Titan (Hades Abyss MC 5): Mississippi Chapter

by Harley Wylde

  “I need to go handle a few things before I head out. Why don’t you call Missy about your stuff? You can use my phone. I want you to settle in a bit while I’m gone today. You can change anything you want, as long as you keep out of my office.”

  She gave a quick nod and I slid my phone across the table to her. While she was occupied, I went to my office and pulled the flash drive from my pocket. I plugged it into the computer and pulled up the files. The one labeled MaryAnne made me pause. I clicked it, and immediately silenced the sound while I tried to get the volume adjusted. It looked like they’d wrapped her in a straitjacket while she screamed and thrashed. I hadn’t realized those were even still in use. What the fuck was going on?

  I went through a few more clips and realized quickly MaryAnne was being abused. It pissed me the fuck off, especially after all she’d suffered already. We’d been led to believe she was nearly catatonic. It didn’t seem to be the case. I had to get her out of there, even if I didn’t know where to put her. Galahad still stayed in a room at the clubhouse while his home was being built. I’d talk to Boomer and see if we could figure something out.

  The other files contained more information on Delilah’s family. It looked like her brothers had lived a fairly clean life. Her dad had done a little jail time way back when, but not for anything serious. It looked like his business was doing well, and he hadn’t caused any trouble since he’d married Delilah’s mom. I pulled up my email and shot off a message to Wizard. I need everything you’ve got on MaryAnne.

  I’d failed her twice now. I refused to let it happen again.

  Chapter Six

  Delilah

  A Prospect had dropped my things off at Titan’s house. My phone was tucked in a box along with my purse and other essentials. Missy had shoved some clothes into two plastic bags. I knew I had a lot more at the apartment, but this would do for now. My phone still had a charge, even though it was nearly dead. The missed calls and texts weren’t a good sign.

  Dad: Where the fuck are you? Answer your phone!

  Mom: We’re worried. Call us!

  Each sent at least a half-dozen messages like the first, and my brothers had even sent a handful. It looked like they’d all tried to call me nearly every hour today and a few times last night. Even though I’d spoken to Mom, the conversation I’d had with her had seemed to only make things worse. I should have known to check in. I hadn’t gone more than a day without calling or texting since I’d moved here.

  I set up a group text with all of them and quickly typed out a message. I’m fine. Forgot to charge my phone.

  It wasn’t entirely a lie. I really did need to charge it. I pulled my cord and block from the box and plugged it into the nearest outlet. It would take at least an hour to get half my battery life back. I dug out the rest of the items and put them away, leaving the clothes for last. He’d said I could move things, but I felt awkward pawing through his drawers to make space. Instead, I set those items aside and hung up the two dresses she’d packed. I could deal with the rest later.

  Titan had a small TV on his dresser, and I switched it on. Since I’d plugged my phone in here, I didn’t want to wander far. My family was sure to respond soon, and they’d just worry again if they couldn’t reach me. I flipped through the channels until I found a movie I’d seen a hundred times, then settled back against the pillows on the bed. Barney lay at the side of the bed. I’d never had a dog before, and I’d fallen for him quickly.

  My phone started chirping with texts. I let it go a few minutes, then scrolled through to read them all. If I tried to answer separately, it would take forever. Instead, I tried to compile everything into one message.

  I’m moving out of the apartment. I’ll send you my new address tomorrow or day after. Everything is fine. No, you don’t need to come get me. No, you don’t need to kick anyone’s ass, but thanks for offering. I’m tired. I’ll call later.

  I set the phone back down and watched the movie, doing my best to ignore the non-stop messages coming through from my family. After ten minutes of the stupid phone going off, I silenced it. I knew they’d want to know why I was moving and where. Which would mean I’d have to tell them about Titan, and I had no idea how to explain him to my family. Mom knew a little, but not everything. I wasn’t sure I wanted to share everything for that matter. I’d never mentioned him during my previous phone calls since moving here, even though we’d met two months ago, and I saw him on a regular basis when I’d come in for work. I was also a little concerned how they’d handle the age gap. It didn’t bother me, but my family was another matter. I knew my dad was older than my mom. My brothers had often dated women younger than me. I also knew it would be different when it was their sister or daughter in the relationship.

