Chapter 62
Kane put his arms around Donal and squeezed. “You’re one of us now, of course I’d help. The Mates helped me deal with the rape. We stick together.”
* * * *
At four, Dr. Artis was due, and Gabriel said the installation was finished. “I’ll come back tomorrow while the boys are at the salon.”
Alexei nodded.
“I need to teach you about computers.” Gabriel gathered up his tools. “You already ordered from Amazon, you find that other commercial websites operate pretty much in the same manner. We signed you up for Prime membership, so if you order tomorrow it will be in Colorado by Wednesday in time for the mating.”
“Thank you, Gabriel. I owe you.” Alexei shook his hand vigorously.
“You owe me nothing. Since the appearance of the Mates, the council has pulled together, and we’re all friends and better for it. I’ll leave you to Dr. Artis.”
“Thank you again, Gabriel. I could never say this in the Russian council, but I consider all of you dear friends. There will be no challenges or rebellion from me. I want to do the job I’ve been given and leave the politics to Armand and Rémy.”
Armand had told Gabriel, trying to reassure him that Alexei no longer was the same wolf whose arrogance cost him his place in Russia.
“I feel the same way. Science and Technology are the future. If Garou wants to stay viable for its people, we have to have superior technology and that comes from R & D. You and I will be working closely together. I was afraid because you came from the Russian Council…lrdquo; Gabrielrrsquo;s voice trailed off.
“…and my reputation isn’t one of cooperation.” Alexei nodded. “In my defense, the loup garou in Russia are barely making a living, some are in dire need. Fyodor Leonovich Chernof is a brute of a man intent on lining his own pockets and the pockets of those on the council. A few other members of the council agreed with me but I was the only one who could challenge him and win. He outmaneuvered me by using my love of my household against me. I was vain and stupid enough to take the bait.” Alexei lowered his voice. “I was stupidly arrogant and thought I was untouchable.”
“Will you go back?” Gabriel asked in a quiet voice.
“No, I’m done tilting at Russian windmills. I told Armand what’s going on in Russia, and he’ll take it from there. For the first time since my grandfather died, seventy-one years ago, I’m happy. I won’t put my Mate’s happiness in jeopardy, or mine for that matter, unless Armand needs me.” Alexei eyes filled with unshed tears.
“I can understand that. Do the others feel the same?” Gabriel gently patted Alexei on the back.
“I asked them before I brought them with me, and they felt the same way as I. They were the ones who arranged for all of it and insisted on coming with me.” He smiled thinking of Vasily, Grigory, Boris, Katya, and the others, and what they did to keep him whole.
“They’re loyal,” Gabriel observed.
“Yes,” Alexei said, “they are. I couldn’t have asked for a better household. I thank the gods every day for blessing me with such stellar loup garou, and for Donal. I love my little mouse and not just because of the mating frenzy. I love him because despite his torment, he remained a good person at heart. Donal is special and just what I need to believe in our shared humanity again. Donal is the gods’ blessing on me.” 13
Alexei’s townhouse, family dining room
Sunday at 4
Dr. Artis arrived just as Gabriel and Kane were leaving. Alexei invited him to dinner. “Believe it or not, we have leftovers from yesterday. Either my friends were off their feed, or Katya went a little overboard.” Alexei chuckled.
“I would say Katya went overboard, the Mates are never off their feed.” Dr. Artis smiled wryly. “Their Alphas would go nuts with worry. I don’t mind leftovers. It’s better than eating out. I should employ a housekeeper but it seems like such an extravagance for just me.”
“With all the work you do for the council, you deserve a little extravagance. Get someone to clean and cook. They don’t have to live-in. Ask the Alphas. One of the packs surely has a wolf who would want to come to the city. If you pay them a reasonable salary along with their stipend, they should do fine. The ones most likely to come are the young ones. Julio, Donal’s friend, said there was a studio apartment available in his building in the Village. You live on the Square near Armand, don’t you? So, the apartment is close. Do you want me to see if one of the wolves from the Colorado pack is interested?” Alexei offered.