Page 115 of Alpha Queen
Ares roared before staring down Elkan.
"Justice?" Apollo challenged. "Or vengeance?"
"Is there a difference?" Alpha Elena joined Elkan, her features tight. "These rogues took our packmates, slaughtered other Alphas. They kidnapped your mate. They deserve no mercy."
Other Alphas murmured their agreement, moving closer, their wolves pushing at the surface as the scent of blood and fire filled the air.
"You are not king here, Elena," Ares shouted. "You will do as we say, or you challenge us right now for the throne."
Elena looked at Ares for a split second before inclining her head and stepping back.
"The same goes for all of you," Apollo snarled. "You need to remember you do not rule, we do. And from now on, we'll make sure you remember that. Every last one of you. If any of you have a problem with us, we will deal with it swiftly and with finality."
"My Beta died at their hands," Alpha Ronan sneered. "His heart ripped out while he begged for his life. I will not leave until I've seen justice done."
Apollo surveyed the gathered Alphas, recognizing the dangerous edge to their restlessness. If he denied them, he risked losing their loyalty, perhaps permanently. Some had traveled over a thousand miles at his call, abandoning their territories and responsibilities. All expected blood.
"Very well," Apollo conceded. "You want blood? Then you'll have blood."
Ares looked to Apollo, and he thought Ares might argue. Instead, he nodded.
"Remember," said Ares. "Any rogue who surrenders is to be taken alive. Any unnecessary deaths will be answered for with a life."
"This is your only time," Apollo added. "No matter what happens, after tonight, it's over. This ends here."
The Alphas organized into strike teams.
Apollo turned back to Kane. "Where is Titan?"
"Underground garage," Kane replied, his voice tight. "Northeast corner of the main building. Black van with tinted windows."
"Show us," Ares demanded.
Kane hesitated, looking at the burning compound.
"Go with the Alphas," Ares commanded Zeke and Theo. "Secure the building, look for Vanessa. Don't let her get away."
The guards obeyed, and the first wave of Alphas shifted, their massive wolf forms charging through the gates with thunderous snarls. Betas followed suit, fanning out across the grounds as more explosions shook the compound.
"We need to move," Apollo said, already striding forward.
Kane led the way through the chaos. Gunfire erupted, followed by howls of pain. The scent of blood thickened in the air as wolves clashed with the armed rogues barricaded inside.
"This way," Kane directed them toward a side entrance as flames engulfed more of the main building. "The garage can be accessed through here."
They moved swiftly through a corridor lined with opulent furnishings, evidence of Titan's wealth. Every turn mimicked their estate. Paintings adorned walls, their frames gleaming with gold leaf, even as smoke filled the hallways.
They turned into the kitchen, and Ares growled. "How much further?"
"Just ahead." Kane punched a code into a keypad beside an unmarked door that, in their estate, led to the pantry.
The heavy barrier slid open, revealing a concrete stairwell leading down. The sounds of struggle echoed from below, metal striking metal, enraged shouts, the distinctive clang of chains.
"He's awake," Kane warned, his face grim as they descended the stairs. "The sedative must have worn off."
The vast underground garage had high ceilings supported by concrete pillars. In the center, surrounded by overturned equipment and scattered tools, stood a black armored van. Its rear doors hung open, revealing a glimpse of the chaos within. Thrashing limbs, flashing golden eyes, the gleam of silver restraints
"TRAITOR!" Titan's voice boomed through the cavernous space. "I'LL TEAR YOUR THROAT OUT!"
