Page 108 of Alpha Queen
"Because it would mean less bloodshed on both sides. Your Alphas would win, eventually, but at what cost? And…"
"And?"
"Because I believe the High Luna wouldn't want that."
"What makes you think you know anything about my mate?"
Kane's wolf bristled and paced.
Kane had to tread lightly. "In the few small interactions I had with her, I could tell she is a good and generous Luna who cares for all the wolves. She met several of them, even one from her former pack. I believe she wants the rogues to have what we want for ourselves. To be treated fairly. Not like second-class citizens. We aren't asking to be treated better than everyone else, just the same as everyone else."
Another long pause. Kane heard muffled voices on the other end of the line. Ares spoke to someone. A low voice sounded through the phone, and then River's unmistakable lighter timber.
Strangely, Kane's chest squeezed at knowing she was okay. Until that moment, he'd seen River's kidnapping as a horrible mistake, but maybe, just maybe, some good would come out of it for the rogues after all.
"How do I know this isn't a trap?" Ares asked.
"You don't," Kane said. "But I'm out of options, and your Alphas are breaching our perimeter as we speak. This is my last attempt to save lives on both sides. But you tell the High Luna the ‘asshole’ gives his word."
The phone crackled as Ares said something to the people in the room.
River chuckled, and her light voice rang through the line. "If Kane gives his word, he means it. Tell him, 'the Pampered Princess' gives her word as well."
Ares growled. "Here's what's going to happen. You will surrender Titan to us, bound in silver. You and the others who attacked will present yourselves for judgment. The rest will be evaluated individually, as the High Luna has requested." His voice hardened again. "But make no mistake, those directly responsible for harming my mate and killing Alphas, Betas, and mates at our ceremony, will face the harshest penalties our laws allow."
Kane closed his eyes briefly, relief and guilt washing through him. "Agreed."
"One hour," Ares said firmly. "I'll order the Alphas to stand down until then. If Titan isn't delivered by that time, we come in with full force."
"Understood."
"One more thing."
"Yes?"
"Vanessa is to surrender herself as well if she wants to live. If she tries to escape, she dies."
Kane looked at Vanessa.
The line went dead, and Kane lowered the phone.
"Well?" she asked.
"We have one hour." Kane moved toward the door. "Get Titan ready for transport. Silver restraints, heavy sedation. I want him secured in the transport van. You stay with him and make sure it's done right."
Vanessa nodded, but hesitation flashed across her face. "Some of the others won't agree to this. They still believe in Titan and what he promised."
"Then they'll die for nothing," Kane said grimly. "Because Titan's promises died the moment he decided the High Luna was more important than our cause." He paused at the door. "Gather everyone in the main hall. I need to explain what's happening."
She nodded. "As soon as he's prepared, I'm going to find somewhere to hide until it's over, and then I'm out of here."
Kane nodded. "You do what's best for you. You always do."
Vanessa took her phone from him, spun on her heels, and marched out of the room.
Kane watched her go for a moment before sagging against what was left of Titan's desk, the weight of his decision pressing down on him like a physical force. Traitor. The word echoed in his mind, bitter and accusatory. After everything they'd been through together, he was handing Titan over to his enemies, like a cow to slaughter.
Memories flooded back unbidden. Titan as a young wolf, fierce and proud despite the rejection from his father. The way his mom, Deleah, had extended a hand to Kane when no one else would, pulling him into their family. Teaching Titan to fight, to swim, to drive. Their days of planning together, strategizing, and dreaming of the future they'd build for everyone. All of it, gone. Over. Because of him.
