Chapter Fourteen
“Are you feeling alright?” Titus was feeling a little bit concerned about his mate. It was a day and a half after their claiming.
The previous day, they had put in plenty of miles in the truck. Titus had worried, just for a moment when they first woke up, if things might have that “morning after” awkwardness he used to avoid by disappearing as soon as possible after the deed was done.
But Apollo woke up happy and affectionate and quickly zapped him up a full breakfast before they landed back in the truck.
The conversation flowed in waves, the silences as comfortable as the conversation.
It was a lovely day. The only thing that cut it short was Titus’s need to be back in bed with his mate.
Finding a suitable parking spot, he was happy for Apollo to translocate them back to that incredible mattress.
The mattress was everything Apollo had promised.
It was so good, Titus genuinely hated being responsible when they had to get back to the truck the following day.
But they made it back by first light, and originally Titus thought Apollo was simply quiet because it had been an energetic night.
For someone who hadn’t fucked the same person twice in years, Titus was finding he couldn’t get enough of Apollo.
But his mate didn’t get any happier the closer they got to Denver. With only half an hour to go before he dropped off the load they were carrying, Titus decided it was a good idea to find out why Apollo was being so quiet.
Titus wasn’t the sort of person to sit around and worry about what he might have done wrong. Realistically, he hadn’t had a chance to do that yet. Rather than make up shit that hadn’t happened yet, he felt it was better to ask.
“Are you concerned about this business with Lorna and the lawyers? I know that could be a bit much for a new mate.”
“No,” Apollo said with a smile. “Why would I be concerned about that? I think your lawyer’s suggestion about asking for a DNA test before you pay any more money is a good idea.
We know that Lorna won’t be willing to do it, but that choice is hers.
She’s going to have to find another way to fund her lifestyle.
I don’t see that as being unfair or anything wrong with it at all.
If anything, I think she’s lucky that you didn’t ask your lawyers to get back the money you’ve already paid.
I imagine that’s what a lot of people would do in that situation. ”
“I wouldn’t do that,” Titus said firmly. “Once the money’s gone, it’s gone. I’m not going to sweat about mistakes in the past. I just don’t want to be spending my newly mated life as a loser either. But I believe I was asking about you. You’re quiet this morning.”
Apollo chuckled. “There isn’t anything wrong exactly. I do have quiet times where my mind just wanders. You haven’t done anything wrong.” He rested his hand on Titus’s shoulder. “I just... I need some people time.”
What the fuck? Aren’t I people? “I’m not sure I understand what you mean.” Titus alternated between watching the road and eyeing his mate, who was looking pensive.
“A big part of who I am,” Apollo said, “has to do with being a muse to people in any creative field. That could be art, music, writing, even medicine or invention. What many people don’t understand is that I get so much from doing it – it’s like an energy boost for my soul.
“You remember I told you about Timothy – I will be going back there next week, fair warning. But hearing Timothy sing was so incredibly rewarding for me. He might never sing again, or he could go on to become someone famous, but I got to share that moment with him where he found his voice.
“It’s not just singers. I love to watch someone design an elaborate display of cans in a grocery store.
Or it can be something simple, like watching children dancing at a music festival.
I can take so much pleasure seeing a whole group of open-air artists sitting and painting the same scene in nature, and yet every work is different.
It’s like when I’m around people doing these things, and I breathe in, I feel renewed, and my purpose in life is reassured.
I haven’t had a chance to do much of that since meeting you because we’ve been in the truck. ”
“If you wanted music, you can put the radio on.” Titus reached out to hit the button for it, but Apollo blocked his hand.
“There’s no passion in that music, not when it comes from the radio,” Apollo said.
“I’m not saying those popular artists aren’t talented.
I’ve been in recording studios back in the day, and I know how passionate musicians are about their work.
But if you want to get the true feeling of the way an artist sings, or the way a musician plays his instrument, you have to experience it in person.
I have to feel the vibes, I believe they say, for it to do me any good. ”
My mate is expressing a need. It’s up to me to fill it. Although Titus couldn’t sing at all. “What does that mean for us exactly?” He checked his GPS and added, “I’ll be dropping off this load in about twenty minutes. After that, we can go anywhere that you want.”
“I thought you’d have more work to do. I know you’ve got a whole stack of messages you haven’t answered on your phone.”
Titus could always find work to do, but Apollo’s comments about the messages had Titus clearing his throat. “Yeah, I need to delete those messages. They’re…er…more personal than business-related. I won’t be responding to them now that I’m mated.”
Apollo’s smirk didn’t help. “I have been paying attention to you,” he said quietly. “You’re really happy here in your truck, doing something with purpose. I was watching you at that last stop we made for gas and food. You met a couple of friends of yours – other drivers.”
“Yes, Benny and Dave. They’re owner drivers. Good sorts.”
“They seemed like a lot of fun,” Apollo agreed. “I can see why you enjoy this lifestyle. I’m just not sure it’s for me.”
What the actual fuck? “I think you need to be a bit more explicit,” Titus said a lot more sharply than he intended, but his wolf was in panic mode. “You and I are claimed. We can’t be apart. If you leave me now, my wolf will die, and if I die, so will you.”
“We’re not dying, and I’m not talking about leaving you. You’re immortal now, but that’s not the point either. I’m talking about me taking a bit of time now and then to do something that makes my soul sing.”
