Chapter Four #2
Artemis’s lips tightened. “You’re very astute, Mr. Haverland, and likely that’s because of your wolf spirit.
In the interests of honesty, I did ask my brother to take this meeting when he was in the office earlier this morning.
However, Apollo had other things to do, apparently, and for some reason refused to meet with you. ”
Titus frowned. “I can’t think what I might have done to upset your brother. I’ve never met him.” His wolf didn’t seem to like the idea that Apollo didn’t want to meet him at all.
“My brother lives in a world of his own most of the time.” Clearly, there was no love lost there.
Artemis gave a good impression of looking down her nose at someone, just by thinking about her brother.
“He has very little head for business, preferring to focus on the arts, music, and other more entertainment-based pursuits. While I’m sure they’re important, in a human context, I’m the one who is the business head of this organization, something he is happy to acknowledge. ”
“I can appreciate that,” Titus said. “What I don’t understand is that once you learned I was a wolf shifter, and I am assuming you didn’t know before our first meeting, but when you did learn of what I was, why did you continue to pursue a business relationship with me and my company?”
Artemis stood up, but instead of leaving the room as Titus thought she would, she moved over to stand and look out of the window. “I doubt very much that a wolf shifter would understand how difficult it is for ancient gods to blend in and live among mortals on the Earth realm.”
She pointed out the window. “I remember when this land was nothing but grass and hills. There was no one around here at all. Now the city is teeming with people and cars, buildings and roads, smog and trash everywhere I look. Not necessarily changes I appreciate, but even a goddess needs a reason to get out of bed every day, as I believe the saying goes.”
“I can understand that, but why a business?” Titus asked. “You could find a mate, have children, and live on a farm where there are fewer people. I’m sure you don’t need to earn a living like the rest of us do.”
“I find it very crass to talk about finances, Mr. Haverland, and I have never had a wish for a family of my own. When you’ve had the sort of history I’ve had, you’d realize just how dysfunctional the concept of family can be.
“Your use of the words mate is indicative of what a wolf shifter hopes for when they strike out on their own, and there are some gods that have done exactly what you suggested for me – finding a mate and having a family with them.” She glanced at him over her shoulder.
“Even my father was afflicted. He took up with a tiger shifter, did you know?”
Titus shook his head. It wasn’t like there was a newsletter that went around telling mere mortals what ancient gods were getting up to. “I wasn’t aware, but congratulations to your father.”
“Yes, well, he might be happy, but in my opinion, this mating business is becoming a bit of a plague.” Artemis turned back to the window again. “In contrast, I decided to try and do some good in this world. A cause that is made more difficult by the non-intervention laws I have to live by.”
“Non-intervention law?” Titus had never heard of that.
“A decision made by all of the gods across all of the pantheons, many, many, many centuries ago. Once the mortals of this world stopped worshipping us, then we were forbidden from interfering in their lives in any way.
“Despite that, I am not so hard-hearted or callous to overlook the plight of many in various areas of the world. I realized a lot of good could be done with an injection of money and sound business plans. That is why I started Orion Industries and why I will do anything I can to make this company work.”
Titus could appreciate Artemis’s reasoning, although it didn’t answer the question as to why she was insistent on using his company for part of her efforts. “I admire that sort of ethic in anyone, mortal or otherwise,” he said slowly. “But there are other transport companies.”
“I know, I researched them all. Many of them I discarded immediately due to their corporate nature. Out of those left, your company has the most extensive network. You are known to be fair. And if I decide to work with a company, I want to know they are the best. That’s why you’re here.”
Titus nodded, recognizing the backhanded compliment for what it was.
“As for being uncomfortable with you,” Artemis continued, “I apologize, because that’s not fair to you. This meeting…it’s as I’ve said already. Sometimes we just have to do things that make us uncomfortable. Apollo’s powers are not easily lent to business strategies.”
“He may have made you feel a bit more comfortable by being a support person for you during our meeting,” Titus suggested.
The more he heard about this absent Apollo, the more he wanted to meet him.
“Is there no way he can be contacted? He could sit in on this meeting, or if that’s not possible at such short notice, we can always postpone and schedule it for another time. ”
For the first time since they met, Artemis smiled. “‘Should I take comfort from the fact that you appear to have more of an interest in my brother than me?”
Titus shrugged. “If that makes you feel safer, then definitely. I have never hidden who I was or the types of people I’m attracted to. I am happy to acknowledge that you’re one of the most beautiful women I have ever seen, but I have absolutely no interest in you beyond your business.”
He hesitated, unwilling to push more than he already had, but then he decided to go all in.
“I would be very interested in meeting your brother, and I’m happy to admit that it is for both professional and possibly personal reasons.
It would be as wrong of me to ignore my nature as it would be for you. ”
“I appreciate your honesty, and I will take your suggestion on board.” Artemis nodded.
“We can reschedule this meeting until a time when Apollo can be present as well.” Her eyes narrowed.
“While I don’t think for a second that placing someone in your path who you might find favorable on a personal basis will sway the outcome of any business meeting, you are correct in that I would feel more comfortable with another person in the room when negotiating with you.
It would also be beneficial to Apollo to see how such negotiations are conducted.
Perhaps he’ll learn something useful. Shall we say tomorrow morning at ten? ”
You’re not pimping out your brother, then. That’s good to know. “I understand and look forward to seeing you both then,” Titus said.