  One movie ended up being two before I heard the door slam shut downstairs. I started to get up and go see if Titan was all right, but I heard more banging. At one point, it almost sounded like he’d started tossing furniture around. My throat tightened and my stomach knotted. What if it wasn’t Titan downstairs? He’d said I’d be safe here, and I’d felt safe.

  Heavy steps came up the stairs and I felt like locking the door. If it was Titan, he’d probably be pissed if I locked him out of his own room. I watched and waited. When I saw him at the top of the landing, I breathed a sigh of relief. The tension in his shoulders and the way his hands were clenched would have been enough to tell me he was pissed, if I hadn’t already heard all the noise downstairs.

  He stopped just inside the bedroom doorway.

  “Are you all right?” I asked.

  “No. Not even fucking close.”

  I got up and went to him, reaching up to cup his cheek. “Can I help?”

  “No one can help. I fucked up and it’s cost the club. Galahad is nearly dead, and so is the Prospect who went with him. The girls we were trying to save were slaughtered right in front of us.”

  I didn’t even know what to say. I leaned against him, wanting to offer him comfort. The brutality of what he described was beyond anything I could comprehend. I knew there was ugliness in the world, but I’d never experienced it myself, and I hoped I never did. I took his hand and led him into the bathroom, then I turned on the shower, letting the water get good and hot.

  Titan stared at the wall, unmoving.

  I gently removed his cut and set it on the counter before helping him out of the rest of his clothes. I gave him a nudge into the shower and leaned up to kiss his cheek, not caring if the shower spray got my shirt damp.

  “Let the water wash it away, Justin. You can’t change what’s happened. Let it all out and when you’re done, I’ll have a surprise for you in the kitchen. We’ll sit down and maybe we can come up with some ideas to at least help those who were injured.” I ran my hand down his arm. “I may not know a lot about your world, but I’m here. In whatever way you need me.”

  I moved away and shut the glass door, then hurried downstairs. I’d browsed the cabinets and fridge earlier and knew there wasn’t a lot to work with, but he did have some box mixes for cakes and brownies. They were probably for when his family came over. Mid-reach, I stopped. His family. I rushed back up the stairs and got his phone. What had he said? His daughter was with someone named… Kraken? I took the phone to the kitchen with me and found the name under his contacts.

  “You need me, Pres?” the man asked the second the call connected.

  “Um, it’s not Titan. It’s Delilah.”

  “Everything all right?” he asked, sounding more alert than before.

  “No. I don’t think so. Titan is… what happened today hit him hard. I was going to make some brownies, but I think he could use his family right now.”

  “I’ll get my wife and kids. We’ll be there in ten minutes.” He paused. “Thanks for calling, Delilah. I think you’ll be good for him.”

  That remained to be seen. He could be pissed as hell when he found out what I’d done. I mixed the brownies and popped them into the oven. I set the timer, th
en went to the living room to find a family friendly movie I thought little kids might like. Wizard of Oz? No, the witch might be scary to little Ember. Charlotte’s Web? Probably not. Even I cried when Charlotte died. I finally found an animated Scooby Doo movie and put that on. Who didn’t like a big goofy Great Dane?

  The front door opened, and a man came in, a little girl clutched in his arms, and a pretty woman behind him with a baby. My hands shook a little as nerves hit me hard. I was meeting Titan’s family. What if they didn’t like me?

  Kraken came into the living room and set Ember down. The little girl gave me a curious look before focusing on the TV. She plopped on the floor and stuck her thumb in her mouth. Barney scampered into the room and stretched out next to the little girl.

  “You must be Delilah,” Kraken said, holding out his hand.