“Didn’t I do that last night? I’m sure at one point you were screaming my name loud enough to raise the ceiling.” The bedroom side of things was going very well, and Titus knew Apollo had enjoyed himself, too.
“There’s more to life than sex. I know it’s not something you consider very often,” Apollo said firmly. “But for you, your life has been about sex and making money. That’s fine. You’re good at your business and amazing in bed.”
Thank fuck for that. Titus couldn’t help a quiet preen.
“For me, I want to sit and listen to a live band playing, perhaps while I’m enjoying good food.
I want to walk around art galleries or those little craft markets.
We passed so many places on this trip where we could’ve stopped and just spent some time out of the truck.
That would’ve made me feel so much better. ”
Titus winced. “In hindsight, this trip probably wasn’t the best idea I’ve ever had.
I wanted to get to know you, and being in the cab – a bit of enforced proximity and all that – I thought that would work.
I did have an extra two days’ grace before delivery, but I guess I was in business mode.
If we deliver goods before they’re expected, it always makes the company look good.
But you’re right. We could’ve stopped at a few places at least.”
“That’s what I mean, you’re clearly brilliant at business. But if that’s all you think about – well, apart from sex – then you should’ve mated my sister, Artemis.”
Apollo flung open his arms. “You need to shift regularly, right? If you don’t, you get antsy and your wolf gets pushy with you.”
“Very pushy at times.” That usually happened when Titus had been spending too much time working.
“For me, I’m the opposite. I need to spend time visiting craft centers, hiking in nature, going to art galleries, or going out for a meal and listening to live music. I love to dance. I love to play instruments.
“Some of my happiest times are when I would visit a small town, and they’d have a pub that doubles as an eatery. You know the place where all the locals know each other, and when you walk in, they look at you funny because you’re clearly not from around there.” Apollo laughed.
“I have done that so many times, and heard that exact phrase more times than I can count. But if I’m prepared to buy them a drink, I’m friendly, and I smile and listen to them, they forget that I’m a stranger.
“Sometimes - my favorite times of all – I would go up and talk to the band while they’re on a break.
If I’m lucky, they’ll let me play with them for a while.
” Apollo hugged himself, his smile so bright for the first time that morning.
“When I leave those evenings, I feel so completely fulfilled. That’s my purpose.
I wish I could explain it to you better, but I need an evening like that. ”
“We can do that. I’ll arrange it for you. We’ll do that tonight,” Titus said. It wasn’t difficult to see that while Apollo wasn’t upset with him, he should’ve been. Titus had been unfair.
Claiming Apollo was the most amazing sensation he’d ever had in his life. Being able to love on that man, to caress him in all ways, to pull out the most sensuous responses Titus had ever seen in anybody, definitely made him feel like a god himself.
But he was quickly realizing that while the idea behind the truck trip had been solid, things hadn’t worked out quite the way he’d expected.
Yes, being in the truck gave them a way to talk to each other without being interrupted by the likes of Artemis or Regis.
But then Titus had gotten stupidly defensive, Paulie joined the chat, and…
yeah. Perhaps not the best idea he’d ever had. But Titus knew he could fix things.
Apollo needed so much more than takeout food, watching him drive, and passing by the places Apollo was interested in, usually at speed.
“I’ll make arrangements with Regis to get one of the drivers to pick up this truck once it’s empty, and they can pick up the load and take it through to Austin,” he said, mentally making a to-do list.
“We’ve got drivers here in Denver, so that won’t be a problem.
I’d already planned to take us out for dinner tonight, here in Denver.
I heard of a great place. I’ll check and see if they have live music.
If the place I was thinking of doesn’t, then we can always get a hotel downtown and wander around.
There’re always things going on in terms of food, events, and art. ”
“Thank you. That does sound like fun, especially doing those things with you.”
I’m in danger of getting a big head. Titus couldn’t deny he was feeling undeniably pleased. It was time to push his luck. “I’d also thought, if you were keen on giving the truck a break for a bit, then I could get another driver to do the trip to Austin.
“We could find a place to stay here and do some hiking. Permits wouldn’t be difficult to get this time of year, as it’s getting toward the end of the season. If we pick somewhere quiet enough, you could get a chance to meet my other half.”
“That all sounds incredible, yes.” But then a look of concern crossed Apollo’s face. “Won’t your business need you? I don’t want to come between you and what you have to do. I know how important your business is to you.”
Apollo wasn’t wrong, or maybe he was. Titus picked his words carefully. “If I walked away from my businesses right now - not that I’m saying I would right this minute - but if I did, would we still be all right? Would we still have a home? Would we still have each other?”
Tilting his head, Apollo looked at him with so much compassion in his eyes.
“I’m not sure I understand the questions this time,” he said, reaching out and stroking down Titus’s arm.
“You and I are committed on a soul level. Anything you want in life, I can create. We can travel, or stay home, hike, or start another business in a completely different field. I know you’ve worked hard, but if there was a chance for you to take some time off, would you even want to? ”
“That’s what I’ve been thinking,” Titus admitted, dropping his head to quickly kiss the hand on his shoulder.
“As much as I love this truck, and I’m really proud of what I’ve achieved with Titus Industries, Regis has been on me for two years to take a vacation, have a decent break.
From memory, it’s been about twenty years since I’ve actually sat and enjoyed live music.
I find I’m liking the idea, especially doing it with you. ”
“Careful.” Apollo leaned over, his lips brushing Titus’s cheek. “You’ll be telling me you love me next.”
That’s a strong possibility, too.