Page 123 of Alpha Queen
River's eyelids closed.
The steady rhythm of their combined breathing, the familiar scents of home and mate, gradually lulled all three of them toward sleep.
"I love you," she whispered, the words floating between them in the darkness. "Both of you."
"And we love you," they responded in unison.
As sleep claimed them, Apollo's last thought was that they were all where they belonged. Their mate and young between them, surrounded by their love and protection in their home.
The nightmares returned, but eventually the dawn did as well.
And Apollo and Ares held her through the whole ordeal.
CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE
One Week Later
RIVER
River leaned back against the plush leather chair, her body sore but her mind clear for the first time in days. Five full days of testimonies from the rogues had taken their toll, but a sense of accomplishment settled over her as she looked over the stack of files on the table.
"I can't believe we're finished.” She ran a hand through her silver hair. "Forty-three rogues interviewed."
Apollo nodded, his golden eyes scanning the final report. "And only seven left that were directly involved in the attack or your kidnapping."
"The rest were just looking for safety," River said.
Ares paced by the window, silhouetted against the afternoon light. "So now we have thirty-six rogues who need a home."
"They've chosen to stay together," Apollo noted. "Form their own pack rather than return to territories they were exiled from."
"Can you blame them?" River asked. "Would you go back to people who had abandoned you?"
"The question is." Ares turned to face them. "Where do we put them?"
River straightened in her chair, an idea taking shape. "What about Montreal?"
"Montreal?" Apollo's brow furrowed. "You want to keep them close?"
"It makes sense. We've seized all of Titan's holdings. The estate, the businesses, the accounts. We could liquidate some to help them get established."
Ares chewed his lip. "It would be a fitting use of his blood money. Using what he stole to help rogues rather than exploit them."
Apollo's jaw tightened. "I'm not comfortable with them living at Titan's compound. Too much potential for trouble."
"I wasn't thinking of the compound," River said. "What about the Wolvenguard cabins?"
Apollo stiffened. "Those cabins have been in our family for generations."
"Exactly," River said. "They're sitting empty most of the year. The town is peaceful. The locals are friendly. And there's plenty of forest for them to run."
"It would only be temporary," Ares added. "Just until we can find them a permanent settlement."
Apollo stood, his conflict evident in every line of his body. "I don't know. Those cabins are special to me."
"I know." She reached for his hand. "Me too. That's why they'd be perfect. Why not let them be special for others? Plus, having the pack there would help all the small businesses in town, such as our favorite candy store. "
Apollo's resistance wavered as he looked at their joined hands.