  I shook it and cast a quick glance at his wife before looking at him again. Even though he was part of the club, I seldom saw him at the clubhouse the times I’d come in to work. It made me wonder if he avoided the place since he had a family at home waiting for him. Would Titan still go there at night? Would he party like he had before? He’d said he’d be faithful, and I didn’t think he’d lied to me, but I wasn’t sure how to feel about him being around all those naked women.

  “So you’re the woman my dad decided to keep?” the woman asked. Her lips were pursed, and her eyebrows raised, as if she couldn’t believe he’d want someone like me. I tugged at my shirt, wishing it didn’t hug my belly quite so much. When she suddenly smiled and laughed, I jolted. “I’m glad to meet you. I’m Phoebe.”

  “Um, hi.” I glanced between her and her husband again, wondering if I was about to be the butt of a joke.

  “Sorry about that,” Phoebe said. “I shouldn’t have tried to make you feel bad. Honestly, I’m thrilled he found someone.”

  “It doesn’t bother you that I’m close to your age?” I asked.

  Phoebe shook her head. “Nope. Kraken is just two years younger than my dad. I can’t exactly say anything without being a hypocrite now, can I?”

  No, when she put it that way, she certainly couldn’t. Her warm smile set me at ease, and I began to relax. I focused on the little bundle in her arms, moving a bit closer to peer at the baby. He was so cute!

  “This is Banner,” she said. “And Ember is the one you won’t be able to pry away from the TV until that movie goes off.”

  I heard footsteps on the stairs. My heart slammed against my ribs as I worried over Titan’s reaction. I’d told him I’d have a surprise in the kitchen. He’d no doubt thought I meant food, and I had, but it just seemed like as bad a day as he’d had his family might be what he needed more than sugar.

  He came into the room in just his jeans and barefoot. Liquid heat pooled inside me, even as I watched him anxiously for any sort of reaction. He looked at each of his family members before swinging his gaze my way, both eyebrows arched.

  “I, um… I thought maybe you’d like to see your family, since you’d had a bad day and all.” I chewed my lower lip. “I also have brownies baking.”

  Titan shook Kraken’s hand, hugged his daughter, kissed his grandson, then pulled me against his chest. I felt his lips brush the top of my head.

  “Thank you,” he murmured.

  I nodded against him, wrapping my arms around his waist. The timer went off in the kitchen and I pulled away so I could rescue the brownies from burning. I set them on the counter to cool. I hadn’t thought to ask about any allergies and wished I’d been able to make a second dessert just in case. The brownies had walnuts. Since Titan had purchased them, I had to hope that meant they were safe for his family to eat.

  I took down some small plates, grabbed a handful of forks, and got a knife out to cut the brownies. Titan didn’t have a trivet so I used a kitchen towel to place under the brownie pan and put it in the center of the kitchen table. Then I set everything else out so everyone could help themselves. I waited a few minutes, letting the brownies cool a little more and giving Titan some time to talk to Kraken and Phoebe, then I called them into the kitchen.

  Ember clung to Titan as he came through the doorway. My ovaries exploded at the sight of him holding the little girl, and I wondered if he wanted more children. We hadn’t discussed it, or much of anything. Well, nothing we should be talking about. Life-changing things couples should know before deciding to live together forever. Those things we’d avoided. It was stupid to rush into a relationship with him, not knowing if we wanted the same things. And yet, all the man had to do was touch me, or give me that sexy wink, and I turned into a brainless puddle of hormones.

  “I made the brownies with walnuts. I’m not sure if everyone can eat them,” I said.

  “We can pick out the nuts for Ember,” Phoebe said. “I don’t want to take a chance on her choking, but she won’t eat more than a bite or two anyway.”

  “I’m the youngest of four siblings, so I’m afraid I haven’t been around babies. None of my brothers have settled down yet,” I said.

  Phoebe gave her father a sly look. “Maybe there will be more babies here soon.”

  Titan choked on the bite he’d just taken. “Are you pregnant again already?”

  Kraken snorted. “I think she meant you and Delilah.”

