Titus (Big Cats Book 2) Page 7

  “Is her breathing and heart rate okay?”

  “Yes, but she’s completely unconscious.”

  “We’re leaving now. Where’s Dale?”

  “He met my tiger who asked him nicely to drop the purse and keys then go to his room.”

  “I bet he did.” Ariel said with a chuckle. “He’ll feel bad, but if he hurts her seriously, that won’t help. What did Damon say to do?”

  “Keep an eye on things until he gets here, but he was coming from St. Louis.”

  “That male is too busy for his own good. Most council members don’t do anything. He does enough for a dozen of them.”

  “Why didn’t you take the job when you had the chance?”

  “I’m not a politician.”

  Titus choked. “You do more deals than any of them, maybe even Damon.”

  “I can do more good here. I’ll find a cousin who can take the job soon.”

  “Good luck with that. It’ll take a special person. Why didn’t you tell me Boss was Beth?”

  “She didn’t want you to know. On her last job the boss harassed her. It made her job a living hell. She loved the kids, she just couldn’t take the other aspects of the job.” Ariel admitted.

  “I don’t know what to say.”

  “Most men would say they’d never do that, but you can’t, can you?”

  “No, I think she’s my fated one. I never thought I would meet my perfect match, but if I did, I always thought it would be easy.”

  “Nothing is ever easy for a white wolf.”

  “Wasn’t your mating with Blake easy?”

  Ariel laughed then she walked in the door with the doctor. “Not at all. The council wanted to punish me for my books. They didn’t believe I was a white wolf or that the stories came to me in my dreams. Once they finally believed, they were set to use me to get to my family and to set up the perfect pack. They almost drove Blake to a collapse when they picked up the schedule on forming the new pack down here.”

  The doctor had gone straight to Beth to check her out. “I won’t be sure until she wakes. She should be okay, but she does have a concussion. Someone needs to stay with her tonight. Once she wakes, keep her awake. My guess is she’ll wake up soon.” Doc said. “You’re lucky. I just got back from Ohio.”

  “What?”

  “I was down there working with blood drug addicts and undercover agents. Nasty mess. Ariel’s nephew and his mate managed to get blown up. He wasn’t changed yet, so he almost died. We had to change him so he’d make it. I liked that guy.” Doc said as he shot Ariel a look.

  She just shook her head. “You have to like somebody eventually.”

  “That’s not true. There are people who hate everyone.” Doc insisted.

  “So we shouldn’t wake her? Isn’t it bad that she hasn’t woken yet?” Titus asked.

  “Honestly, it’s rare to have a complication from a concussion, but most people don’t want to take a risk. She’s young, strong, healthy, and has good genes. The hit was hard, but not in the worst place it could be. Not that there’s a good place to get banged on the head. Ariel could change her and she’d be fine right away, but Ariel won’t unless her life is in danger.” Doc explained.

  “Titus is likely her mate. If he changes her, she might not be a wolf. If he tries and she doesn’t change, I can always change her to wolf. Understand?” Ariel.

  The doctor sighed heavily. “Yes, you want to give her the opportunity for the best mating possible.”

  “You think she might be a cat?” Titus asked.

  “Do you know what Seb’s mate is?” Ariel asked.

  “Yes, but the odds are unbelievable.”

  “They were for Seb and Andi too.”

  “You’re right.” Titus agreed. He refused to hope he’d manage to mate Beth, much less that she would be a tiger. If he could claim her, being a tiger would make things easier on her more than anything. He had already decided he would even accept her as a human.

  “I guess the doctor and I will go, but call if you need anything.” Ariel said.

  “Shouldn’t I check on Dale?” Doc asked.

  “I don’t think he’ll come out of his room anytime soon.” Titus said with a grin that flashed his fangs.

  “Okay. Call if you need anything. You should take her to her room.” Ariel commented.

