A Mate for Titan (The Program Book 7)

by Charlene Hartnady

  “The structure looks really old. It even has four towers and flags. No moat though.”

  “We have a lake. If you look there,” he pointed, “you can see the edge of the water blinking in the sun.”

  “Wow! Are those swans?” her voice was animated. “Yes …” her voice was raised in excitement. “They are swans. How stunning!” Her eyes were wide. “It’s all so beautiful. From the actual castle to the grounds. The gardens are also so well maintained.”

  “You should see the ones behind the castle.” Not that he’d ever cared or ever really looked.

  “Really?”

  He nodded. “There is an orchard and an herb garden.” He shrugged. It wasn’t that big of a deal. “There is also a fountain and beautiful flower gardens.” Why did he keep going on about it?

  “I would love to see the grounds.”

  For a moment there he was tempted to agree. “Not today, we need to get going with this investigation.”

  “Of course.”

  “Are we going to your place?” Her cheeks flushed red and she looked away.

  “No,” he said a little too harshly. There was no way she was coming anywhere close to his room or his bed. “See that tower over there.” He pointed to the Eastern tower. “We need to visit with Brant.”

  Natasha gasped. “One of the kings. Will he be there?”

  “He’ll most—”

  A male waved his hand. “Titan!” he yelled. “Hey, hi!” It was Drago. One of the newest members of ‘The Ten’. The male had only just made it into the group and was due to meet with the next batch of humans when the next heat of The Program started. The last thing he felt like doing was making small talk, even though Drago was one of very few males he thought of as a friend. Titan waved but kept on walking. They were already at the base of the castle steps. They didn’t have time to dally.

  “I thought you were in Sweetwater,” the male went on, stepping directly into their path. “Good to see you so soon.” He grinned broadly, giving Titan a slap on the back. “I am Drago.” He held out his hand to Natasha, who introduced herself.

  She shook the male’s hand. “Nice to meet you.”

  “The pleasure is all mine.” The male had the audacity to kiss the top of her hand. Drago was a firm favorite amongst the fairer sex. He was strong, fast and, according to the females, very attractive. Apparently bright blue eyes and black hair was something special. The male was a decent warrior. He was ultimately a good guy. A ‘catch’, as he had heard some of the females call him. Something tightened in his gut.

  Natasha didn’t seem too interested, she even pulled her hand out of Drago’s clasp. Still, it was hard to tell, he had no idea when it came to humans. What the fuck did he know?

  “We need to get going. I have a meeting with Brant,” Titan said. Drago didn’t budge. His gaze was still on the human. “It was good to meet you.” No response.

  Drago had this goofy smile on his face. “I can show Natasha around while you—”

  “Not happening.” He failed to keep the growl from his voice.

  Drago shrugged. “Why not? I—”

  “No! Forget it.” The male was overstepping his mark. It irritated Titan. Natasha was here with him, she wasn’t one of The Program females.

  Drago smiled at Natasha and Titan had to keep himself from snarling. “What do you think, Natasha? Would you like to see some of the castle instead of going to a boring meeting?” He winked at the female.

  “I think it would be better if I went with Titan, we are working a case together so thanks for the offer, but—”

  “Come on!” The fucker rubbed the side of her arm. “I can show you a couple of things that I’m sure you would find much more interesting.” He winked. The fuckface actually winked at her. Titan was sorely tempted to punch that eye closed. There would be no winking for a while after that. He had to remind himself that Drago was his friend. He even clasped his hands behind his back to stop himself from hurting the male.

  Natasha took a small shuffling step away from Drago. She looked uncomfortable. Sure, she was a beautiful female but this was just too much. Vampire males lost their brains when they were around human females. It was part of the reason why they had a human guard and why he’d fucked up before. “The female said no.” There was a warning edge to his voice.

  She nodded once. “Yup, I really have to—”

  “You’re a real beauty, you know that?” Drago’s gaze was on her breasts. He licked his lips. His nostrils flared as he took in her scent.

  “Are you fucking deaf? This female is a highly-trained FBI agent. Miss Walters won the national championships for clay pigeon shooting three years in a row.”