  Phoebe smiled at her husband and he looked like he might panic for a moment. Then she burst out laughing. “Oh, my God. Your face! No, I’m not pregnant, but I do want at least one more baby. Just not right this minute. I need some time to… I’m still grieving. I’m not ready for a third baby, but I do want one someday.”

  Titan didn’t say anything, and he didn’t so much as look my way. Did that mean he didn’t want more kids? I could understand. His daughter was already an adult and had kids of her own. I didn’t know how I felt about the possibility of never having kids. It wasn’t something I’d planned in my immediate future, but I’d always thought I’d have one or two at some point in my life.

  “Speaking of babies, did you hear Rocket and Violeta had a little boy? And Slider and Vasha are expecting,” Kraken said.

  I had no idea who those people were. They obviously didn’t live here, since Titan had said Phoebe was the only other woman. I wondered if they were part of another club. With names like Slider and Rocket, it seemed like they were bikers, like Titan and Kraken… unless their mothers really didn’t like them.

  “Well, your brothers need to get to work finding decent women and starting families,” Phoebe said. “It would be nice for the kids to have someone to play with.”

  “I know a few who wouldn’t mind settling down,” Titan said, “but most are enjoying their freedom. They’ll eventually tire of the scene at the clubhouse.”

  Everyone finished off the brownies and I started cleaning up. Barney pawed at my foot. I looked down and he gave a little bark before running to the back door. Since Titan was talking to his family, I let the dog out and stood on the back steps waiting for him. He raced around the yard, doing three laps, before putting his nose to the ground and sniffing out a spot. After he’d peed at least three times, barked at what seemed to be nothing at all, then sniffed the grass another ten minutes, I let him back inside.

  Titan sat at the kitchen table and the house was quiet. I looked around and didn’t even see signs we’d ever had visitors. Had they left while I’d been gone? I knew it was rude to not have said goodbye, but I’d invited them over to help Titan deal with his shitty day. The fact he’d smile and laughed meant I’d accomplished my goal, at least as long as they’d been here.

  “Did they leave already?” I asked.

  “Yeah. Ember was getting tired so they headed home to put the kids to bed.” He held out his hand and I went to him. Titan pulled me down onto his lap. “Thank you. I don’t know how you knew exactly what I needed, but I appreciate it.”

  “I may not know how all this works yet, but I’m pretty sure any relationship requires a bit of give and take. You needed me, so I helped in the only way I knew how. I can’t
make what happened go away, but I can at least give you a bit of comfort and help you de-stress, or try at any rate.”

  He hugged me tight. “I’m glad you walked into the club that day. I think Fate put you in my path. Knew I’d need you. I know shit won’t be easy, and we’re bound to fight at times. I can promise I’ll never hurt you, not intentionally.”

  “So we should be completely honest with each other, right?” I asked.

  “Of course. Do you think I’ve lied to you about something?” he asked.

  “No. More like there are a lot of things we haven’t discussed. Claiming me is your version of a marriage, if I understand correctly. You said we’re exclusive. And it’s a forever kind of thing.”

  “Right.”

  “We haven’t talked about whether or not you want kids. You asked if I was on birth control, and you didn’t exactly seem excited about the idea of a baby when Phoebe teased you about it earlier. Do you not want more children? I can understand if that’s the case, since you have a grown daughter and grandkids.”

  He ran his hand up and down my thigh. “I haven’t given it a lot of thought. I asked about birth control because right now, no, I don’t think I want a baby. It doesn’t mean I won’t ever want one. I love my family, and the thought of raising a kid with you isn’t unpleasant. There’s just a lot of shit going on with the club. I’m not sure I have the time for an infant right now.”

  Well, it wasn’t an outright no. I could live with that. For now. I leaned against him, cuddling closer. I didn’t exactly want a baby right this second either. I just wanted to know there was a chance we could have one at a later time. He’d been great with Ember. There were plenty of men in the world who should have never been fathers. Titan wasn’t one of them. Any kid he had would be lucky to have him for a dad.