by Sabrina Rue
Stepping from the limo, he found Desiree’s scent despite the dozen people standing with her. Her very existence immediately calmed him and reminded him of all he’d survived to get to a place where he could experience life with her.
Meeting her family formally, speaking with her mother, and finally taking her in his arms, it made everything seem less like an illusion.
His Mate, their future together, was real.
When he felt calm enough to release her from his hold, he left the Between and returned to the Texas Pack study. She hugged him for a long time but they could not remain isolated for so long in a location with too many comfortable surfaces.
His need for her was a fever in his brain.
After she freshened up, he took her hand and led her from the room. Ryker Blackwell leaned against the opposite wall with his arms crossed.
“Little sister.”
“Uh, Ryker…”
“I’d like to speak with Lord Titus for a moment.”
She sighed heavily beside him and looked up. “Ryker is the head of my family, the Alpha of my Pack, and has tried to protect me from every bump or bruise since I started walking.”
Holding the back of her head, Titus kissed her forehead. “Most Were males feel a biological imperative to protect those in their care. Your brother, your Alpha, is an exemplary representation of your people so I would expect no less. You should probably check on your mother. I’m sure she has many fears and questions.”
Desiree slowly released his hand and walked to her brother. He uncrossed his arms to return the hug she gave him.
“I love you, Ryker.”
“I love you, my little ray of sunshine. Go on now.”
She moved down the hall and Titus took a moment to appreciate her walk. Weres always retained the clean gait of their symbiotic animal.
Ryker chuckled, drawing his attention. “I wanted to ask a question.”
“Anything,” Titus told him honestly.
“What did you do differently? There had to be one major thing you did that changed the outcome of the initial witches’ experiments.”
“Simple, really. I did not kill the wolf.”
Ryker’s eyes widened. “What?”
Titus thought back. “Every coven made the same mistake. They sacrificed the wolf to send its energy into the human host by force. The Daemon was there unwillingly, the human was there unwillingly, and the wolf was a predator suddenly on two legs rather than four.”
He shrugged. “It was doomed to fail and fail it did. Over and over again, spectacularly. The Wolf easily took over the weaker human host usually chosen from homeless boys or farmers. Then it rampaged.”
“They killed the wolf and then expected it to do their bidding?” Ryker shook his head.
“The covens then were short-sighted in their quest for power. I gave blood voluntarily. Strong, brave men were asked to take risks they knew could end in their deaths. Wolves were coaxed in using food, remained standing, their bodies unharmed up until the moment they accepted the invitation to enter the human host.”
“That’s…incredible.”
“I’d seen evidence that a faction of Daemons thought to rule the humans, to enslave them.” Titus shot his cuffs. “Some of my people feel the six of us crossed a line, upset the natural order. I feel, to this day, that we gave the occupants of this planet a fighting chance against an adversary they never could have beaten in battle.”
He met Ryker’s eyes. “Now. As for Desiree.” He smiled gently. “I’ve waited more than nine thousand years to find my Mate. I vow to protect her with my life.”
“Of that, I have no doubt. Wanting to speak to you had nothing to do with your Mating. I know the biological directives that drive us and would never interfere. My sister is a woman grown, no matter how terrified that truth makes our mother. I wanted to make a request.”
Frowning, Titus gave a single nod.
“Will you keep a home here among her Pack? A place where she can train with my Mate, be an aunt to my children, and remain close to our mother?” Ryker sighed. “I can’t imagine the wealth you’ve amassed in your long life and can only guess at the opulence of your own home…”
“Possessions matter little in comparison to my Mate’s happiness. There’s more to your request.”
“As her family ages and passes from this world, Desiree must always know that her Pack remains. The descendants of her brothers far into the future will look to her, to you, for guidance. Perhaps even protection. I don’t expect you to stay here all the time. Only to show her that she still, and always, has a place among her family, her kind, and her Pack.”
Titus closed the distance between them and extended his hand. “Show me a piece of land within your domain and I’ll build my Mate a home where her family and her Pack will always be welcome, Alpha Blackwell.” Ryker shook firmly. “It will be my honor.”
“Thank you.” Inhaling deeply, he added, “Harmony doesn’t know or care about boundaries. No discussion is truly private with her in the same house.”
“I well remember.”
Harmony stepped from the window seat alcove at the end of the hall. “I wasn’t trying very hard to hide. Since I’m here, I have the perfect spot for your house. I run past it every day. About three miles from the main house. In the opposite direction from the rest of Pack.”
“Near the two ponds?” Ryker asked.
“Mm. Just before the ridge. Plenty of privacy.” Wrapping her arm around her Mate, she added. “I was a little worried considering how protective you are of Desiree. You only have one sister.”
“There is another firmly in first place as protector.” He smiled. “I don’t mind. You’re going to keep me plenty busy with daughters.”
Titus held out his hand and Harmony took it. He was quiet for almost a minute before a soft smile crossed his face.
“I see the place. It’s lovely. On another note, the Kassis family is never boring.” Then he turned and walked toward the great hall.