  Drago’s face turned red.

  “At sixteen, she was not only the youngest but the first female ever to win this prestigious title. She qualified top in her class at the police academy and has won several awards since.”

  It was Drago’s turn to look uncomfortable. The male kicked at the dirt with the toe of his boot and hooked his thumbs in his pockets. He glanced up at Natasha, swallowing hard.

  “She was handpicked by the Federal Bureau of Investigations and selected from over a hundred special agents to assist me on Operation Finding Nemo. Agent Walters is not here to look at flowers with you. Or to do anything with you.” He put emphasis on the word. “Agent Walters is an intelligent female and is here on business. Save your flirtatious behavior for the next heat of The Program. Now, if you’ll excuse us.”

  Drago put up both his hands. “I didn’t mean to offend anyone. I apologize Miss Walters.”

  Natasha smiled. “Sure. No problem.”

  “I’m sorry, Titan.” He looked upset.

  Shit! Maybe he had been too hard on the male. “It’s okay,” Titan said. “Don’t do it again though. I will see you soon enough.”

  Drago nodded.

  They walked up the stairs and although they received a couple of stares and one or two males greeted him, they weren’t stopped again. He walked quickly, making the female practically jog at his side. He was thankful she didn’t try to fill the silence. Titan almost heaved a sigh of relief as they arrived at the tower stairs. He pushed the button on the stainless steel panel. The female would more than likely prefer taking the elevator

  “You read my file.” Natasha sounded shocked.

  He didn’t respond. The elevator sure was taking its sweet time.

  “You actually read my file.” She sounded even more shocked than before and seemed to speak to herself.

  “Of course I did. What did you expect?”

  “Not that. Not any of what just went down. I assumed you didn’t want to work with me.”

  He clenched his jaw.

  “I assumed it was because I’m a woman, but I was wrong.” He could hear that she was smiling. Damn. She was smiling, he could see her reflection in the glass. She had a pretty smile, it lit her whole face.

  Titan rolled his eyes. “You weren’t wrong. I don’t want to work with you. I don’t want to work with any of you humans. I especially didn’t want to partner with a female.”

  She gave a soft laugh. It was breathy. “Liar. I don’t believe you. I’m not saying you’re thrilled with the set-up but you’re not totally against it either. There must be some other real reason for your aversion.”

  There was a ding as the doors to the elevator finally opened. Titan stepped inside and pushed the button to keep the door open. Once Natasha was inside, still smiling, he pushed the closed button. Even her eyes were bright and really beautiful.

  It was a pity that she had it so wrong. “Look, believe what you want. I don’t particularly care either way.”

  She nodded, still grinning. “Thanks, by the way, you’re the first person whose stood up for me in the longest time. I can’t remember when last …” Her eyes clouded. She suddenly seemed sad. “You don’t just see me as these,” she squeezed her breasts through the black suit she was wearing and he had to suppress a groan, “and this.” S
he pointed at her ass and he almost bit off his own tongue. What the fuck was she doing? “You see me.” She tapped her chest, her eyes seemed to fill with tears. Tears! Not a fuck. Thankfully she blinked them away. “It means a lot to me. Thank you …” She gave the side of his arm a light tap. “Partner.” She smiled, at him this time.

  Titan bit back a snort. This female had no idea what she was talking about. None what-so-fucking-ever. He had jerked off last night thinking of how she would look sitting on his dick. He’d pictured how such large mammary glands would bounce with each up and down movement. This morning he’d jerked off thinking about how glorious her ass would look if he took her from behind. How snug her …

  Christ! He needed to stop thinking along these lines. He was an asshole. Not the nice guy she thought he was. He was bad. The worst! He hated that she had the wrong idea about him. He hated himself. “You’re wrong!”

  “Sure I am.” She winked at him.

  “You are,” he ground out just as the elevator doors opened. There were two guards positioned next to the main entrance.

  York nodded in each of their directions. One of the males sniffed. The other smiled a little too broadly. “The female is with me so be careful what you say and how you act. I expect for you to show some respect.”

