Demon: Book 1

Chapter 26: Engagement

Titus entered the room carrying a small cooler. I smiled as he handed me my lunch. He shifted to human and put on some shorts before sitting down on the rim of the pit.

"How did the hunt go?" I unzipped the top and took out a sandwich. After a week of being trapped here, this had become our daily routine.

"As good as any other," Titus replied.

I opened up the water bottle and took a drink. "Why do you hunt? Couldn't those WIR people give you all the food you need?"

Titus nodded. "Northern Ridge is traditional, so we hunt. During harder times, WIR supplements the pack with food, but it's not as good as fresh meat."

"So there are packs who don't?" Opening the bag of chips, I offered it to Titus.

He took a couple. "City packs, Darius calls them domestic. No better than lapdogs," Titus chuckled.

"I could've met a werewolf before and never would've known."

"We blend in pretty well."

Ripping off part of my sandwich, I handed it to him.

"I don't need to eat all of your food."

I kept holding it out. "I don't want to eat in front of you."

He took it. "I'd share with you, but I don't think you'll like raw elk."

"No, thank you." I took a bite. "Titus, have you heard anything from my parents?"

"They know you're here. Darius overheard our dad talking to WIR agents. Your family was contacted. What exactly they know about the situation, I'm not sure."

I sighed. "I didn't think I would be away this long."

"I'm still working on my dad," said Titus. "I'll get you home as soon as possible."

"Thank you. I like being here with you, but,"—I leaned against him—"it's not fair to my parents."

"Hey." He put his arm around my shoulders. "I understand. My family is important to me, too."

"Titus?"

"Hmm..."

"I've been wondering." I picked at the edges of the bun. "Are you going to introduce me to your mom?"

He withdrew his arm and wrung his hands together. "She passed away giving birth to me."

My mouth fell open. "I'm so sorry. I shouldn't have asked. You haven't said anything, and I saw that woman with Xavier." I bowed my head. "Sorry."

"It's fine." He stared off into the hall. "My dad's mate is Darius's mom, Rose."

"Half-brother," I whispered.

He nodded. "Rose was pregnant with Darius, and my mother tended to the alpha family. She was good friends with Rose, and she wanted a pup of her own. She was a weak wolf. No one ever took her as a mate."

"So, Xavier?"

He nodded. "My dad is a strict leader, but he did care about my mother. I was a big pup, and it caused problems. Weaker werewolves' healing enzymes aren't as strong, and things went wrong."

I wrapped my arms around his neck and hugged him. "It's not your fault. Accidents happen, even for werewolves."

"I know. I still feel guilty," he whispered. "Rose raised me like a brother to Darius. I didn't learn about my mother until I was older, but I still wish I could have met her."

"Anyone would." I sat back on my knees. "I wish I could've met her, too."

Titus smiled. "She would have loved you."