Behind him, Harmony called, “Uh, you got nothing else to say? Should I be worried? These kids aren’t going to come out zapping the shit out of people or anything, are they? Titus?”
“You’re going to be a mother, Harmony,” he called over his shoulder. “Motherhood is full of surprises.”
He followed the scent of his Mate because he could and observed her in silence as she knelt on the far side of the main room. Speaking with Justice and Juliette, her face was animated, lovely, and intelligent.
Inhaling deeply, he could barely detect the change in hormones that signaled her oncoming Heat.
Desiree wished to endure it alone one more time to strengthen her body and Titus intended to respect her need to do so.
He wondered what it would be like to have a Mate going through such an event. Knowing her now, having touched her, kissed her, but unable to touch her during her time of almost violent physical need.
Hopefully, he didn’t rip the Texas Pack home apart to get to her.
CHAPTER EIGHT
The twins grinned, trading their conversation with Desiree back and forth. They gestured with their hands and without hearing the context, they looked like average children who lived happy lives.
Watching his Mate interact with them made Titus’s heart ache with pleasure. He thought about their future together, the possibility of children, and what she would look like carrying his child.
Her eyes lifted and found him, her smile radiant as she slowly stood. The young brother and sister took her hands and watched him as he approached.
In a move so naturally domestic, so normal that it momentarily stunned him, she leaned up to kiss Titus’s jaw. Able to do so in her heeled boots, there was an instant when he almost stole her away.
He worried he’d forget to bring her back.
A welcome distraction from the moment, Juliette extended her wings and hovered in front of Titus’s face. The display made the Were Parliament members gasp in true amazement.
/> Titus blinked back tears. “How lovely, Juliette.”
“Justice transitions like you.”
“Yes.” He cleared his throat of emotion. “Most siblings seem to alternate the mutation. My younger brother died during the Great Daemon War. He had the transitional trait as well. My sister, the middle child, possesses brilliant silver wings tipped in deepest black.”
“I would very much like to m-meet someone like me one day. Do you think she would want to?”
Titus cupped the side of her face. “Tatiana sleeps now but she’ll look forward to meeting you. Until she wakes, there are others who possess wings I will introduce you to. Friends of mine for many millennia.”
“Thank you.”
“I’ll send them a message. They’ll have helpful advice for you about speed, control, and height limitations.” He smiled. “There will come a day, as with my own sister, where you’ll test the limits of your flight. Try not to give every member of your family a coronary in your curiosity, darling Juliette.”
She giggled and the sound was magical.
To Justice, he said, “In order to develop your power, you need to learn to tap into the energy of the Earth.” The boy’s eyes widened. “Have you felt a sort of…hmm, tingling in the bottoms of your feet?”
“Like they fell asleep! Sometimes, it itches like crazy!”
“That’s your core drawing from the natural power beneath you.” He touched two fingers to his own chest in the center of his sternum. “This is what ancient human healers called your chakra. Daemons have a lot of this natural energy flowing through us and all the points cross here. Once you begin to visualize it, you can control the flow in ways you won’t believe.”
Holding out his hand, he kept his palm turned up toward the ceiling. He slowly manifested Earth energy there. It appeared to be a shimmering ball of water that held a hint of green.
“It is our ability to access this power that made my people settle here. The similarity to our home world intrigued our scientists from the start.” Cupping Justice’s hand with his empty one, he transferred the energy to him. “One day, you might need a burst of energy to give to Juliette or to push yourself faster or further. You can stockpile this energy in your core in case it’s hard to draw it.”
The boy brought up his second hand and explored the ball with an intent expression on his face. Gently pressing it, he stretched it out and returned it to a circle. Separating it into two smaller spheres, he offered one to his sister.
She dropped to the floor beside him and took it with an expression of awe. “This is what you give me, Justice. It’s what I see in my mind when you power me up.”
Her brother placed his hand on top of the sphere in hers and pressed carefully. It sank into her palm and disappeared. Her eyes glowed brightly for a moment before returning to normal.
“We can stockpile it?” she whispered.
“I’ll train to learn how,” Justice answered. “That could come in handy. We get pretty tired with the mothers.”
She nodded, distracted. “The next baby is due in three months. Let’s work it out.” Looking up at Titus, she smiled with tears in her eyes. “It’s so nice to-to be able to talk to someone who can do these things. Who can show us who we are in addition to Were kind.”
“Thank you, Titus,” Justice added.
“You’re welcome, children.”
Desiree stroked her palms over the siblings’ shoulders before announcing, “Mom prepared a ridiculous amount of food for the diplomatic visit. I’m starving and these two threatened to go hunt a rabbit in Change if we didn’t eat soon.” She winked. “I’d hate for them to mess up their clothes. Their poor mother would have a fit.”
“Agreed. Let’s follow the smell of the food, shall we?” Smiling at the brother and sister, he added, “I can’t wait for you to describe Change to me. You’re the first of Daemon kind to experience it.”
They nodded and ran ahead to the formal dining room. She tugged Titus to a stop when he moved to follow.
“One of the hardest things for Juliette while she was held hostage was feeling different from every other being she met. She was uncertain what she was until she started reading those around her. Having her brother helps but their ability to ask an actual expert is so good for them both. Thank you.”
