Chapter 71
“I might have been a bit irritated when I saw how my grandfather’s legacy had been left to rot and let them know somewhat forcibly how I felt about that.”
“How forcibly?” asked Donal, a frisson of warning curling up his spine.
“I may have yelled very loudly and threatened them with exile.” Alexei turned away, obviously embarrassed at his bad behavior. “I’d never hurt any of them. They’re mine to take care of.”
“How could you possibly be angry with them? You said yourself that all maintenance was the responsibility of the Alpha of the territory. If Alpha La Farge was enough of a son of a bitch to kidnap Sean and challenge Armand, do you think these wolves could have easily confronted him with the state of their pack house?” Donal paced, angry with Alexei for the first time since he met him.
“When you put it like that, I probably acted unreasonably.” Alexei hung his head and seemed appalled at his own bad behavior.
Good, I’ve made my point. And he didn’t get physically abusive. I haven’t made a mistake. Now if I can get him to make nice, maybe this visit won’t be a disaster waiting to happen, and maybe the pack won’t notice my past.
“And they’ve expended great effort on this feast for a wolf who only growled at them. You owe them a thank you and a personal apology, especially to Angelique and Fran?ois. He probably didn’t have it easy when Armand and the gods defeated La Farge.”
“What you say about La Farge is true, but after that they had Armand who tried to help and they wouldn’t let him,” Alexei countered.
“Armand said he paid them minimal attention. That left Fran?ois holding the bag with fractious packs and no leadership. If it hadn’t been Armand, one of the pack Alphas would have issued a challenge. We have to be sure no one challenges you.”
“I think I’m okay,” Alexei said dryly.
“No, you’re not. I’m going to eat and then we are going to visit every one of the houses here in the home pack compound where you are going to apologize for your boorish behavior.” Donal stamped his foot.
Alexei laughed. “My mouse has a temper.”
“Remember what it was like to have your life held in another’s hands? For them, you are those hands. Hold them gently and chastise them only when necessary and they’ll be loyal to you forever. Abuse them and they’ll plot, looking for an Alpha to challenge you. You promised me no challenges and that means none from your disgruntled pack because you managed to piss them off.”
Alexei’s eyes sparkled. “You do love me.”
“Of course, I do. Why do you think I fought so hard against you? I didn’t want you damaged by my past. However, now that you’ve got me, that doesn’t mean you can throw me under the bus because your stupidly angered your pack.”
Alexei’s face lit up. “The gods knew exactly what I needed. I love you, my little mouse. We’ll go visiting. Sean is going to visit with the pregnant she-wolves anyway. I’ll make it up to them by building a recreation area. How about a playground, an ice skating rink, some tennis courts, and a pool?”
“That and a baseball field, and you’ve got a deal. They can play with the other kids in the area.”
“You’re forgetting something, mouse.” Alexei smiled. “Wolves, even little ones, are stronger and faster than their human cousins. To be fair, we could only play with other packs.” But Donal wasn’t backed into a corner. “Then how about a game room with board games and all the latest video games and gaming consoles, at least three of each. I’ll get them it out of my stipend. You can say it’s a thank you for the gracious welcome gift from me.”
Katya came up with a tray containing two three-inch-thick steaks and two oversized baked potatoes for Donal and the same for Alexei, which they ate in no time at all.
“Katya, we’re going out to see the pack,” Donal said in his best commanding voice. “We’ll be back in time for our next meal.”
Alexei sighed. “Visiting it is.” 15
Colorado house, master suite
“That went well.” Donal rubbed his hands together over the fire for warmth. He hadn’t worn his gloves, and it was still cold in Colorado.