Chapter 36
“No, my friend, no more challenges. There will be no more bloodshed over this. Enough of my own was spilled, the gods don’t need any more as payment.”
Donal rose and walked over to Alexei’s chair and put his arms around his fiancé’s neck.
“The first year, I spent defiant and angry, plotting revenge. The second year, I actively tried to obtain my release at any cost but my honor as a loup garou. The third year, I was just struggling to survive. I wouldn’t have made it through a fourth.” Alexei clenched his jaw. “My little mouse did seven years in that kind of hell hole, I could barely handle three.” Donal felt Alexei kiss his hair and he squeezed Alexei’s hand. “You were not the only one who walked into a trap, my precious one. I did it to myself and I was much older and I thought, wiser.”
Armand shook his head. “The First took advantage of your fury at the circumstances of Peter’s and Sasha’s deaths.”
“It was anger at the government for condoning Peter and his Mate’s murder that put me in the gulag,” Alexei said gruffly, “but the reason I stayed was because I planned to go up against my Alpha.”
“It sounds like he needed someone to take him down. From what you describe, he is greedy and cruel,” Sean remarked.
“You are the strong one, my Donal. Never let anyone tell you that you are weak or put you down for your past. You may be slight in stature, but you have a courageous heart. You fought hard for your freedom against impossible odds.” Alexei gave Donal another hug. Donal melted into his embrace.
* * * *
Sean changed the subject to something happier. “You could have the mating a few days before the wedding reception. It would make things easier on the she-wolves because you could have the wedding, which needs to be more formal, catered from Denver.”
“That’s a good idea. It would show both the packs and the remaining members on the council that you’re prosperous, and the city is only two and a half hours to the southeast. You could get an event planner from Denver to help, and you can make the decisions from here with Angelique’s help while you see to your and Donal’s wardrobe and paperwork,” Armand said thoughtfully agreeing with Sean.
“Who is Angelique?” Donal asked.
“Angelique is the Alpha Bitch of our pack. She is in charge of all of the she-wolves.”
“It shouldn’t be a problem for Angelique to get someone to come from the city. See if any of your wolves are event planners and have them get it together. If not, have Angelique hire one.” Sean’s face brightened at the change in subject.
“How big is the hall in the lodge?” Armand asked. “I’ve been there but never measured it.”
“I’m not sure…”
“Excuse me Alpha.” Grigory stepped from the sideboard where he stood guard, and approached the table. “Boris and I recently ordered bamboo flooring for the hall. It’s approximately five thousand square feet. The hall will hold three hundred. Alexei’s grandfather, the Alpha before La Farge, bought a former dude ranch and convention center just before he passed.” Grigory took out his notepad. “The hall will be completely finished with a new commercial kitchen, bathrooms with six stalls each, and a bar area, by the end of this week.”
“I’m curious, why bamboo?” Armand asked.
“Because bamboo is really a grass and it grows quickly and is therefore sustainable. The cost is about the same.” Grigory showed Armand the page.
“Good idea. In New Mexico, we use tile because of the desert sands. But for Colorado, bamboo seems like a good alternative.” Armand handed the paper back to Grigory.
“What about the lodge, can it hold all of your pack Alphas?” Armand asked Alexei.
“Yes, the lodge has enough rooms for the pack Alphas and all the Betas. Of course the council will stay at the main house. I’ll have to put Enforcers in the guest cabins. We have twenty-four cabins with full baths, kitchenettes and a sitting room. Each cabin has two bedrooms so the Enforcers can double up, if necessary.”
“The Enforcers are our guards?” Donal’s curiosity was in high gear.
“Yes, we have six in the city. Each of them works in three eight hour shifts, two at a time and when we need extra security, we can call on all six plus call in Enforcers from the packs.” Alexei pulled Donal into his lap.