Chapter 52

After they finished in Best Buy, they went to L.L. Bean in Yonkers to buy cold weather gear for Donal to wear in Colorado.

“I don’t see why I need clothes for cold weather. It’s coming on spring, and we’re only going to be in Colorado for a few days,” Donal complained holding more clothes and tired of shopping.

“Donal,” Sean patiently explained, “Colorado is where Alexei has his home pack. You will spend some time there while Alexei sees to pack business. Spring arrives late in the mountains.”

“Oh…I’m sorry,” Donal said shamefaced, pulling a dark green coat from the rack.

Sean leaned against the wall and said, “Don’t apologize, you didn’t know. Never apologize for asking a question. You can’t learn unless you ask, and this life is different from Apuso and the life you led in Albany. That’s why the Mates are so close. We have each other to share our secrets with.”

“Have you noticed that all of the Mates are Irish with green eyes? That’s why Alexei invited Etienne to your party. Julio is three-quarters Irish and has green eyes. Alexei figures the gods had a reason for him to be in your life. Since he is your friend and Etienne is his, he’s hoping the gods will see fit for them to be Mates,” Kane said quietly.

“Oh…Oohhh. That would be nice for Julio. He’s been on his own as long as I have, only he wasn’t stupid enough to fall in with Apuso.”

Sean spoke up, “Donal, you, Kane, and I are all Omegas. The packs treat us with respect because we bring them gifts from the gods. The downside of being an Omega is that you listen when someone you think has authority speaks. Apuso represented authority. You did initially what Kane or I would have done. As soon as you realized your mistake, you tried to run. Unfortunately, by then, he had you.

“On the other hand from what I’ve seen, Julio is a human Beta like Ian, not easily trusting. Colin is plain pack. Not particularly susceptible but not hard-nosed either. You are what the gods made you. You work within those parameters to make a happy life. I have Armand, Kane has Gabriel, and you have Alexei to take care of you. That’s okay. Let him. He’ll do a better job of it than anyone else ever could. He’s your Mate and he more than loves you.” Sean looked behind him, “Here’s Alexei now. Remember one thing, now that he’s found you, you are the most important thing in his life.”

Sean stopped speaking when Alexei came and kissed Donal on the neck. Donal turned around and kissed him back right in the middle of the store.

* * * *

Colin and Marc’s home

Gramercy Park

Friday lunch

They finished in time to go to Colin’s for lunch. The husbands all went back to work with the exception of Alexei, who went home but sent Vasily and Grigory plus two Enforcers with Donal to ride in the car behind him.

“Ernesto is still out there. He’s like a greased pig, wiggly and very slippery to get hold of,” Grigory complained.

When they arrived, Michelle looked Donal up and down. “Humph, so you’re the new one? I set the table for five. I made triple portions. You look like you need to eat.”

She went all out for lunch. She made a baby vegetable salad with ginger dressing, chicken consommé, coq au vin with jasmine rice, popovers, and double chocolate mousse for dessert.

“So Alexei is hoping that Julio is for Daurensbourg.” Michelle served in order of council status.

“He’s Armand and Alexei’s age, he knew them from Alpha training. He’s getting desperate, thinking no one will ever come his way. Giraud and Bellaire feel the same way. The three of them must be jealous that Alexei found someone first.” Sean chuckled.

“I hope they’re not angry at Alexei,” Donal said. His stomach knotted.

“No, goof. The gods chose the Mate and the timing. Our Alphas have no control. If Etienne is meant for Julio, the gods will arrange it and hopefully they will like each other.” Colin took a spoonful of consommé.

“Sometimes they don’t like each other?” Donal stopped eating and gaped at him.

“Sometimes they hate each other,” Kane told him. “In that case, they take the reduced life expectancy and walk away. But, it doesn’t happen often. The gods usually choose well and if someone walks away from their Mate, they generally have mental issues.”

“Do all of you have lunch together every Friday?” Donal took a second helping of chicken.