I don’t want to hear it.”
“No, it doesn’t only involve me. It involves most of the Mates…and blackmail.” The Alpha Mate’s voice held the appropriate amount of drama.
Armand’s voice grew rough and went up in volume, “Baby…”
Sean held his hands up, palms out. “Just listen. Ian dealt with Sal, Donal, Julio, and Richard with Don Ferone or his associates on a business level, as did Vitas. What if we were to tape our testimony and you can use it to threaten Don Ferone, warn him you will bring the tapes to his wife. Ian and Donal have horrific tales to tell, and Julio can corroborate Donal’s, Roland’s, André’s, and Ian’s.”
The Alpha frowned. “If you remember, and if you weren’t so busy thinking up harebrained plans you would, Don Ferone only negotiated for Sal and Apuso, he had nothing to do with the initial problem. In fact, he solved it. Ian and Donal cannot testify in court that they knew for certain Don Ferone was a part of what happened to them. And since they can’t, they are not a threat to Don Ferone.”
“Maybe just the idea of Mrs. Ferone hearing…”
“That would upset Frankie’s mother. I have no wish to hurt either her or him. I’ll talk to you later about listening at doors. That was a terrible idea. We want to cultivate Don Ferone’s good will, not antagonize him. Wait, you might as well sit down now you’re here.” The Alpha sounded disgruntled. Sean walked behind him and began to massage his shoulders.
“Baby…” Armand narrowed his eyes and let out a short growl. “I’m not in the mood to be placated. You may sit with us until Don Ferone arrives. Then youwillleave the dining room.”
Without another word, The Alpha Mate sat down.
The Alpha Mate is far more clever than they think. He knew they wanted to cultivate Dante, not piss him off. The Alpha Mate wanted a seat at the table, and he’s accomplished his goal. He may portray himself as scatterbrained but The Alpha Mate is cagey, and he knows exactly how to manipulate his Mate and precisely how far he can push him.
“Maybe Don Ferone will surprise us and only ask for cash besides the four favors you promised,” Martin offered.
“My brother, you dream in the daytime.” René’s face turned grim.
Frankie said, “It’s going to have to be me.”
Armand nodded his head as René appeared thunderous, but nodded in agreement.
Meg cleared the table, and they got up as she laid out an Irish lace tablecloth, brought out an elaborate silver coffee service and some delicate French and Viennese pastries and tortes, placing them on a Victorian silver, multi-tiered tray. She set it and the coffee service in the middle of the table along with a dessert set. “When they arrive, shall I have Pierre pour, Alpha?”
“Yes, put the coffee on the sideboard and the cream and sugar on the table.” The Alpha glanced over at Frankie. “Does your stepfather take those chemical packets or sugar?”
“Sugar, Alpha, Dante has a sweet tooth.” Frankie laughed.
“So, I surmised. Don Ferone asked for pastry. Sean, once Don Ferone arrives, you will go back to the studio.” Armand’s sharp voice demanded no further discussion.
“Armand, I can—”
“What you can and will do is obey me,” The Alpha thundered.
The Alpha Mate threw himself down on his seat and mulishly contemplated his plate as he listened to the conversation.
§ § §
Don Ferone arrived precisely at ten, no sooner, no later. Sooner would have meant he was a supplicant, later, a sign of disrespect. Armand knew this. He personally answered the door, inviting them to the formal dining room rather than the library. “Business is sometimes best discussed over food. As you own a restaurant, I’m sure you agree.” He directed Dante to a seat.
