Free Titus: Luna Lodge #2 by Madison Stevens

focus some of those skills, it would make them less restless. His eyes wandered over to Kate. Well, skill focus and women, but that wasn’t something they were going to be able to do over night.
    He could only imagine the nightmare that was going to be. It wasn’t exactly like they could take out an ad asking for woman interested in more than friendship. Titus bit down the laughter that threatened to bubble up.
    His eyes still on her, he watched as several of his men walked by and then turned away from her on the other side of the bonfire. They could likely smell him all over her. A smile spread on his face but soon vanished when several military men came and sat near her. Titus knew they couldn’t smell like his men, but he had to let them know where they stood.
    Sol watched him, a knowing smile on his face.
    “Tell Lucius and Apollo to be ready to go when I call,” he ordered.
    Sol nodded.
    “I thought Apollo was on your bad side at the moment.” He nodded to Kate.
    His mouth twitched. “I’m not going to shown up by a kid.”
    Sol threw back his head and laughed. “Glad to hear it.”
    Titus walked with purpose over to her. He stopped right next to her and glared at the men.
    Erica chuckled and shook her head. “I think it’s about my bedtime,” she said to Kate. Titus stuck out a hand to help her up. “Take her home, would you. She’s had quite a few of those, and it seems to be your fault.”
    His face tightened, and he nodded.
    Kate glared up at them both. “I think I need a few more if I’m going home with him.”
    Erica laughed and kissed her on the head. “Be good,” she said and walked over to her waiting husband.
    Titus held out his hand to Kate. She glared at it for a moment before taking it. He sighed with relief when she stood next to him.
    “Where’s your car?” She swayed toward him.
    He put his hand under her arm to steady her.
    “I didn’t bring it,” he mumbled. The smell of her floated around him.
    She huffed and pushed back a little from his body.
    “Of course you didn’t,” she sighed. “Well, let’s go.”
    They waved at several people as they worked their way through the crowd. He could hear them as he passed. He smiled slightly. Let them think what they would. Maybe they would all leave his woman alone.
    His pulse kicked up. His woman? It wasn’t true, but it certainly felt like it should be true. He glanced at her. She swayed slightly as they walked along the dark gravel path. It wasn’t difficult for him to see, but his night vision was always excellent.
    “Want to lean on me?” he suggested after she veered off a little.
    She wrinkled her nose. “I’m fine,” she said. “You just keep your hands to yourself.”
    They walked in silence for some time. The new moon provided little light, but he watched around them. This was further out than they normally had people, but it was the best spot for such a large gathering.
    She yelped as her foot caught on a root. He lunged forward and caught her just before she landed on the ground. Growling, he lifted her in his arms.
    “What are you doing?” she shouted.
    He looked down at her cradled in his arms. “Keeping you safe. Even if that means keeping you safe from yourself.”
    “Whatever.” She yawned and nestled into his chest. “I’m too tired to care.”
    He looked down at her face. With her eyes closed, she looked almost angelic. He frowned at the dark circles that stood out against her pale face.
    “Why aren’t you sleeping at night?” he said softly.
    Her eyes fluttered open to look at him. “Nightmares,” she said quietly. “You probably don’t get them.”
    His arms tensed around her. “I get nightmares,” he said. “You don’t live like we did without repercussions.”
    Titus could feel her eyes on him, and he flinched when she placed a hand on his chest.
    “What are your nightmares about?” she whispered.
    He sighed and stared into the forest ahead.
    “Mainly locked doors with no way out.