HELLHOUND (Book Two of the Wisteria Chronicles)

CHAPTER 9~Guilty~

Titus

   I reached over to pull Phoebe closer. My hand searched for her warm body, only feeling cold sheets. I peeped my eyes open and scoured the empty room in the early morning light. I tossed the covers to the side and got up. I listened for sounds of movement coming from the closet or bathroom. Nothing.

   I frowned, my groggy mind trying to wake up. Where was Phoebe? I linked Oliver and Leo, Have you guys seen Phoebe? They answered me with tired Nos. Maybe she went down to eat, I linked Barbara. Babs, has Phoebe come for breakfast yet? No, sir. I haven’t seen the Luna today, she replied.

  I got up and checked the bathroom then the closet. Her small bags were gone, I was trying my hardest not to panic. Phoebe’s lavender scent was faint throughout the room, almost like she had been gone for hours. I flung open the door, searching the hallway. Her scent wasn’t here.    

   Phoebe is missing.  I linked the guys. What do you mean missing? Leo asked. SHE’S NOT HERE! I roared. f**k! They both replied. I want every inch of the territory searched, I ordered. We’re on it, Oliver said. Leo tried to comfort me, Don’t worry, we will find her. There was a sharp pain in my chest, my breaths turning ragged. Why would she leave?

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       “We’ve searched everywhere, she’s not here.” Leo reported. We were in my office after hours of searching for Phoebe. “I checked with border patrol too. They said they haven’t seen anyone leave all night and early morning.”  Oliver said. 

  I paced the length of my office. I was slowly losing my mind. “How could she just disappear without a trace?” Samantha asked. I pursed my lips. She must’ve warped out of the room knowing it was damn near impossible to follow her scent.

   I never imagined that Phoebe would leave me. When we went to bed last night, I was so proud of her. I knew introducing her to the pack would be a hard ordeal for her, but she handled it well. She laughed so much at dinner. She looked happy, why would she leave?

    “I think we have a lead.” Everlee announced as she walked into the office. “Where?!” I demanded. She walked over, handing me a tablet. “I called the main office in Bayliss, asking if they’ve seen anyone matching Phoebe’s description. About an hour ago, they had a female check into the Vortex.”

   The Vortex was a hotel that Hell’s Shield acquired last year, making Black Pines its new owner. Everlee pulled up a video of the hotel security. The figure of a woman in all black walked down the hallway. Her stride was slow and short, masking the limp by favoring her left leg. Her face and hair were covered, but I knew in my gut that I was watching Phoebe. “Let’s go.” I growled, stalking out the door.

Phoebe

   Being at Black Pines felt so good. Everyone had been so accepting of me despite my appearance and handicap.  I felt wanted and it terrified me. They made me feel like I wasn’t alone and that I could trust them. They had no idea who I was or why I was there. I didn’t want to deceive them, but I couldn’t tell them the truth.  

   I buried my face in the pillows. I refused to regret my decision to leave Black Pines. The guilt in my chest was suffocating. I felt disgusted with myself for getting swept up in the notion of having a home that I almost forgot why I was even there. I needed to find Faedan and identify the Fallen. Then I will return to carry Titus’s child. I could never live in the welcoming home of the pack when my brother spent his days in servitude.

  My pity party was interrupted by a loud banging. I frowned, who was here? The banging on the door became louder, “Phoebe! I know you’re in there!” I started to panic. How did Titus find me so quickly? 

“Phoebe! Either you open the door or I’ll kick it down!” Titus shouted. I inhaled a calming breath, remembering that I put up a barrier earlier; even if he opened the door he still wouldn’t be able to come inside. It was a tiring process that required most of my strength, I didn’t have the energy to warp out. There was no point in warping anyway; Titus clearly had a way of finding me and I needed to stay in Bayliss.

   Titus made good on his promise and started to kick the door down. The sounds were thunderous as the wood started to splinter off and break. I balled up on the bed, covering my ears. Titus kicked his way in, hissing as he made contact with the purple tinted barrier. He looked furious. His bulky frame filled the doorway. His fists were clenched, his eyes black.

    He punched the barrier, “Take this down, Phoebe.”  I shook my head, “No.” I could see Leo and Oliver standing behind him, angry scowls on their faces. “TAKE IT DOWN!” Titus roared as he repeatedly beat the barrier. The knot in my chest tightened as tears filled my eyes. “Titus, I can’t.” If I let him inside, it was game over.

