Titus (Big Cats Book 2) Read online

  It was obvious the foundation was being placed by workers he didn’t know so he went to meet some. “Hello there. I’m Titus, what’s your name?”

  “I’m Jim. I’m in charge of this crew.”

  “Welcome Jim. We’re very excited to get the project going. Do you know Ariel well?”

  “Well enough. What about you?”

  “I actually only met her recently but we’ve had a lot of contact due to all our projects. She and her husband are a great couple. I’ve known him several years. She and I met because of him.”

  The man relaxed. Maybe he’d worried that Titus was interested in Ariel romantically. “They are a good couple. We do a lot of her foundation work.”

  “I’ve noticed she works with the same companies over and over.” Titus observed.

  “The lady knows what she’s doing. Some try to do too much and get bogged down. She does what she is best at and hires out the rest. She flies though these projects like nothing I’ve ever seen. Too bad the boys both left, but she’s bouncing back from it.” Jim said.

  “Kids usually leave to follow their own path. Didn’t they both marry and start their own businesses?”

  “Yeah, Matt was expected to branch out on his own but Danny surprised everyone.”

  “I hear their both doing well. At least Ariel found other crew bosses. Boss was the leader on my last project.”

  “That girl is something else. She’s got it all going for her. I was surprised she became a crew leader though. Boss had so many other options.”

  “I’ll admit she’s smart and a hard worker, but I didn’t know about any other options.”

  “Girl’s got an education.”

  That surprised Titus because she didn’t look that old. Why would someone with a degree be working in construction? “You’d think she’d be using it.”

  “She was. I don’t know what happened. Boss usually only works holidays for Ariel.”

  “Sounds like she made her an offer she couldn’t refuse.”

  “Maybe you can get her to tell you about it in a few days. Once the foundations done, her crew will be in putting up walls.” Jim said.

  “Good to know. I’ll let you get back to work.” Titus left to work from his office where he got more work done anyway. He had a few days to get ahead on his work and prepare for the tigers that would be dropping in on him. His second was supposed to come in advance of the others, but right now, he was it. Titus was the only tiger around for now.

  Even though many of his people had known about this place where cat shifters would congregate, no tigers had come yet. There were lions galore, but tigers were more cautious. They thought through their decisions carefully waiting until everything seemed right. Perhaps some had waited for a leader to be there first. It seemed some would be there soon. His beta would arrive in a few days with his family, a sister, two brothers, and his parents. Many of Titus’ generation were unmated.

  One of the problems was that tigers were spread out and rarely socialized with other tigers. There had been no place they could safely live. Even though this place was not big enough for all tigers to relocate to, it would give them a place to visit to meet others of their kind. Some mated outside their kind, but if that happened too many times in a bloodline, the traits that made them tiger shifters would disappear. That had happened to many of their kind.

  His line had stayed true and mated only within their kind, but that was about to change. Boss was human with a delightful additional scent of other. As much as he’d like that to be tiger shifter, it was just too unlikely. There was no point in fooling himself. He would either take her as she was or not at all.

  A few days later he greeted Morris his second and his family. His sister Sheena was shy and said little. Morris’ brothers Mack and Monroe both wanted jobs. He sent them to Ariel. She had not agreed to help his people find jobs, but he hoped she would. Since she was overwhelmed with jobs right now, maybe she could use two strong capable young males in her own business.

  They returned hours later with jobs working on Ariel’s crew temporarily to see if it was a good fit. Neither had worked construction before. Mack had worked on a road crew, which was different while Monroe had worked at a slaughter house which apparently Ariel had a working knowledge of. The she-wolf seemed to know about almost everything.

  Both males would start with the crew on the streak house since the foundation was now complete. Boss would be back and he was excited. His beta and family would all be living with him temporarily. The house he rented from Ariel was large so it wasn’t a hardship. Maybe one of the family members would know how to cook. Titus was tired of eating out or having sandwiches.

  Their new jobs were good in more ways than one. If the jobs worked out, they could help others get jobs with Ariel. Their work also gave Titus an excuse to come around. He’d lurked around before, but he always felt odd about it. Now he had a reason that made it acceptable.

  Sheena had asked about a job too. She’d never worked before being young, maybe eighteen? He sent her to Sara at the diner where she was hired immediately. Sara seemed to be shorthanded all the time. A good thing to know. A mate would be a great help in getting their people settled. Not that it was his main reason for wanting one. His cat was antsy and ready to settle down. He had been since he’d met Beth even though his human side wasn’t on board with her. They could both agree on Boss, so that was where his efforts would go.

  “What are you doing Alpha?” Morris asked as he approached carefully.

  “I’m watching the work being done.”

  Morris laughed. “Which one is she?”

  “What makes you think it’s a female?”

  “I know a cat stalking prey. Is it the crew boss?”

  “Yes, I believe she’s my mate.”

  “Human?”

  “Yes, but fate has decided. I’ll not fight it. I have a feeling she will fight it enough for both of us.”

