by Sabrina Rue
From there, he transitioned to fighting techniques, weapons use, and battle strategy.
When the memories stopped, she collapsed against his chest in exhaustion. “I have so little to share with you.”
“I treasure every quiet moment, Desiree.” He kissed her temple. “That’s enough for tonight. Allow me to fill you in on everything outside Were kind. There’s no need to reach out to those you aren’t certain of.”
“You saw my talk with Harmony?”
“No, love. I wouldn’t spy on you in such a way. I called her. I was grateful when technology started evolving here. Cell phones are better than nothing.” She laughed tiredly. “She tore me apart verbally and asked when I was arriving to do right by her Second.”
“I adore her.”
“As do I. You must rest. It will take you several days to absorb all I’ve shared. I leave to answer a call I received for help on the other side of the world. I’ll be back in a few days.”
Meeting his eyes, she frowned. “A few…days?”
Lifting his hands, he held her face. “Will you miss me, Mate?” She nodded. “The knowledge pleases me.”
He stood, taking her with him. As he set her on her feet, strong hands gripped her shoulders.
“When I return, be ready for more, Desiree.”
“Already there, Titus.” Her words were weak but their intent was powerful. “It doesn’t feel as though we’ve spent only three days together.”
“Come. Slip into Change and return to your home, your bed, before the sun rises.”
After another kiss, she did as instructed. She felt his presence the entire way.
CHAPTER FIVE
One week later…
Redbird called from the hall, “We must join our Alphas, Desiree. These are guests that must be greeted as a unit. Are you ready?”
On edge, vibrating from the inside out, Desiree smoothed her hands over her stomach. She hadn’t seen Titus in eight days.
She was barely sleeping from physical need that haunted her the moment she was alone. Processing the memories he gave her helped occupy a mind that was unfamiliar with being distracted in such ways.
It was something.
“Yes. Coming.”
Opening the door, she smiled at her mother. Redbird wore an elegant dark blue pantsuit and heels, her hair twisted into an intricate updo. Her only jewelry was a platinum locket in the shape of a narrow rectangle that held strands of hair from the Mates she lost.
“You never age, Mom,” Desiree said sincerely. “You’re as young and beautiful as when I was a girl.”
Her mother’s eyes widened. “Why…thank you, darling. Some days, I feel older than others.” She cleared her throat and fixed her smile in place. “You look lovely. All black was an excellent choice. You’ll impress the visiting diplomats.”
Sighing, she complained, “These visits are all the same. Tedious and so very long.”
“Harmony is as annoyed as you are, my dear. Even the arrival of Hope and her children didn’t lessen her frustration when Ryker explained the unexpected visit from Parliament. We’ll get through it as we always have. Chin up, fake smile, and idle conversation.”
Taking one final look at her custom black slacks, silk top, and heeled boots, she rested her fingers over the necklace that nestled between her breasts.
The fine silver chain wasn’t visible but it gave her comfort to wear it. She’d used silver combs to pull her shorter hair back from her face.
She followed her mother through the house and grinned when she saw her female Alpha.
Harmony stood in the great hall, her outfit similar to Desiree’s. Her arms were crossed and she tapped her foot in frustration.
Justice and Juliette, adorable in semi-dress attire, raced across the room to her. “Desiree!”
Crouching, she cupped their faces. “How you’ve grown! I just saw you a few weeks ago. How healthy and happy you look.”
They chatted back and forth, completing one another’s sentences, and filled her in on the progress with the human women they’d rescued from the Montana compound.
Juliette’s eyes were sad. “We lost three of the mothers and one of the babies. Th-that was a bad day.”
Desiree held the girl’s hand between both of hers. “And how many have you saved, darling?”
Taking a deep breath, she whispered, “We have four new babies in West Texas Pack. One set of twin boys. We were especially afraid for their mother but she made it through. She’s a strong human.”
“That’s wonderful.”