   Titus continued to yell as he tried to bust his way through the barrier. His eyes were wild, filled with hurt. His hands started to bleed but he showed no signs of letting up. “Titus,” I croaked, “Please, stop.” It seemed like he couldn’t hear me over the pounding. The barrier was covered in blood, the sight making my heart seize in pain.

  I got off the bed and waved my hand. The purple wall started to crack, my will to keep the barrier up was absent. Titus gave it a final hit before it shattered, his chest heaving from his efforts. He stood in the doorway for a moment, catching his breath as he eyed my like prey.

   He took a cautious step towards me. He looked crazed, quickening up his pace to close the distance between us. My heart was pounding in my chest, I knew he wouldn’t harm me. I gulped, I knew he wouldn’t, but I was still afraid. I turned on my heels and sprinted towards the bathroom. 

     He chased after me, his heavy breathing right in my ear. I stepped into the bathroom, attempting to close the door. His large bloodied hand held it open, his angry gaze burning my skin. He stepped inside, locking the door behind him. I took a step back, bumping against the toilet. “Why did you leave?” He asked in a gravelly voice.

   “I had to. I thought it was the right thing to do.” I told him honestly, my heart thumping loudly. He shook his head, “Why?” Tears spilled down my face, “Because I’m scared.” He clenched his hands into fists, his knuckles swelled. “Of what?” he quietly demanded. “Of everything.” He slammed his fist against the door, making me jump. “Of what?” he said again.

     “Everything! I’m scared of having a home! I’m scared of trusting people again. I don’t know how to be a good Luna. I’m afraid that I’ll f**k everything up!” I yelled, unable to hold back my feelings.  “I’m terrified to love.” I hiccupped, “I’m so scared of how you make me feel. I don’t want to get hurt and I don’t want to hurt you. There are things that I can’t tell you. I want to be selfish and keep you close, but I can’t even be honest with you. I’m so afraid of what you’ll think.” 

   I confessed to him through watery eyes. He stood motionless; his eyes no longer black. “What about me?”  His brown orbs were clouded over with pain and hurt. “What about me?” he asked again. “Do you really think that I’m not afraid? I’ve been an Alpha since I was 19. I was born and trained for that role and I still worry that I’m not doing it right.” he stepped closer.

   “Do you think you’re the only one with secrets too serious to share?” he asked. I didn’t know how to respond as he slowly closed the space between us.  “Do you really think that you’re the one who’s afraid to love?” he questioned, his voice a low whisper. I stared up at him, watching fat tears roll down his cheeks.

   “I’ve been filled with fear and hope since I've met you. All it took was one touch. I knew I wouldn’t be able to live without you and that shook me.” he admitted. He brought up his swollen hand and caressed my cheek. “When I woke up to you missing, it felt like my world had fallen apart. When you left you took my reason to live with you.” 

   I was lost in his gaze, goddess I was in love with this man. “I’m sorry.” I said lamely. Titus shook his head, “No. Tell me you’ll never do that again.” My lips quivered, “I’ll never do it again.” He bent his head down, his lips nearly touching mine. “Tell me that you are mine.” he said, his sweet scent surrounding me. “I am yours.” I said breathlessly. Titus rubbed his nose against mine, “And I am yours.”

    I tiptoed, finally connecting with his full lips. He took control over the kiss, his lips and tongue fierce and demanding. His urgency had me breathless and gasping. “I need you now.” he growled, pulling down his jeans. I shimmed out of my shorts as he sat down on the lid of the toilet seat. 

  Titus pulled me over him, settling me down to straddle his legs. With a firm grip on my hip, he slowly guided himself through my slick core. He set us at a fast pace, his first thrust had me crying out. His love making was fierce as he repeatedly filled me. 

    I wrapped my hands around his neck and captured his lips. He moaned loudly as his strokes became stronger. My climax tore through my body, my head falling back as I screamed out his name. Titus pulled me closer, his grip was strong and his movements were hectic. He gave me a few more pumps before he shouted my name, filling me with his seed.

   I rested my forehead against his, trying to calm my breathing. “I’m still scared.” I whispered to him. His hold never faltered, “Me too.” “Being with me will be dangerous.” I told him. He chuckled, “The same with me.” We were quiet for a little. “Take me home.” I said sleepily.

   Titus helped me put my shorts on then he pulled his jeans up. He picked me up, wrapping my legs around him. He walked us out of the bathroom and out into the hallway. I rest my head against his shoulder, “We need to pay for the door.” Titus laughed again, “No we don’t. I own the building.” I grunted, too sleepy to show my surprise.