  They both stood a little taller. “Brant is expecting you.” The guard on the left looked straight ahead as he spoke.

  Titan knocked on the heavy oak door. Soon, there were footfalls that grew nearer. Titan could hear the sound of a child’s laughter.

  The queen opened the door. She wore a long, green dress. She chewed her lower lip. “Titan,” short and clipped. She clearly hadn’t forgiven him and who could blame her? Then she smiled warmly as her attention turned to Natasha. “Come on in!” her voice was warm and inviting. The females introduced themselves to one another. Natasha smiled just as broadly.

  Titan walked towards the living area where his king had his small son hefted above his head. Little Sammy giggled hard, his face was red. Brant was laughing too. It was strange to see the battle-hardened male so relaxed and happy. Titan felt a pang. He gave himself a mental shake of the head and walked into the room. “Good to see you, my lord.”

  Brant gave the young boy a cuddle. He was still smiling, the boy’s giggles became muffled against his chest. “Take a seat.” Brant gestured towards a large sofa.

  The females were making trivial small talk. To be more precise, Tanya was doing all of the talking.

  Brant placed his son on his lap and sat in a wingback chair on the other side of the coffee table. “What’s this about needing to borrow my clothes?” He frowned. “And what the fuck happened to your hair? The last time I saw you, you were clean-shaven.” Brant’s lip twitched.

  Titan shrugged.

  “You look like a Neanderthal.” Although Brant looked deadly serious, Titan knew otherwise.

  The females walked into the living room just as Brant was speaking. Natasha frowned when she heard what his king had to say.

  Brant shook his head. “You’ll scare off the humans looking like that.” His voice held a mocking tone.

  “I think you look just fine,” Natasha piped up. Although it warmed him that she felt the need to stick up for him, he inwardly cringed.

  The glint that had been in Brant’s eyes disappeared. “Federal agents are always well-groomed.” he added, directing his concerns to Natasha.

  “Not field agents.” Natasha shook her head. “Besides, you can have long hair and still be well-groomed.”

  Brant looked thoughtful for a moment, then he nodded, looking Titan’s way. “Whatever, just get the job done.” His tone had turned hard.

  “Ignore my husband.” Tanya smiled.

  “Your mate,” Brant growled.

  “Same difference.” Tanya kissed the top of Brant’s head.

  “Not even close.” Brant looked up at his mate.

  “What evs.” Tanya’s voice was mockingly timid. She leaned in and kissed Brant, who clasped a hand over the back of her head and deepened the kiss in true vampire style.

  He could hear Natasha’s heart-rate pick up. The human looked away until they were done. Titan clasped his hands behind his back.

  When Tanya came up for air, she slapped Brant lightly on the arm. “Stop it!” She sounded both out of breath and embarrassed, “We have company.”

  “I’m hardly ever home during the day.” His king smiled. “Just making the most of it.” His smile all but vanished as he faced them again.

  “I’m Natasha. Um …” The human widened her eyes. “Should I curtsy or bow or …”

  Tanya laughed. “No! Don’t be silly.”

  Natasha stepped forward, her arm outstretched towards his king. “I’m Special Agent Walters.”

  “Brant.” They shook hands.

  “You can call me Natasha … of course … I mean, you don’t have to use my title or anything. Although …” She kept shaking Brant’s hand. “I can always call you King Brant or would you prefer ‘Your Highness’?” More hand-shaking. “I’ve never met royalty before.”

  Tanya laughed. Brant also cracked a smile. “Brant is fine.” He looked down at where their hands were still joined.

  Natasha continued to shake his hand like a mad thing. Then her mouth fell open. “Oh! Sorry.” She finally let go.

  “Would you like something to drink?” Tanya still smiled.

  “A water would be great.”

  His queen went into the open plan kitchen. It wasn’t lost on Titan how she hadn’t extended the offer to him.

  “Who is this gorgeous little tyke?” Natasha leaned in the young prince’s direction. Sammy was sniffing loudly.

  “Hey!” Brant frowned. “It’s rude to sniff someone like that, Sam.”