“I think her Mate is gone, Desiree. Juliette can’t find him anywhere.” Justice leaned against her side. “We found the Mates for the others but…we’re having problems.”
Frowning, she looked between the siblings. “What kind of problems?”
Juliette scrubbed roughly at her face. “The Weres won’t accept the babies f-from their Mates.”
“Oh, no…”
“Mommy adopted the first little boy who lost his mother,” Justice told her. “Other families took the other orphaned babies. They have homes now.”
The little girl hissed, “Two of the mothers who lived, they’re being forced to choose between their children and their Mates. I-I knew it was possible but Father…”
“Your father is a good and honorable Wolf who loves you and protects his Pack. That’s as it should be. I’ll speak with the males myself. Such behavior would be expected of rogues but never Pack.”
They hugged her tightly. Against her head, Juliette said, “You cut your hair.”
“Your aunt keeps me training. It gets in the way.”
Leaning back, she stroked small fingers through the shoulder-length style. “I like it. It suits you.”
Standing, she greeted the adults who stood a few feet away. “Not exactly protocol to greet the children first, I know.” She held out her hand and Hope smiled, pulling her into a hug. With a gasp, she leaned back to stare into the woman’s face. “Hope?”
“Yes, I am. A little girl. It was so unexpected but I’m grateful. Why doesn’t my sister seem pregnant, Desiree? She’s ahead of me by a few weeks and still looks full of energy. I’m unhappy about it.”
Laughing, she answered, “It’s early yet. I imagine it will catch up with her soon enough. Give it time.”
With a nod, Hope told her, “It’s the end that makes one wish to live in anti-gravity. I look forward to her hitting that wall. Mean of me and I don’t care.”
Hope stood between Talon and Phoenix. Her Mates were incredibly beautiful. Desiree greeted them warmly but didn’t extend her hand.
They understood.
A few feet away, Harmony hissed, “Where’s Slade? He’s not getting out of this if I’m not.”
Ryker whispered, “Your brother is still on the training mission with my brothers.” Slipping his hand over her side, he nuzzled her cheek. “He’ll be here for the next one, sweetheart. Your clothes are deceptively delicious. One would never imagine you’d be prepared to fight in such a lovely outfit. When do you think you’ll start to show evidence of pregnancy?”
Sighing, she shot back, “I’m already slower and tire faster. It’s starting to affect my balance.”
“Then you’ll be forced to depend on your Mates for a short while,” Jax whispered. “I know it will hurt but I have no doubt you can do it, Harmony.”
“I won’t always be pregnant. Both of you should remember that. I have an excellent memory.” Meeting Desiree’s eyes, she added, “How do you stay so calm?”
“I’m accustomed to such visits. When I was Juliette’s age, I stood in this hall to greet the men and women of North American Were Parliament. Our location and strength, these things make Texas Pack interesting to those in power. You’ll get used to it, Alpha.”
Her sister-in-law grunted.
“Mom held this role for many years with her Mates. Ask her if you have questions or concerns.” Ryker smoothed his hand over her dark hair. “You’re beautiful and powerful
, Harmony. No need to stress.”
Dropping her arms, Harmony shook them out. There was no doubt in Desiree’s mind that her Alpha channeled the calm presence of her own mother.
After so many years on the run, the Kassis twins were still adjusting to the normalcy of Texas Pack life.
Jax murmured, “They’re here.”
Everyone assembled to greet the group stepping from a limousine stopped in front of the house beneath the porte-cochère.
The double doors leading into the formal great hall were thrown wide and Redbird greeted their guests with broad smiles and words of welcome.
One by one, her mother introduced the leaders of Were Parliament from North and South America.
Joseph Hawthorne was the head of Wolf Parliament for North America. He smiled happily at the gathered family. The man beside him represented the Packs of Central and South America. Diego Sousa bowed.
Desiree scented Titus before she saw him. Every cell in her body seemed to coil in anticipation. It took everything she had not to run to him, throw herself at him, beg him to take her away and touch her.