  He decided to take her advice. Picking her up, he carried her to the master suite which was incredibly nice. Pulling back the covers, he laid her on the bed removing her shoes, socks, and pants. Her shirt looked comfy enough not to interfere with her rest. Covering her up, he moved to the other side. Taking off his own boots, socks, pants, and shirt, he slipped onto the bed moving closer to her so he could hold her. Rarely taking a nap, it was a surprise when he fell asleep with his perfect mate in his arms.

  Chapter 5

  Dale

  There was a pounding on the door that woke her. Beth was in bed with warmth all around her. She didn’t want to get up when she felt so protected and comfortable. It took a few seconds to realize a naked male was holding her and a few more seconds to realize it was Titus. Jerking out of his arms, she got out of bed then saw she was mostly undressed.

  Her clothes were on a chair so she threw her pants on then went to open the door as Titus got up naked as the day he was born. Dear God! The male looked amazing. She looked away quickly. Hurrying to the door, when she opened it Damon and Marissa stood there.

  “Come in.” She invited as she stepped out of the way.

  “What’s happening with Dale?” Damon got right to the point.

  “I’m not sure. I just woke up and I don’t remember a thing.”

  “That’s because he knocked you out, Sweetie.” Marissa explained. “Titus came and got him to give up the keys and your purse. He went to his room while Titus got Ariel and her doctor to see how you were. Doc asked him to stay the night with you.”

  “And I did.” Titus said from where he now stood leaning against the doorway. He was only wearing his pants and looking too good to believe. “He said not to wake her and Ariel suggested I put her in her bed and lay down with her. She just woke up.”

  “I thought they usually said not to let them sleep.” Marissa said.

  “That’s what I thought too so I asked. He said to wait until she woke on her own.” Titus explained. “Looks like it’s been eight hours. He said to stay with her twenty-four.”

  “Maybe he did, but I’m going to work in the morning. What time is it?” Beth asked.

  “It’s ten.” Damon said. “I had to drive back from St. Louis then pick up Marissa.”

  “What’s going on with Dale?” Beth asked.

  “He wasn’t supposed to be released to you for several weeks. He’s not even completely clean yet.” Damon admitted.

  “What now?” Beth asked.

  “I’ll take him to the facility in Springfield. It’ll be easier for family to visit.” Damon added.

  “Just me. None of the others visit.” Beth observed.

  “Some of us will visit. We didn’t know about him.” Marissa declared.

  “It’s a lot to ask when you guys barely know him.” Beth said. Her eyes were watery and she looked so sad. This boy meant a lot to her.

  “Could she keep him with help?” Titus asked.

  “She could after he has at least another week to get that stuff out of his system. Being human is a blessing and a curse with it. Shifters are hit the hardest, but they heal from it quicker. Until it leaves his system fully, there’s no hope. He might not realize it, but if he’d gone to anyone to buy it, they would kill him. They even put a hit out on him.” Damon explained.

  “One week, and if you need me, I’ll stay with you to help with Dale.” Titus offered.

  “Why would you do that? You’ve seen the worst of him.” Beth asked.

  “Dale and I have an understanding.” Titus said with a predatory grin.

  “You can only take him back if you have help.” Damon insisted. “Meanwhile, I ne
ed to get him to come down. It’s time to take him where he needs to be.”

  “Damon, is that you down there?” Dale called.

  “Yes.” Damon answered.

  “Can you save me? There’s a tiger downstairs that wants to eat me.” Dale explained.

  “I ran him off.” Damon offered. “Let’s get you out of here before he comes back.”

  Dale appeared on the stairs. “What about Beth?”

  “The tiger likes her.” Damon said.

  “Oh, okay. Is it a pet or something?” Dale asked.

  “Something like that, but it only likes females.” Damon explained.

  “Do I need to pack a bag?” Dale asked.

  “No, we’ll be fine where we’re going. You’ll come back once the tiger is placated.” Damon offered.

  “Okay. I don’t like that Beth lives alone.” Dale observed.

  “She won’t be alone much longer.” Damon said.

  “Good. She needs someone. Let’s go in case that tiger’s stalking us.” Dale interjected.

