“Are you concerned about this business with Lorna and the lawyers? I know that could be a bit much for a new mate.”
“No,” Apollo said with a smile. “Why would I be concerned about that? I think your lawyer’s suggestion about asking for a DNA test before you pay any more money is a good idea. We know that Lorna won’t be willing to do it, but that choice is hers. She’s going to have to find another way to fund her lifestyle. I don’t see that as being unfair or anything wrong with it at all. If anything, I think she’s lucky that you didn’t ask your lawyers to get back the money you’ve already paid. I imagine that’s what a lot of people would do in that situation.”
“I wouldn’t do that,” Titus said firmly. “Once the money’s gone, it’s gone. I’m not going to sweat about mistakes in the past. I just don’t want to be spending my newly mated life as a loser either. But I believe I was asking about you. You’re quiet this morning.”
Apollo chuckled. “There isn’t anything wrong exactly. I do have quiet times where my mind just wanders. You haven’t done anything wrong.” He rested his hand on Titus’s shoulder. “I just... I need some people time.”
What the fuck? Aren’t I people?“I’m not sure I understand what you mean.” Titus alternated between watching the road and eyeing his mate, who was looking pensive.
“A big part of who I am,” Apollo said, “has to do with being a muse to people in any creative field. That could be art, music, writing, even medicine or invention. What many people don’t understand is that I get so much from doing it – it’s like an energy boost for my soul.
“You remember I told you about Timothy – I will be going back there next week, fair warning. But hearing Timothy sing was so incredibly rewarding for me. He might never sing again, or hecould go on to become someone famous, but I got to share that moment with him where he found his voice.
“It’s not just singers. I love to watch someone design an elaborate display of cans in a grocery store. Or it can be something simple, like watching children dancing at a music festival. I can take so much pleasure seeing a whole group of open-air artists sitting and painting the same scene in nature, and yet every work is different. It’s like when I’m around people doing these things, and I breathe in, I feel renewed, and my purpose in life is reassured. I haven’t had a chance to do much of that since meeting you because we’ve been in the truck.”
“If you wanted music, you can put the radio on.” Titus reached out to hit the button for it, but Apollo blocked his hand.
“There’s no passion in that music, not when it comes from the radio,” Apollo said. “I’m not saying those popular artists aren’t talented. I’ve been in recording studios back in the day, and I know how passionate musicians are about their work. But if you want to get the true feeling of the way an artist sings, or the way a musician plays his instrument, you have to experience it in person. I have to feel the vibes, I believe they say, for it to do me any good.”
My mate is expressing a need. It’s up to me to fill it.Although Titus couldn’t sing at all. “What does that mean for us exactly?” He checked his GPS and added, “I’ll be dropping off this load in about twenty minutes. After that, we can go anywhere that you want.”
“I thought you’d have more work to do. I know you’ve got a whole stack of messages you haven’t answered on your phone.”
Titus could always find work to do, but Apollo’s comments about the messages had Titus clearing his throat. “Yeah, I need to delete those messages. They’re…er…more personal thanbusiness-related. I won’t be responding to them now that I’m mated.”
Apollo’s smirk didn’t help. “I have been paying attention to you,” he said quietly. “You’re really happy here in your truck, doing something with purpose. I was watching you at that last stop we made for gas and food. You met a couple of friends of yours – other drivers.”
“Yes, Benny and Dave. They’re owner drivers. Good sorts.”
“They seemed like a lot of fun,” Apollo agreed. “I can see why you enjoy this lifestyle. I’m just not sure it’s for me.”
What the actual fuck?“I think you need to be a bit more explicit,” Titus said a lot more sharply than he intended, but his wolf was in panic mode. “You and I are claimed. We can’t be apart. If you leave me now, my wolf will die, and if I die, so will you.”
“We’re not dying, and I’m not talking about leaving you. You’re immortal now, but that’s not the point either. I’m talking about me taking a bit of time now and then to do something that makes my soul sing.”
“Didn’t I do that last night? I’m sure at one point you were screaming my name loud enough to raise the ceiling.” The bedroom side of things was going very well, and Titus knew Apollo had enjoyed himself, too.
“There’s more to life than sex. I know it’s not something you consider very often,” Apollo said firmly. “But for you, your life has been about sex and making money. That’s fine. You’re good at your business and amazing in bed.”
Thank fuck for that.Titus couldn’t help a quiet preen.
“For me, I want to sit and listen to a live band playing, perhaps while I’m enjoying good food. I want to walk around art galleriesor those little craft markets. We passed so many places on this trip where we could’ve stopped and just spent some time out of the truck. That would’ve made me feel so much better.”
Titus winced. “In hindsight, this trip probably wasn’t the best idea I’ve ever had. I wanted to get to know you, and being in the cab – a bit of enforced proximity and all that – I thought that would work. I did have an extra two days’ grace before delivery, but I guess I was in business mode. If we deliver goods before they’re expected, it always makes the company look good. But you’re right. We could’ve stopped at a few places at least.”
“That’s what I mean, you’re clearly brilliant at business. But if that’s all you think about – well, apart from sex – then you should’ve mated my sister, Artemis.”
Apollo flung open his arms. “You need to shift regularly, right? If you don’t, you get antsy and your wolf gets pushy with you.”
“Very pushy at times.” That usually happened when Titus had been spending too much time working.
“For me, I’m the opposite. Ineedto spend time visiting craft centers, hiking in nature, going to art galleries, or going out for a meal and listening to live music. I love to dance. I love to play instruments.
“Some of my happiest times are when I would visit a small town, and they’d have a pub that doubles as an eatery. You know the place where all the locals know each other, and when you walk in, they look at you funny because you’re clearly not from around there.” Apollo laughed.
“I have done that so many times, and heard that exact phrase more times than I can count. But if I’m prepared to buy them a drink, I’m friendly, and I smile and listen to them, they forget that I’m a stranger.
“Sometimes - my favorite times of all – I would go up and talk to the band while they’re on a break. If I’m lucky, they’ll let me play with them for a while.” Apollo hugged himself, his smile so bright for the first time that morning. “When I leave those evenings, I feel so completely fulfilled. That’s my purpose. I wish I could explain it to you better, but I need an evening like that.”