Harmony visibly jumped when her old mentor came into view but said nothing.
Titus stepped around his travel companions and bowed over her mother’s hand.
“Lady Blackwell. It’s a great honor to meet you at last. Your dignity and poise are the stuff of legends. I was deeply saddened to hear that you lost your Mates. I only recently learned the news when I came out of stasis. My sincere sympathies for your loss.”
Blushing, Redbird curtsied and it made Desiree’s breath catch. “Thank you, Lord Titus. Nathan and Tin spoke of you with true admiration. The honor is mine to welcome such royalty into our home.”
Turning, she put her hand on Ryker’s shoulder. “Allow me to make introductions. My son, the Alpha of Texas Pack. Ryker Blackwell.”
“The youngest Were to assume Pack leadership in North American history,” Titus murmured. “You take after your father, Alpha. I met him during the Pack Wars and considered him a friend.”
Ryker shook hands firmly. “I heard stories of your adventures but never thought to meet you myself. Welcome to Texas Pack. This is my Mate…”
“Oh, fuck it! Titus!”
Harmony threw herself at the Daemon and he hugged her as he laughed. Quirking his brow at Hope, she joined them, wrapping her arms around his waist.
Gesturing over her shoulder, Harmony said, “That’s my Jax and those two are Talon and Phoenix, Hope’s Mates. Introductions were taking too long.”
“How quickly you’ve grown, girls. With new lives, Mates, and children of your own.”
He kissed the tops of their heads as every member of Texas and West Texas stared at them in open-mouthed shock. The Parliament members didn’t look surprised.
“It’s been too long and we have much to discuss. First, introduce me to the children. You can’t know how I’ve looked forward to it.”
The sisters parted and Hope gestured to Justice and Juliette. They approached the threesome hand in hand.
“Justice Kassis,” the little boy said with a bow.
“Juliette Kassis,” his sister added with a curtsey.
“Look at you. The spitting image of your mother. My name is Titus. I’ve known your family since your grandfather was younger than you.”
The children didn’t hide their surprise and curiosity.
“Before he became the mighty Slade Kassis of Montana Pack, he was a brave boy who lost everything and found himself entirely alone. A young man of honor who fought impossible odds to create a future no one thought he would attain.”
He gestured between them. “You, your future siblings, your cousins, are the realization of that goal and Slade’s strength of will. It was held in trust by your mother and her sister. At great cost, they endured as their father once endured. I expected no less.”
Hope wiped at tears and Harmony wrapped her arm around her sister’s waist.
“While I’m here, I’d very much like to show you a trick or two you haven’t yet discovered.” Crouching in front of them, he whispered, “What brilliance your future holds. I’m excited to witness it.”
“Are you trained in medical arts?” Juliette asked.
Titus smiled. “I’m trained in a bit of everything.”
“We keep losing the mothers we rescued. Despite Father’s skill as a doctor, despite Justice giving me as much power as he can, despite my will to keep them alive…they die. I wish to know if there are Daemon traits I can awaken to make me better, stronger, so I can save the mothers and their babies.”
“There are things I can teach you. There is a young healer among my people who may be able to help as well. However, no matter your skills or power, it’s not always possible to save a life.”
“That’s what Mommy said,” she answered sadly.
The twins leaned against his side, resting their heads on his shoulders. He hugged their backs gently.
“There now. We’ll do all we can. Just as you’ve been doing. Without your help and the skills of your father, all the mothers and babies would have been lost. You’re winning more battles than you think. You must focus on that despite the sadness.”
“You’re a wise Daemon. Your counsel will be valuable as we grow,” Justice said with a serious nod.
They took his hands, their faces smiling up at him. The twins led him directly to Desiree and released him to wrap their arms around her lower body.
Titus held out his hand and Desiree placed hers in it. The moment she did, the entire room stilled.
Their Mate scent could not be missed.