  Damon and Dale left, but Marissa stayed behind a moment. “You look confused, Titus.”

  “I find it odd that the boy remembered the tiger, but nothing that he’d done. He worried about Beth, but forgot that he’d injured her. It was something I’d tell him about if I didn’t realize it would piss Beth off. Speaking of being pissed off, once she feels better, I plan to have a discussion about why she hid herself from me.” Titus said. Beth was looking everywhere, but at him. “It isn’t necessary anymore, so I guess Beth will dress better. Maybe it’s alright for her to dress dowdy until we mate. No point in tempting the other males. My tiger approves of the plan, but I know Beth will do as she wishes. She is a strong willed female, but she is also smart and capable. Beth will make a wonderful mate for an alpha like me. I know you’re listening too, Beth. Just know my tiger is on the prowl and you are his target. He will settle for no one else.” Titus promised.

  “Well I’m glad we got that out of the way. Are you staying with her? She shouldn’t be alone.” Marissa asked.

  “I’ll be with her until the doctor releases her.” Titus declared.

  “You don’t have to. I feel fine.” Beth protested.

  “Until the doctor releases you, Beth. Don’t even try to argue.”

  “I see everything is in hand. Good bye and take care.” Marissa said quickly and then she was gone.

  “How are you feeling?” Titus turned to her and asked.

  “Ravenous.” She admitted.

  “Dale conked you with the pot you were about to cook in.” Titus smirked. “What were you about to fix?”

  “A simple stir fry to use up most of the leftover veggies in the fridge drawer. Today is my usual grocery shopping day. I also had some sirloin tips to add and some pie for dessert.” Beth admitted.

  “We can do that. I’m hungry too. Are you sure you can walk?” Titus asked cautiously.

  “Yes, thanks for your concern.”

  “Just sit on a stool and tell me what to do.”

  “If you’re worried about me, just bring the vegetables in the drawer to me. This meal requires a lot of prep work.”

  She could tell Titus was impressed with her kitchen. Could he tell she had incorporated the old dining room into the kitchen area? A large work/seating area that even had a sink and an extra oven had been added. Eight people could sit there if necessary while someone worked preparing the meal. There was also a smaller work area with a sink and a stove top with two stools for serious meal preparation that had pots and steel bowls hanging overhead. The place Beth sat just had three low hanging lights overhead. It also had covers he might not have noticed for the sink and stove so even more people could sit there.

  He went to the fridge, it was a commercial model where everything slid around for easy access and the drawer came out easily so he took the whole thing to her. She began to sort the veggies and when she was through; she handed him the empty drawer. Titus washed it out, dried it, and returned it to its spot. Digging around, he found a knife and washed his hands, then joined her preparing the vegetables. It was relaxing sitting here with him.

  “Where did you learn to cook?” Titus asked.

  “Ariel taught many of us younger ones. She’s an amazing cook, although she loves the cook she has now.” Beth admitted. “I also took some classes.”

  “Why doesn’t she cook anymore?”

  “Do you have any idea how much she has on her plate? And she does cook, just rarely.”

  “I’ll admit I know she does an amazing amount of things just for the pack and she also has two jobs. You white wolves get a lot done.”

  “It’s true, I’ve not met a lazy cousin, but doing too much can lead to a breakdown. Ariel needs to take more time off. The boys leaving hit hard in more ways than one.”

  “At least they didn’t go too far. They visit on holidays, right?” Titus quizzed.

  “They do, but she never thought they’d leave, especially Danny.”

  “Why does everyone always act so surprised that Danny left?”

  “He had health problems that made things hard on him. None of us ever understood them or him. As soon as he became a wolf, bam, all the problems were gone. Marissa studied it later and said Danny’s magic was strong and didn’t fit with a fully human body.”

  “I’ve heard of that before. They develop seizures, forgetfulness, and other mental problems. He’s lucky he changed, it could have killed him.”

  “Yeah, we’re all happy for him. He’s done amazing things since he went wolf. He’s even helping Matt with his new pack.”

