Chapter 31
Donal gave them an open-mouthed stare. “How do you know that? We just found out this afternoon.”
“Alexei called Armand. Armand had to call Don Ferone in case Ernesto decides to fry a big fish instead of a guppy like you. Also, Armand and I have a mate link. You have one too. If you call out to Alexei in your mind, he will come.” Sean’s gaze moved to Colin. “The mate link saved Colin when he was shot.”
“I don’t know what to do. I don’t want him disgraced for mating a rent boy.”
“So don’t be a rent boy anymore. You’re free now. You can choose Alexei and become something else.” Sean scowled at him.
“When it was time for my mating, I couldn’t bear to be touched because of the rape. The gods healed me and gave me a gift. I used it to soothe you through detox with Sean. I haven’t used it yet tonight because it would be unfair of me to try to persuade you by using my gift. But I will use it, if it seems like Alexei will come to harm. Your problem is not that you are unworthy. Your problem is you thinkyou’re unworthy. Believe me, if the gods picked you, you are exactly what Alexei needs,” Kane spoke in a quiet but firm voice.
“I was chosen for my Armand to take the stick out of his ass.” Sean smiled.
“I was chosen for my Rémy because I yell back at him and he needed someone who would do that,” Ian said, lifting his shoulders.
“I was chosen for Marc because he needed to regain control of his home pack. The Alpha Bitch used my scar to escalate the trouble she was making. Marc’s hand was too loose on the reins.” Colin frowned. “She shot and almost killed me so he learned.”
“And I was chosen for Gabriel because he was too vain. I was beaten so badly that I couldn’t see him so he couldn’t use his looks to charm me, and his money meant nothing to me because I had a profession and my own funds. He was forced to court me rather than have me fall in his lap,” Kane said with satisfied grin.
“It’s ridiculously easy to figure out why the gods chose you for Alexei. You have both been through horrific experiences and you are to help heal one another. So enough bullshit. You love him. He loves you. Go upstairs and put him out of his misery.” Sean patted Donal’s arm.
Donal sat there absently drinking his water while the Mates talked. He had unconsciously eaten the whole tureen of beef bourguignon, a large bowl of rice and the biscuits that Katya had brought up with the pastries before they started to talk.
Sean pointed to the tureen. “Your body knows what it wants. You’re eating to prepare for the mating.”
“Okay,” Donal said, defeated. “But once I have him, I won’t let him go, so if trouble comes because of it, you have to persuade your Alphas to stick by him. I won’t be responsible if he suffers because of this.”
“No one will hold you responsible. It will be interesting to see what gift you receive from the gods. Incidentally, we all love you already. Think about it. We all left our warm beds and our Mates’ arms to help you.” Kane shook his head.
Sean relaxed and grew thoughtful. “I think the gods made sure the Mates would have a natural affinity for one another. That way the Alphas won’t fight because they’ll refuse to upset their Mate.”
“I hope so,” Donal said with fervor.
* * * *
Alexei’s townhouse
Wednesday, dawn
The dawn light cracked through the blue brocade curtains. Sean yawned. “Go upstairs and tell him you’ll try. If it doesn’t work out, you can still leave. He’d never have a Mate again, but you do have a choice. The gods always give you a choice. They may be unpalatable choices but they are choices nonetheless. Don’t leave him hanging waiting for your answer. We’ve done all we can.”
“I’ll try.”
Ian turned to Donal, the frown on his face reflecting his apparent exasperation. “Don’t tell us, you idiot, tell him.”
“Easy, Ian, you weren’t that easy to convince, and you didn’t have half of Donal’s issues. Donal, you should see Eugene Coté with Alexei. A little extra help for both of you would not go amiss. Let’s go down. I’m hungry.” Sean stood and shepherded them into the elevator, but Donal stepped away.