  “Does she not feel honored to gain the alpha’s interest?” Morris asked.

  “She’s not one of my people, Morris. Humans think differently. I’m unsure what her story is, but something has turned her against males. She’d rather stay alone.”

  “Humans don’t like the way shifters change lovers. Maybe she’s aware of it.”

  “She knows much about our kind. Her boss is Ariel.”

  “The white wolf?” Morris asked his voice awed. It was funny, but Titus had come to the conclusion many of Ariel’s friends always expressed, she was just a female. Smart, talented, capable, even exceptional in many areas, but she spoke to people on their level.

  “The one and only. You may meet her soon.”

  “Your mate?”

  “Yes, her and Ariel.”

  “She just goes out and meets people?” Morris asked shocked.

  “I was surprised too, but she comes across as a likable person. I’ve heard she can be a dangerous enemy, but I never want to see that side of her.”

  “Alphas she doesn’t like tend to be taken out. Look at Hemple.”

  “He deserved death more than anyone I know. Her son was mated to a victim of his. I’ve heard she didn’t want him to fight Hemple, he did it anyway.”

  “She didn’t believe he could win?”

  “She didn’t believe Hemple would fight fair. Ariel loves her family, even her extended family.” Titus explained.

  “Don’t they call them a clan?”

  “Not officially. I’m not sure how she’d react to that term.”

  “I’ll not use it then.”

  “Wise decision until we get to know her better.”

  “Is that likely?”

  “Yes, she attends many public and shifter events. The school is having a fund raiser that she will attend.”

  “How are you so sure?” Morris asked.

  “She donated to it. That shows she feels it’s important. The teacher is also a friend of hers.”

  “Friend or family?”

  “Friend as far as
I know.” Titus said.

  “You do know they are famous for hiding their relationships?”

  “That is well known, but there’s no way to know unless someone tells. These people around here respect their privacy.” Titus admitted.

  “That’s a good quality to have in a neighbor.” Morris observed. That was true. Maybe they would respect the privacy of the cat shifters too.

  “Aggravating, though, when you wish to learn something.”

  “Trust can be earned.” Morris said. It was true, but Titus wanted to know now. Alphas in general had little patience and he was one of them.

  “What does your mother do, Morris?” Titus said.

  “What?” The sudden subject change throwing him.

  “Your mother. What does she do?”

  “She takes care of us.”

  “Do you think she might be interested in volunteering at the new school? The teacher is looking for any help and your mother can pretty much choose when she wishes to help and what with.” Titus explained.

  “I will tell her. I believe she would enjoy being around little ones in a limited fashion for now. It might make her stop hinting so much about grandcubs.” Morris said with a big smile.

  Maybe this would make him some points with Beth. She could be rather prickly at times. He felt a connection to her and a need to try to please her that he didn’t understand. “Make sure she tells Beth I sent her.” His tiger roared in approval. Silly beast.

  “Are you wooing two females? Going back to the old days of several mates, perhaps?” Morris questioned.

  “The right one will be plenty for me. I just want to keep the teacher happy and you should too. Otherwise we have to run the school. It’s the responsibility we tigers have been given. The lion alpha has done everything else so far. The panthers will be given the security for the extended lands if they ever get here.”

  “What about the other three groups?” Morris asked.

  “One group will be given the medical center since our groups will share several areas like the school and clinic. We plan to set up an animal park to make money and give us an excuse for a tall privacy fence. Someone will have to get that going.”

  “What about the last group?”

  “I’m not sure. We may have other cooperative businesses or undertakings and I feel confident they’ll be pulling their share. This can be a wonderful opportunity for all our kind. I have a good feeling about it.” Titus observed.

  “The potential is there, but one rotten or lazy apple can ruin the whole basket of dreams.”

  “I’m not sure exactly what you did there, but what disturbs me most is that I understood it.”

  “I’ll go recruit my mother.” He walked off laughing. If nothing else, Morris would be entertaining.

  While Titus had known Morris for a long time, he’d never worked with him before. In this new world they were creating, he’d need five betas and Morris would be his number one if he could hold the spot. The male was a vicious fighter, so Titus had faith in him. The other four would be selected as more people arrived. For now, only Morris would be a full time beta. The others would have jobs, hopefully one would eventually get into the government, either city or county and one would get into law enforcement.

  He knew Ariel was a whiz at getting supes into those positions and his people would be happy to help her if they managed to get those jobs. The more of their kind in government and law enforcement, the better for all of them. Once his males were chosen, he would talk to her about it.

  Titus was feeling pretty optimistic about life in general right now until he looked up and caught Boss’ eye. She looked away immediately. His heart plummeted. Would he ever understand his woman? It wasn’t looking good for him right now. Maybe she was busy, but how could she ignore him so completely if she felt the pull the way he did?

  Her crew was bigger today with two of his own on it helping with numbers. Both guys stood with her as she showed them what to do. After she showed them a couple more times, she sent one to the team on one wall and one to the team on another wall. Clearly she knew how to do the work, faster even than most of her crew. The harder job here seemed to be instructing and supervising those who didn’t know what to do.