  “Why is that so hard to believe?”

  “He wouldn’t let anyone help him with his. It almost got him killed during an attack because his wolves wouldn’t help him.”

  “Those wolves would be dead when I recovered.”

  “Danny took any rank they had away and they had to start over. Not an easy thing the way his pack is picking up new members. His first three betas are from outside. Only his fourth and fifth are originally from the pack. He’s had a hard time, but he’s finally got things running well. The construction and security businesses keep all his members working.”

  “The security business is with Tyne, isn’t it?”

  “Yeah, Tyne doesn’t want to be as busy, but he wants to expand. He’s been partnering up with alphas all over.” Beth admitted.

  “Seb better watch out.” Titus observed.

  “No, they have an agreement that works for both of them. They both have all the business they can handle and often more. I used to work part time for Tyne and it was more like full time.”

  “What could you do?”

  Beth growled at him. “It’s true I often worked as a detective, but sometimes females don’t want male guards and I could shoot you in the eye from further away than you would expect. I also have some hand to hand skills. No, I can’t take out a male shifter if he knows I can fight, but you’d be surprised or maybe not since you’re one of them, how many underestimate me and end up on the floor.”

  Titus held up his hands. “Easy, girl. I was just asking.”

  “Looks like the veggies are ready. Why don’t you pull down the big frying pan and we’ll get started?”

  She watched as he did as she’d suggested. “Should I use this oil?” Titus asked pointing to a seasoned oil she often cooked with.

  “Yes, that’s the one most people like best.” She carried the cut up to him enjoying that he didn’t mind helping in the kitchen. “So what is your favorite dish to cook?”

  “I lived in Italy as a child. My mother was Italian and she loved to cook. She taught us all many basic Italian dishes. Sometime, I’d love to make you some of my favorites.”

  Beth wrinkled her nose. “As long as there’s no escargot, clams, or oysters I’m fine with it.”

  “Okay, I’ll keep that in mind.” He picked up the meat she had brought him first. The veggies were sliced thin so they would cook faster than the chunks o
f meat. Beth set out her usual spices, some red wine, and soy sauce.

  Titus didn’t blink as he tossed everything in. He cooked like she did. She rarely measured anything. The smell of cooking food was delicious and her stomach growled like an angry tiger. Beth grinned at the thought. Her mouth watered, but luckily this would be done soon. Busying herself, she used the microwave to cook a small bowl of noodles.

  The veggies and meat were done just a little while before the noodles. When the buzzer sounded, Titus took the noodles out and drained them. Beth had two plates near the stove so he spooned out noodles on each plate them covered them in the veggie meat fry. He dumped the rest of the noodles in the pan and put the bowl in the sink filling it with soap water.

  They sat where they’d prepped the food and she’d set sweet tea on the table with two glasses. She filled the glasses and they ate their food and drank their tea quietly. It felt nice to have company even if he didn’t talk much. Maybe she was lucky, because she didn’t want to talk about how she’d hidden herself under baggy clothes and big reading glasses.

  “This is good and it didn’t take that long to make.” Titus observed.

  “Extra hands make short work of things. Ariel always let us kids help. It was one of the lessons at camp, if you are old enough to walk, you’re old enough to help.”

  “How did that work out?”

  “Surprisingly well. It’s amazing how many jobs little ones can help with. It also tires them out so they’re ready for nap time.” Beth explained.

  “I never thought of kids helping.”

  “You saw the younger helpers on the work site. Kids are great to fetch things especially water for the workers. While they do that, they learn a lot too. They also are great for sweeping up and picking up the site. The guys hate to do that.”

  “You’re right. I think you’ll make a great mother someday.”

  “Maybe. Time will tell.”

  They finished eating and put their plates in the sink. Beth pulled out a pie putting a piece for each of them on a small plate. “What kind?”

  “Blueberry. It’s my favorite.” Beth replied.

  “One of mine, too.”

  They wiped out the pie in no time. “I should show you to your room.”