“What the fuck do you have that she wants?” Xander asked.
“Freedom from her contract.”
Xander raised a pale brow. “And you think you can do that?”
“I have no idea, but she doesn’t know that. So until we take out whoever hired her, I’m going to keep her close.”
“You should’ve told us immediately,” Riley said. “We’re a team, Ti.”
Titus looked away, clenching his jaw.
“As soon as you’ve confirmed who paid for your hit, you tell us, and we’ll figure out what happens next. Do not make the move without us, do you understand?”
“I wasn’t aware I’d lost your trust,” Titus said between gritted teeth. “But yes,Sire.I understand.” Not waiting for a reply, he turned back towards the hall, needing a second to calm himself. He knew he’d reacted unfairly, but he was tired at being treated like he was broken.
Titus paused at the bottom of the stairs, watching as Rae laughed casually with Sam. Her head was thrown back, uninterrupted happiness pouring from her, and Titus felt jealous.
Which was fucking ridiculous.
There was something about her that just crawled beneath his skin, her attitude and disobedience something he wasn’t used to. Yet the memory of the way she submitted.Fuck.It wasn’t even the submission, it was the fact she’d fought him the entire time, despite her body betraying every word she’d snarled over her shoulder. Her submission had been a gift, one he planned to take advantage of. It made him want to tie her up, turn her pretty skin various shades of pink. He knew it would too, his hand leaving the perfect mark.
Titus felt Jax approach from behind, his brother’s attention onhisassassin.
“I’m sorry about earlier.”At losing control.
“I worry about you, brother.” Jax’s eyes were hard when they met his. “You’re bottling everything inside, and then you say shit like that?”
“I’m –”
“You’re not fine,” Jax said, voice sharp. “A blind hound can see you’re not fine.”
“We don’t have the option to be anything but fine,” Titus said. “I’m dealing with it my own way.”
“By locking yourself in your room? To come out when you’re on rotation, and then to go back inside? What are you, a fucking teenager?” Jax shook his head. “You’re always so calm, Ti. Content to hide every emotion, but you’re allowed to lose control every now and then.”
“Yes, because earlier when I almost combusted it was very beneficial, thanks.”
Jax sighed. “What did you tell me when we were kids? When I was attacked, and realised I would forever bear the memory on my face.”
He was unable to stop himself studying the harsh scar that sliced down Jax’s skin. “I said, ‘at least you weren’t pretty to begin with.’” Titus smirked. “And that’s still true.”
“I was eight,” Jax said with a shadow of a smile. “I dealt with that trauma because I had you, and the others to help ground me. Don’t shut us out because you think it’s weak to ask for help. You don’t have to deal with this alone.”
Titus shut his eyes, wanting to shut him out. But Jax was right. “I think I’ve bonded to her.”
Jax froze beside him. “Does she know?” He kept his voice a whisper.
“No,” he said hesitantly. “I don’t think she does.” He felt an intense warmth, tugging him in her direction. But she showed no signs of feeling the same. “It wasn’t meant to happen.”
“Your beast took over.” Jax let out a breath, hand coming up absently to run across his top lip, rubbing the rough skin. “He’s chosen an assassin trying to kill you, to be your mate. I guess your beast wins the idiot of the century award.”
“I prefer it when you’re silent,” Titus muttered.
Jax chuckled, the sound alien. “If I’ve learnt anything from the others, is that there’s no point in fighting instincts. There’s a reason your beast chose her. Maybe she’s your salvation.”
Titus swallowed. “Why would I need a salvation?”
“Only you can answer that.” Jax gripped Titus’s shoulder. “Whatever your assassin’s necklace was, the magic that the stone held has dissipated to almost nothing. I’m surprised it even reacted to me.”