  The young prince sniffed some more despite Brant’s attempts to dissuade him.

  “It’s okay.” Natasha gave the youngster’s hair a soft rub. Sammy turned and bit her. Sank his baby fangs right into the meaty part of her palm. Natasha yelped and pulled her hand away.

  “Sammy!” Tanya yelled. The queen came running, bottle of water forgotten.

  “It’s not a big deal!” Brant sounded like he was trying to convince himself.

  “Of course it is!” Tanya sounded panicked “She’s bleeding.”

  Natasha used her other hand to cradle the injured one. “I’m fine.” She shook her head. “Don’t worry about it.”

  “Are you sure?” Titan closed the distance between them. He put his own hand under hers and lifted. There were two small puncture wounds on her soft flesh. Fuck but she scented amazing. Like candy. No wonder the kid had wanted a taste. He had to suppress an urge to lick her wound. His hand tightened around hers for a moment. His mouth watered. Titan let go of her and took a step away.

  “Yum,” Little Sammy said. “More … more.” He tried to climb off of Brant’s lap, his eyes were focused on Natasha.

  “No … that was a naughty thing to do,” Brant said, using a firm voice.

  “You can’t bite people, Sammy,” Tanya added, she turned back to Natasha. Her face was filled with concern. “He’s never done that before. Not that we have many human visitors. I’m so sorry.”

  “No problem!” Natasha shook her head. She gave a small laugh, sounding nervous. “Why is the human thing a big deal?”

  “Human blood tastes amazing, don’t you think, Titan?” Brant narrowed his eyes on him.

  “I wouldn’t know.” What the fuck kind of question was that? Titan folded his arms across his chest.

  “Well it does.” He winked at Tanya. “Your scent, your taste, it’s highly appealing.”

  Sammy squirmed on Brant’s lap. He made moaning noises, trying to get off his dad’s thighs.

  “Okay, but I have to admit,” Natasha looked unsure, “the whole red eye thing was a bit freaky though.” She giggled, sounding nervous.

  Red eyes.

  Oh fuck!

  Brant sprang to his feet, still holding his son. “His
eyes were red? Are you sure?” his king snarled.

  Natasha swallowed thickly, she stood her ground which was commendable. “Yes, the irises of his eyes flashed with red. It freaked me out just a little but I’m over it.”

  “Oh my lord!” Tanya gasped. “Oh no! He probably has bloodlust. He must have inherited it from you. It’s not such a bad thing, is it?” She chewed her lower lip.

  Brant looked stricken but quickly pulled himself together. “It’s fine! It’s not an issue.”

  “Except that he could end up killing a human if we’re not careful. He might never be able to take one as a mate. What about the tradition?” Tanya’s eyes were wide.

  “Calm down,” Brant urged in a soft tone.

  “What is bloodlust?” Natasha asked. “It doesn’t sound good,” she muttered.

  “It’s nothing,” Brant said.

  Like hell!

  “My mate is overreacting,” Brant went on, “Bloodlust afflictions can be broken in the long run. I am testament to that.”

  This bit of information was new to Titan. The fact that his king even had the affliction was new to him as well.

  “This is serious. Am I the only one who’s worried?” Tanya’s eyes were wide.

  “We’ll discuss it once our guests are gone. Please take Sammy to the nursery, Cenwein.”

  Tanya looked like she wanted to argue.

  “Please, my love.” Brant walked over to his mate, handing the child to Tanya. Sammy was almost too big to be carried by the small human.

  “It was nice to meet you,” his queen said. “So sorry about …”

  Natasha shrugged. “It’s nothing. Barely a scratch.”

  “Still …” Tanya’s eyes were wide.

  “Really. I’m fine,” Natasha urged.

  His queen nodded and left the room. Sammy began to wail but when the door closed, it shut off most of the noise.

  Brant gave a small shake of the head. He cleared his throat. “Right, about your wardrobe malfunction. What do you need?”

  Titan sucked in a breath. “Suits and ties. I need to blend in and this,” he pointed at his leathers, “won’t do the trick.”