The mating party broke up at two, and the council convened in the library with their Mates. Everyone was sated and quiet. Henri inwardly sighed. He had hopes for today, but they bore no fruit. He got up to pour himself a drink and the front doorbell rang, startling the group. Henri lifted his head, sniffing the air. After a moment, Marcel scurried into the room.

“There is a young loup garou by the name of Vitas Kosloff at the front door who insists on seeing Alpha Davidoff. He appears as if he were badly beaten, he’s shivering, coughing, and having difficulty breathing. I showed him into the living room, installed him on a couch with an afghan, and called Dr. Artis from the media room. Alpha, we might need Donal, Sean, and Kane.”

Henri stood up abruptly and pushed himself forward, propelling his body closer to the library door. Breathing deeply, Henri snapped at Marcel, “Where did you put him? Show me, now.”

Julien turned to follow. He patted Alexei on the shoulder. “Do you want to go in and speak to him and bring Donal? This will be the first time he’s had the opportunity to use his gift.”

“I’ll go, but I’m sure this is Henri’s Mate. Watch him.” Henri paid little heed to Alexei’s words. He flew through the library doors, focused on the wonderful scent bathing his nostrils.

Henri took another whiff and caught the odor again. It smelled of fresh pine and mulched earth on a clear day in the woods. Henri broadcast on all channels in joy. This is my Mate. I’ve found my Mate.

Armand stood. “I think that we should all go. Baby?” He motioned for his Mate. Sean, the other Alphas, and their Mates, followed Marcel and Henri into the formal living area.

The young wolf saw Henri and sat up, causing a paroxysm of coughing. He bared his neck, attempting to go down on his knees. He grimaced as his knees hit the floor. “Alpha, I didn’t know where else to go. I need to speak to Alpha Davidoff. Anatoly and Maxim smuggled me out ... I ...” Alexei came from behind Henri, while Henri picked the boy up off the floor, sat him back on the brown leather couch and gently took him into his arms. Vitas gasped, and Henri frowned. He pulled the V-neck of his threadbare rugby shirt apart and seeing the bruises, fumed.

“What happened, Vitas?” Alexei asked as Henri stroked his Mate’s long hair, speaking in soft tones that both inquired and soothed.

He lifted his head to the other wolf. “Alexei, let me.” The small Omega started to cry.

“It’s okay, little one. We’ll take care of you. Nothing bad can happen to you while you’re here, I promise. Tell Alexei what you need to tell him, and we’ll get you into a warm bed and make the pain go away.” He faced the doctor. “Artis, I think he has broken ribs as well as pneumonia.” Henri frowned. “A loup garou has to be sorely tried to develop pneumonia ... Armand, can Sean ...?”

“Of course.”

Vitas gazed with wonder in his stormy green eyes into Henri’s. He picked up his hand and touched Henri’s hair in awe. “I smell fresh linen, my mother’s sheets on the clothesline. I see the tether. You’re my Mate.” Vitas sobbed. “Thank the gods. I knew it wasn’t him. I knew it.” Henri bent over toward his Mate, and the young wolf gazed up at his face, grabbing on to his waist, holding Henri tight. Suddenly, his grip went slack. Henri regarded Vitas in dismay. The little one had fainted.