Page 46 of Titan’s Mate

Titan’s bear didn’t like it, but Titan understood. The crew’s safety was Brandon’s responsibility, and he took it very seriously. Anyone living inside his territory, even if it was just temporary, was something he needed to be concerned about. Especially someone with a demon in her head, waiting to explode.

So Titan had to talk to him, even if he didn’t want to and was really bad at talking anyway.

But he tried to explain his responsibility as a shaman, and the danger to Mari’s soul if she died without him there.

Brandon said, “I talked to Tyr about this demon. He’s pretty sure it’s not going to affect the rest of the crew when she crosses over, but I want your take on it.”

Titan was quiet, thinking. Luckily Brandon was used to him and gave him time to do that. Finally he said, “I can’t say for sure that it will be completely safe. But I can’t leave her to do this alone. Do you want me to take her away somewhere?”

He didn’t want to leave the crew. But he didn’t want to put them in danger either, and Mari was alone, with no one to help her.

Plus, they were choosing joy. They were choosing to be together for whatever time there was, while Tyr looked for a cure.

Brandon didn’t answer straight out. Instead, he asked, “How are you doing with all this?”

Titan said, “I’m not the one who’s dying.”

“But you’re the one who feels the responsibility to take care of her.” He added softly, “And you’re the one who’s going to be left when she’s gone.”

Something inside him eased. He wasn’t as close to Brandon as he was with some of the other crew members, but Brandon understood responsibility.

And Brandon had lost people he was bonded to. He’d been the alpha of a last-chance crew of panther shifters, a few years ago.

They didn’t make it. He’d lost them all, because they were too damaged and went crazy. Phantom Nick was the last one, until he’d been killed by Austin Raines.

Brandon understood grief and failure, like no one else in the crew.

So he told Brandon the truth. “I’m trying not to think about it. Because if I do…”

“Yeah.” Brandon sighed. “Look, we can all tell you’re involved with her—as more than a shaman. I was going to ask if you really think that’s a good idea, but…”

Titan gave a small huff of laughter. “But we both know it’s a terrible idea. And we both know I’m doing it anyway.” He was silent again, trying to put his feelings into words. “All I know is I can’t give her up now. I want all the minutes I can have with her. I don’t want more regrets.”

“Is she your mate?” Brandon asked.

“I don’t know.”

“What does your bear say?”

“I haven’t asked him. I don’t want to know. Because what kind of fate would bring her into my life only to take her away?”

That was an unanswerable question, and Brandon didn’t try to answer it. He just said, “Don’t take her away. If you’re doing this, you need your crew at your back. And you know we’re there. Always.”

Titan felt his chest loosen. As a shaman, he was used to being the one who took care of everyone. He still wasn’t used to people taking care of him.

“Okay.” He pushed the word out. “Thanks.”

Brandon said, “Take care, man. See you tomorrow. And enjoy all your minutes.”

So he did enjoy the minutes, and he decided Mari was going to enjoy them too. He started planning a special date for her, and worked on his carving of her bear. And he ordered some funny things for her off the internet, to make her smile.

Because everybody needed joy in their life.

Late Sunday afternoon Titan was in bed with Mari, napping after another mind blowing, soul-bending afternoon of wild bear sex, when he was awakened by a tiny, almost inaudible sound.

Something was wrong. Danger! his bear said.

Removing his hand from Mari’s breast and unspooning himself from behind her, he slipped carefully out of bed without disturbing her.