Page 105 of Alpha Queen
The silence that followed was deafening.
"As soon as the compound and Titan have been taken, we will come together as a group to evaluate the rogues as individuals, not as a collective," said Ares.
Nathian opened his mouth, but Mercule cut him off. "We will await your call, your Highnesses."
Dr. Kendall gripped River's wheelchair. "We should get you back to bed."
"Is she not healing well?" Osmodius asked.
"Our Luna is healing just fine," said Ares.
"However, with her carrying our young, we are being extra careful," Apollo finished.
"The High Luna is expecting?" asked Mercule. "That is most wonderful news."
"Twins," Apollo said.
"And still you won't let justice be merited out to those who kidnapped not only our High Luna but also the heirs to the throne as well?" Nathian sneered. "What kind of-"
"If you care to keep your head, I suggest you don't finish that statement," Apollo growled.
"So you will threaten me for a remark but not do anything to those who killed and maimed guests at your mating ceremony?"
"Trust me," said River. "Everyone who deserves punishment will be. But what kind of rulers are we to be if we punish an entire group of people for the actions of a few?"
"You are quite right, High Luna," Mercule interjected. His soft brown eyes crinkling in the corners. "We must celebrate in honor of our new royal family as soon as this whole mess is dealt with."
"Thank you," said River. "It will be nice to have something happy to celebrate."
Nathian growled and threw himself back in his chair. River had no idea how he'd been appointed to the Council, but he didn't seem to have the temperament for it. Something River decided she would need to look into at a later date.
"Then we wish you a speedy recovery and are here when you need us. As always." Mercule inclined his head and smiled at the group.
Both Osmodius and Nathian opened their mouths, but Mercule cut them off with a small gesture of his hand.
Interesting. She'd always thought Osmodius was the most senior of the three, but clearly she'd been wrong. It was Mercule who held the most power of the three. Good to know.
"Is there anything we can do to help?" Mercule asked.
"No," Ares said flatly.
Dr. Kendall turned River's wheelchair toward the exit, but River stopped her and turned back to Mercule.
"Actually," said River. "There is something you can do for us."
Mercule inclined his head and smiled. "I am at the High Luna's service."
CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE
KANE
Kane stared out the front window of Titan's office, watching as yet another Alpha tested the compound's defenses. The electric fence sparked violently as claws scraped against it, illuminating the face of a wolf Kane recognized from the Southeastern territory. Behind him stood at least two dozen more, all waiting for the order.
"That's the third attempt in an hour," Vanessa observed, her voice unnaturally calm given their situation. "The security system won't hold much longer."
Kane nodded grimly. The compound had been designed to withstand attacks, but not from this many Alphas at once. Not from what appeared to be every major pack leader in North America. It had become apparent hours ago that the wolves could have overrun the compound any time they wanted, but they weren't. Which meant one thing- someone had told them they weren't allowed to attack yet.
"How many are ready to leave?" Kane asked, turning from the window.
