Page 102 of Alpha Queen
"Perfect," Cherry declared. "You look like the High Luna you are."
River's stomach growled at the same time her head spun, and she sat again.
"You shouldn't do this," said Apollo. "You need to wait."
"She can do it," Ares assured.
Apollo glared at Ares, but Ares squeezed his shoulder. "She's stronger than both of us."
Apollo looked like he might argue, but stopped. "Thirty minutes, no more. And we are picking up a double cheeseburger, fries, and a huge soda for her on the way."
"Actually," said River. "I think I'll stick to seltzer water for a while. But a double bacon cheeseburger with fries sounds amazing. If my body lets me keep it down."
"Whatever you want," said Apollo. "I'll have an entire palette of bubbly water here by the time we return."
"I want to go home," she said.
"We do too, beloved," said Ares. "But until we have Titan in silver shackles, we need to keep you in hiding. The only people who know about this particular safe house are us, your parents, Zeke, Silas, and Theo; that's it. I won't put your safety at risk ever again.
River sighed, too tired to argue. "Is there at least a room with a bigger, more comfortable bed? A memory foam one?"
Apollo smiled. "Of course, my love. We'll have that here by the time we are back as well."
She gave a tight smile as exhaustion began to weigh her down. "We should go."
Dr. Keller returned with a wheelchair and medical equipment. "The car is ready when you are," she announced, attaching a small monitor to River's wrist. "This tracks your heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels. If any of them drop below acceptable parameters, we leave. No arguments."
River nodded as Ares lifted her from the bed and placed her in the chair. She clung to his neck a moment longer than necessary. Just having him and Apollo so close gave her strength, but at the same time, made her feel like she might burst into tears again. She let go and took a cleansing breath. She had to do this. She had to stick up for the rogues. After that, whatever happened, her conscience was clear.
CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR
RIVER
The armored SUV wound through the roads, each curve bringing them closer to the secret meeting place. River sat between her mates in the backseat, their warmth enveloping her from both sides. Dr. Keller monitored her vitals from the front passenger seat while Theo drove, his eyes constantly checking the mirrors for any sign of pursuit.
Cherry reached forward from the third row to squeeze River's shoulder. "Remember, say what you need to say, then we'll bring you home."
"I know," River's voice came out stronger than she felt.
The SUV slowed as a beautiful stone church came into view.
"The Council's emergency meeting place," Apollo explained. "Used only in times of crisis."
Theo pulled the vehicle into an underground deserted parking lot, except for five other cars. A bodyguard stood by each vehicle, watching the SUV approach.
"Pull up to the door," said Dr. Keller.
"Are you ready?" Ares asked as the vehicle came to a stop.
River nodded, steeling herself. "As I'll ever be."
Apollo and Ares exited the vehicle. Ares retrieved the wheelchair as Apollo lifted her out of the back seat.
"You know my legs do still work," she said.
"Don't fight him," said Ares. "This may be one of the only times in his life you actually let us feel like we're the hero."
River looked up at Apollo. "You are my hero."
