Chapter 68
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Newark Airport, private hangar
Tuesday morning
Alexei and Donal walked out of the terminal within sight of Garou’s plane. Donal couldn’t believe the sheer size of the jet on the tarmac. He whispered to Alexei, “Do we need a plane this big?”
“The jet is configured to seat one hundred fifty where it normally would seat two hundred sixty-six. We have one hundred traveling with us today. The Alphas, their Mates, Betas, Dr. Artis, and Martin’s Mate, Edward Kellerman, all sit up front. The Enforcers and household staff sit in the back which is configured with two aisles and large seats.” They walked up the boarding stairs to the entrance of the plane.
“Why so many people?” Donal narrowed his eyes.
“Each Alpha has six Enforcers, two Betas, a housekeeper, a factotum plus the Alpha and his Mate. Dr. Artis and Edward Kellerman travel with Armand. Edward, because he is the council lawyer and Martin’s Mate, and Dr. Artis because he is the council’s doctor.”
“That’s ninety-eight. I counted one hundred one.”
“I’m used to a very loyal household staff. I’m the only Alpha with maids and kitchen help from my home pack. All the others hire New York City wolves to fill those positions so when we travel home, Annette, Alice, and Sybil travel with us to see their families.”
“You said Armand wants us to buy or lease a plane. How big a plane would we need?”
“Counting you and me, there are six Enforcers, which make eight. Vasily and Grigory, Boris and Katya, the three housemaids are seven more, and Trouble, who has to travel with us because no one will be home to take care of him, gets a seat. Then we may have guests. We need a plane that will hold thirty-five. Armand has suggested leasing an Embraer 145 with a seating configuration that seats thirty-five instead of the normal fifty.”
“Is it a jet?”
“Yes, a small one. It has to be small because it has to land on a mountain airstrip, otherwise we’d have to drive two and a half hours from Denver like we have to do today.”
Garou airplane mechanics pulled the stairs to the plane, and they boarded in order of precedence, which meant Alexei and Donal were the fifth couple to board the plane.
Alexei took great pains to introduce Donal to Etienne Daurensbourg, Giles Bellaire, and Henri Giraud who boarded right after they did.
As everyone settled into their seats, Donal cupped his hand and said to Alexei, “Why are all the Alphas so attractive?”
“Looking elsewhere, little mouse?” Alexei lifted his brow.
“Don’t be stupid.” Donal started to pout; annoyed that Alexei could even think that he wanted someone else.
“You can put that lip back in its normal position. I was only teasing.”
That remark caused the lip to go out further. Ian came to sit by Donal and perused his face. “Hey Alexei, you’re in trouble, Donal’s pout is almost as good as Sean’s.”
Donal burst out laughing.
Alexei smiled then joined in the laughter. “You should save that for when you’re really annoyed at me. It could become ineffective if you use it too often,” Alexei said with a straight face.
Donal reverted to the fourteen-year-old boy still inside him as Kane had predicted and stuck out his tongue. Alexei grabbed his face and took his mouth in a fierce kiss, encompassing Donal’s tongue with his own. Ian started to wolf whistle, and Donal pulled away, his face red with a mask of heat.
The stewardess and steward came to take meal orders. “Now, put on your seatbelt, mouse and eat some sandwiches, we have a hot meal coming in an hour. You’re to eat four meals as we travel. The mating is tonight.”
“I’m horribly hungry,” Donal admitted, “and I ate three times before we left.”
“It’s the mating frenzy. I’m having a hard time keeping my hands off you. Your scent is driving me nuts. Once we take off, I want you over here with me unless you’re eating. We’re going to be in the air for four and a half hours, and I won’t be able to stand to have you away from me that long. It’s bad enough I have to wait until tonight.”
“Don’t we have to get the license for the marriage ceremony?”
“The justice of the peace is a loup garou. He’ll bring all of the necessary paperwork with him, and you can produce your documents and get the license issued today at the ranch. In Colorado there is no waiting period so we can be married on Thursday,” Alexei told Donal.