Harmony snickered. “Keeping that secret has about killed me, honestly.”
Her poor mother fainted.
CHAPTER SIX
Titus transitioned across the room and easily caught Redbird before she hit the floor.
Nodding at Ryker who stared at him in stunned disbelief, he walked through the hall to a study with their mother in his arms.
After he gently placed her on a sofa there, he turned to face all those who’d followed him.
To the Parliament members, he gave a slight bow. “I thank you for your service. Should you wish to return to your families and duties, I won’t keep you.”
Joseph smiled, “It was an honor to be of service, Lord Titus. Your efforts on behalf of our people leave us forever in your debt. Assisting with introductions to your lovely Mate, from one of our oldest and most respected Were bloodlines, will be a source of great pride to my children for generations.”
Crossing his hands in front of him, he added, “I’d very much like to spend some time with Ryker and his Second when they have a few minutes. Their Mate as well. Stories have drifted back to headquarters and my curiosity is eating me alive.”
Diego bowed. “I, too, have heard fascinating tales of bravery and feats of awe. Talon and I haven’t raised a glass together in three decades. It appears we have much to catch up on and I hope for gossip.”
Titus nodded. “Understood.”
The two men turned to Ryker, excused themselves with an incline of their heads, and returned to the front hall to wait.
Talon and Phoenix held Hope between them, Jax had his arm around Harmony’s shoulders.
Ryker was silent, hands on his hips, looking back and forth between his only sister and Titus.
The twins stood next to Desiree who sat beside her mother on the couch. As Redbird’s eyes fluttered and fully opened, she focused on her daughter.
“Desiree? You’re so young, darling. To enter a Mating with one so powerful.” She inhaled carefully. “Power draws the greedy, the corrupt. Titus is one of the eight most powerful beings currently living on this planet. I don’t want you caught in the crossfire.”
Holding her mother’s hand between both of hers, she smiled. “I know you worry for me.”
“Desiree…”
“I’m stronger than you think, Mom. It’s no hardship to find my Mate at twenty. Think of those among us
who wait their entire lifetimes. Some never find their other half. Talon waited for Hope for sixty years and Titus, well, he’s been waiting for thousands.”
“I never expected…” She swallowed hard. “I thought your Mating would be simple, my love. Like mine, your brother’s…”
Desiree laughed. “You think Ryker’s Mating to Harmony is simple? I love her like a sister but she’s way outside the norm. They never saw her coming, Mom.”
Jax whispered, “There’s truth in that statement.”
The words were followed by a grunt of pain as Harmony elbowed him.
One corner of Redbird’s mouth lifted in a smile. “I suppose you’re right.” Her hand tightened around her daughter’s. “You’ll be l-left alone. One day, you’ll be alone. It hurts me to think of it.”
Leaning close, she stared into her mother’s dark blue eyes. “Our bloodline will have two guardians for generations. I’ll watch over my siblings and their offspring into the distant future. Titus will teach me as he once taught Harmony and I’ll find a way to help Daemon kind locate their Mates.”
Reaching out, she smoothed her fingers along Redbird’s cheek. “I’ll carry every gentle word and touch you’ve given me into a future that won’t always be gentle. When I wonder how to love my Mate, I’ll remember your love for Father, your love for Tin, until they were lost to you.”
A look of anguish crossed Redbird’s face.
“If I falter as a mother, I’ll recall how you always seemed to know just the right thing to say or do with several rowdy sons and one frightened daughter who never thought she’d be good for much.”
Bending lower, she kissed her mother’s temple. “I remember every lesson you ever taught me and I’ll have one of the most powerful beings on Earth at my side, to love and protect me, decade after decade. You don’t have to worry for me, Mom.”
“W-will you leave right away?”
“Within a year. I need to endure one more Heat alone to strengthen my body. I don’t personally know of any Were-Daemon Matings or the outcome of their births. I need to be as physically strong as possible.”