  She circled the site like a predator ready to attack, but she wasn’t harsh with her people. Her instruction was clear and given in an even tone of voice. He’d heard her instruct a lot people and he was sure if called on he could put up a wall without further instructions. The female impressed him in everything she did even the way she avoided him. It was impressive even if it was frustrating.

  The work they were getting done was amazing. Most of the frame was up and the walls were going up as he watched. Inside a pair of muscular males were working on the floor. The building would be huge. Titus was getting the feel for it now as it began to take on its shape. This would be a place that could pull his people together and give them hope.

  This place would be a home for his kind like they hadn’t had since old times long forgotten when they’d lived in Africa and Eurasia. They’d been driven out of the ancestral lands by hunters until few remained there. This was their chance to establish a place they could be in either form without worry.

  His family, what was left of it, would hopefully come here. He had several brothers who should be able to secure a place among his betas. Two sisters would also come. Being tigers, they might wait to see how successful the plan would be. Titus could hardly blame them since he tended to have a wait and see attitude too.

  Titus’ father had contacted him months ago, yet he’d only gotten here a couple weeks ago. He’d had to convince his tiger it was a workable plan that would be good for them. It looked like it had been a good decision and his tiger was happy for now. Titus sighed as he watched the construction easily picking Boss out of the crew.

  He needed to have a plan to win his mate. All she seemed to care about was her work and possibly some friends like Ariel. Titus couldn’t find out anything about her, not even her real name and that bothered him. It was lunch time, maybe he could talk to her for a moment.

  They had lunch delivered; he’d not seen that done on the site before. Pizza, looked like a bunch of them with bread sticks, and hot wings, where did that come from? “Looks like you got here at a good time, Alpha. Maybe Boss will invite you to join us?” Mack suggested.

  Boss had a deer in the headlights look. “Of course, if you want.” Boss said.

  Not the most gracious invitation he’d ever received, but he’d take it. “Thank you. The food smells great. Where’d this come from?”

  “Don’t you recognize the boxes?” Boss asked.

  “Yes, but I thought the closest one was Berryville.”

  “I have people who know how to drive.”

  “I’m just surprised you sent someone all that way.”

  “The crew did well. I wanted to reward them.” Boss explained.

  Everyone was eating and having a good time. Titus grabbed a piece of pizza with everything on it. It was good. “Thanks. This is nice of you.”

  “I like to keep my crew happy. My two new guys are yours, no?”

  “They are. Are they doing alright or do I need to kick ass?”

  “Mack and Monroe are doing surprisingly well considering they have no actual construction experience.”

  “I’m glad to hear it. There will be more of my people drifting in over the next few weeks. Ariel looking for more guys?” Titus wondered.

  “She takes girls too, you know?”

  “Sorry. I’ve known few of our women that do this kind of work.”

  “No female betas?”

  “There is only one beta right now and he’s Mack’s and Monroe’s brother. The rest will fight it out to fill four more openings. Females are welcome to give it a try.”

  “You don’t sound like you think any will.” Boss commented.

  “If we had some females like you or Ariel they might. I’ve never met any that are like you two.”
<
br />   “Maybe you just never noticed. You’re not the most observant guy I’ve ever seen.”

  “What’s that mean?”

  “Never mind. I have to get back to work.”

  “You’re crew isn’t getting back on the job yet.” Titus observed.

  “Being the boss is a hard job. I have to inspect everything to see that it looks good and set them up for the next part of the job.”

  “I’ll walk with you. The streak house means a lot to me.” Boss giggled. “What?”

  “Streak reminds me of that old song. Don’t look Ethel, but it was too late.”

  “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

  “Streak also refers to running naked. College kids used to run through crowds naked for fun. They hoped they wouldn’t get caught, but they often did.”

  “I never heard of that. I’ll have to look it up online.” Maybe they were shifters tired of all the rules humans imposed on them. That would make sense.

  He followed her as she inspected the work that was done. He was impressed when she found a flaw in one of the boards had that had gone unseen. She pulled it out and replaced it, but kept the board where it could be seen.

  “Why not dispose of it?”

  “I need them all to see it. With three stories to the building, only perfect boards need to be used. They’ll learn best by seeing what a flaw in the board looks like.” Boss explained.

  “I wouldn’t have noticed it.”

  “Finding these small flaws comes with experience.”

  “You seem young to have so much experience.” Titus observed.

  “I worked part time for Ariel as a kid. She believes in training her help early.”

  “Apparently.” Titus thought responsibility needed to be learned early too, but a job like this? What could a kid possibly do?

  “It was age appropriate so stop frowning.”

  “I just can’t imagine what a child could do on a job site like this.”

  “You’re lucky. We have some kids working with us Saturday. You’ll get to observe what they do.”

  “That’s tomorrow.”

  “By my calendar too.” Boss smirked at him.