Page 70 of Titan’s Mate

The panther god said to Titan, Fine. Will you please release the creature? I promise he will remain in my realm and cause no further harm.

Mari said, “Wouldn’t it be nice not to be responsible for him anymore? You could let him go.”

Brandon added quietly, “Come on, man. Let it rest. Let them rest.”

“He doesn’t deserve to be free,” Titan said.

“Maybe not,” Mari said. “But you do.”

Titan stared at Raines. He was in bad shape—beaten, bloody, burned. He still couldn’t feel sorry for the bastard. But then he looked at Mari.

Gorgeous, radiant, brave, joyful. He could do this for her. Because she deserved better than a bitter, broken man, carrying Hell along with him every day of his life.

“Okay. Take him. But I can’t forgive him.”

The bear god said, That is not required. Simply let him go, for his own gods to deal with.

Titan nodded. The panther goddess reached out with her claws extended, and made a slicing motion between Titan and Raines. There was a sharp stab of pain as the tie was cut, and then he felt lighter.

Free.

Raines tried to climb to his feet and the goddess pounced on him like a mouse. Holding him firmly in place with one paw, she began washing him like he was a kitten.

Mari whispered, “I don’t think they’re going to be that easy on him.”

Brandon clapped him on the shoulder. “Come on,” he said. “Let’s go home.”

The panther god cleared his throat. We are not through yet. He beckoned imperiously to Brandon and Nick. You two. Come forward.

The goddess picked up Raines by the scruff of the neck and trotted off. Brandon and Nick, exchanging glances, walked forward.

The panther god said to Brandon, I must say I had some misgivings, but you have exceeded my expectations. Although, you would be better off herding cats than dealing with this… He gestured towards the crew.

“Circus?” Colt suggested.

“Cluster fuck?” That was Remy.

‘Cluster fuck’ seems accurate, the panther said.

“Tell me about it,” Brandon agreed.

The panther said loftily, I judge you worthy. He rubbed the side of his face against Brandon’s, almost knocking him over. A glittering black fog encompassed Brandon, sinking into his body. Next time bring fish.

Then the panther god turned to Nick. And you, lost one. Are you ready to come home?

The ghost panther said, Nah, not yet. They need me. You’ve seen what they’re like.

Indeed, said the god. Very well. He breathed glittery mist on Nick, and the ghost Changed to human form. There was a little stir among the crew—Nick had only ever appeared in panther form.

Then the god whipped around and turned his back on them, tail up so they could see his godly butthole. He stalked back into the cave, and it disappeared.

The polar bear turned once more to Titan. It is not required that you forgive your enemy. Nor is it required that you forgive yourself, but it is my wish. You have done well, my son.

Mari said, “Damn straight. Best bear ever.”

Titan looked down at her, seeing everything he needed in her eyes. Love. Compassion. And respect. Respect for him. He suddenly felt ten feet tall.

The bear god said, As a god, I believe I’m the best bear ever.