“It’s my honor, Mate.” Gathering her close, he kissed the top of her head. “Let’s eat and go for a walk of sorts. We can bring the twins if you like. I’d like to show you something and get your opinion.”
“A walk?” She arched her brow.
“Somewhat faster than a walk.”
Laughing, she gave him a nod. “Alright.” Slipping her hand through his arm, he escorted her into the dining room.
Hope told them all, “Less talking and more eating. I feel like I could consume half this table. All alone like the greedy Wolf I am.”
Talon turned from his conversation with Diego. “Never greedy, just pregnant.” He kissed her lips. “Eat all you need, sweetheart.”
Phoenix rubbed her back. “I thought our twins were going to beat everyone to the table but chatting with Desiree and Titus won over food. The topic must have held great interest.”
Justice walked around the table to his parents and concentrated intently for almost a minute. He slowly pulled energy from the ground, gathering it in his palm. It was only about the size of a marble but the skill would develop quickly.
Holding it out to Phoenix, he explained, “This is Earth energy. I can store it like extra battery life.”
“May I touch it?” his doctor father asked.
“It’s safe to touch,” Titus answered. “Until you have incredible control, you mustn’t push the power into anyone but your sister or another Daemon, Justice. It can burn humans and Weres if you do it too quickly or use too much. Similar to a power surge.”
“I understand,” the little boy said as he held the energy for all three of his parents to touch. “I’ll be careful until you train me.”
Pulling out an empty chair, Titus held it for Desiree and she sat with a smile. He took the seat beside her. The feel of her taking his hand the moment it was close enough filled him with emotion.
What followed were two hours of dinner with a sprawling family who had history, love, and common goals between them.
It reminded him of his visits to many Packs over his lifetime. Of all of them, the Montana Pack became a favorite. The loud and rambunctious Kassis brood gathered around a long farmer’s table eating, laughing, and arguing.
Glancing down the table, he met Harmony’s gaze and she smiled.
Hope waited for him when his eyes found hers. “It’s good to have you with us again, Titus. All our lives, you’ve been a guardian, mentor, and godfather, of sorts. Now, through our own families and Pack, you’re our brother.” He released a soft gasp of surprise. “Another bond between us, tying your blood to ours.”
Laughing, Harmony added, “You’re never escaping the crazy now.”
Sincerely, he replied, “I would never dream of trying. Thank you.”
Redbird gradually relaxed, joined the conversation, and asked Titus and Desiree more questions about their plans.
Always, in his visits to the Packs around the world, Titus was considered a figure of authority.
Viewed with respect and no small amount of fear.
The emotions he received through Desiree from her family were happiness, peace, and acceptance.
While he’d longed for his Mate for most of his life, he never wondered about the connections she would bring to him. Never thought finding her would lead to brothers, sisters, a mother, a niece and nephew with others on the way. All connected to him through blood.
For the first time in his long life, despite his involvement and protection of Were kind, Titus would be part of a Pack.
Redbird murmured his name and he turned to meet her eyes.
“Of all the Weres you’ve known, the Packs you’ve championed, what a great honor it is that you wil
l be part of ours through your Mate, Lord Titus. Desiree is descended from nineteen generations of Blackwells, a bloodline that has produced more than a dozen Alphas. Your Mate bond will supersede all others and remain unbroken to your final breath. Her blood is part of Texas Pack. Now your blood is as well.”
Looking at Ryker, he put his fist over his chest and said, “It is an honor to be part of your Pack, Alpha. Consider me at your service.”
The young man leaned forward. “Welcome to Texas Pack, Lord Titus. However, I cannot consider you below me in the chain of command. Alphas are determined by strength in battle, cunning during challenges, and protection of our people.” Ryker smiled. “There’s no Were alive who could best you in battle one-on-one.”
Harmony laughed. “Even I came by my skills through you so…”
Titus inclined his head. “What do you suggest?”
“Among Were kind, there’s no title we can bestow greater than that of our founder,” Ryker said truthfully. “You and my sister will always be blood-tied to Texas Pack but…you belong to every Pack, every Were, in ways that are almost impossible to label.”
From the opposite end of the table, Joseph Hawthorne spoke up, “Lord Titus should be formally named and accepted as the founder of our people. By blood, he’s part of Texas Pack but you’re correct, Ryker. He’s stronger than every Alpha, every member of Parliament. He cannot be expected to bow. It’s not the way of the Wolf to submit to those weaker and we are weaker, my lord.”
Sitting back with a nod, he held Desiree’s hand. “I seek no power, no position, no recognition. I wish only to help Were kind where I can and protect my Mate.”
He reached out to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear. “Allow me to present a compromise. In matters of Texas Pack, I will defer to Alpha Blackwell and his Regional Alphas. For issues that extend beyond our borders, I will continue to act on my own volition.”
Ryker grinned. “Done.”
“Excellent,” Titus replied. “Now, if there are no objections, I’m going to take Desiree for a…walk. The young twins are welcome to join us if they have additional questions. We won’t be gone long.”
