Demon: Book 1

Chapter 32: Cell Phone

Waiting for our fathers to return was going to end with me having a panic attack. Even Titus looked a little worried.

"Aden," my father called. "Can both of you come in here?"

I stood and trudged behind Titus to the kitchen. We sat at the table with our fathers' eyes fixed on us.

"First off, Aden," said my dad. "I've added a couple of weeks to being grounded."

I sighed. "'kay."

"Titus," said Xavier.

"Yes, sir," said my boyfriend hesitantly.

"We'll be going over the extent of your punishment at home." He eyed his son. "It's not going to be pleasant, Titus. You know I don't tolerate disobedience, especially when it's my son." The alpha folded his arms. "I expect you to be an example to the pack. This level of disregard for the rules will not happen again. Understood?"

Titus's shoulders rolled forward. "Yes, Alpha."

Xavier took a deep breath. "Was the arrangement unfair? To a degree, but as the alpha and your father, I have a right to make those decisions, and I stand by them. You should have obeyed, Titus. Now, look at what happened to Aden because of you. This is your fault."

He sank deeper into his seat.

"I'm demoting you."

My boyfriend's mouth fell open. "Dad?"

"One month as a middle rank. No hunting party, and you'll be put on cleaning duty. You'll find out the rest once we get back to the cave." He clenched his jaw.

"Yes, Alpha," Titus whispered.

"Quint and I have spoken and decided on a new agreement." The alpha lifted his chin. "I will give you a personal phone."

Titus's head shot up with a big smile plastered across his face. "Really?"

Xavier nodded. "You won't be getting it until your punishment is over, and the only person you're allowed to talk to is Aden."

I slithered low in my seat. I'd just lost my phone for who knows how long. My head rolled toward my father. "How long am I grounded?"

"Three weeks," stated my father. "And not a day sooner, so don't even try it. If a phone call keeps you from running off to the woods with him, we'll try it." He eyed Titus. "No calls past eleven. Am I understood? You'll not be keeping my son up all night. This privilege can be taken away, so both of you remember that."

My boyfriend nodded. "Eleven o'clock. Got it."

"Alright, Titus," breathed Xavier. "There's a bag of clothes in the trunk of the car. Go change; I have other things I need to do today." He turned to my father. "I'll call you later to get Aden's number."

Titus flashed me a grin before kissing me. "Expect a phone call in one month exactly." He hurried from the house, with my father sending death glares after him.

I covered my mouth. "It was just a kiss, Dad."

"Hmm..."

Xavier squeezed my father's shoulder as he passed. "I'm glad I only have sons."

My mouth fell open. The alpha gave me a smirk and went outside.

"Did you hear what he said?" I muttered. "Glad I only have sons." I peered out the window and narrowed my eyes at the man. "Titus is gay, too."

"Titus isn't the one on the bottom," stated my father.

My shoulders rolled forward. "There's nothing wrong with that."