Page 113 of Alpha Queen
"But nothing. I don't blame you, Mom. I never have."
Cherry sniffed. "Yeah, well, let's wait and make sure those two blockheads come back safely before you say that. You might change your mind."
River sighed and shook her head. "Mom, I will never blame you. This isn't your fault. Any of it."
Cherry swiped at her eyes. "Well… I do. That's what being a mom is. You'll learn that."
River touched her belly. She most likely would.
CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN
APOLLO
The convoy of SUVs slowed at the tall gates of Titan's compound. Apollo sat rigid in the passenger seat, his eyes fixed on the sprawling grounds that had held River prisoner for so long. The walls that had kept her in. The floors that she'd paced. The men who had held her hostage and not let her go.
His wolf snarled.
Beside him, Silas drove with practiced precision, and Duncan sat in the backseat with Regan. In the vehicle behind them, Ares rode with Theo and four other trusted bodyguards.
"Stop here," Apollo commanded as they reached the perimeter where dozens of Alphas and Betas gathered, their restless energy palpable through the tinted windows.
As Apollo exited the vehicle, Alpha Elkan from the midwestern territory strode forward, his massive frame vibrating with aggression.
"About time you arrived," he growled, not bothering with formalities. "We've been waiting for hours."
"We came at your call, but our patience wears thin." Alpha Elena, her sleek form moving fluidly through the gathered crowd. "
Ares joined his brother, his expression betraying nothing of the turmoil within, but Apollo could tell from his stiff movements that Ares barely held it together.
"The situation is delicate," Apollo said. "We appreciate your presence, but this will be handled our way."
Murmurs rippled through the gathered Alphas, some nodding in respect, others exchanging skeptical glances.
"And what way is that?" demanded Alpha Ronan, his scarred face twisted in a sneer. "Negotiating with rogues who kidnapped your mate? They deserve death, all of them."
Ares' eyes flashed. "What they deserve is not for you to decide. And neither is how long you wait. You are not the kings; we are, and we decide what happens. If you don't like it, you are more than welcome to abdicate your positions and your packs now and walk away."
Tension crackled in the air as the twins moved toward the gate, their guards forming a protective formation around them. The Alphas parted, their displeasure evident, but their respect for the kings holding them in check. For the moment at least.
As they approached the iron gates, Apollo spotted a group of wolves gathered on the other side. About forty wolves, led by a powerfully built man with a bloodied shoulder, started toward the gate.
Apollo's wolf snarled. Kill. Hurt mate. Kill them.
"That's close enough," Apollo called. "Kane, I presume?"
Kane nodded, his face bruised and bloodied, but his posture straight as he faced them. "Yes, Your Majesty. We're here to surrender, as agreed."
Apollo's gaze swept over the rogues behind Kane. A ragtag collection of wolves, many looking more frightened than dangerous. Women clutched younger wolves to their sides, while others supported comrades.
"And Titan?" Ares yelled, his voice hard.
"Sedated in a van in the garage." Kane gestured toward the main building. "Heavily restrained with silver, as you requested."
"Vanessa?" Apollo asked.
Kane's expression tightened. "She helped sedate Titan but disappeared in the commotion when the others refused to leave him."
Apollo's wolf growled. Traitor bitch.
