Page 124 of Alpha Queen
"Think about it," River continued. "They'd have privacy, security, a place to heal and rebuild. And we'd be close enough to help them out if needed."
"They'd need supervision," Apollo cautioned. "Rules."
"Of course," River agreed. "We're not turning them loose."
Ares stood beside them. "It could work. And it might be good for more than just these rogues."
Apollo looked up. "What do you mean?"
"What if," Ares said thoughtfully, "we used the cabins as a transition point for all rogues seeking to start over? A place where they could be evaluated and prepared to join existing packs."
River's eyes lit up. "A halfway house for outcast wolves. That's brilliant, Ares!"
Apollo still frowned. "The main house is off-limits. That's my place. My sanctuary."
"It's our place," River corrected.
Apollo's eyes met hers, a complex mixture of emotions.
He sighed. "Fine. But the main house remains locked."
River beamed, rising to her tiptoes to press a kiss to his cheek. "Thank you."
"Don't thank me yet," Apollo grumbled, though the corner of his mouth twitched upward. "We still have to tell the Council."
"They'll support it," River said. "Mercule already offered to help however he could."
"Mercule would support you if you suggested painting the moon purple," Ares chuckled.
"The old wolf has always had a soft spot for strong females," Apollo agreed.
River smiled. "What about the seven who were involved? And Titan, Kane, Rudy, and Vanessa?"
The atmosphere shifted, the brief moment of levity evaporating.
"Their trials begin the day after tomorrow," Ares said. "The Council will preside, with representatives from all affected territories present. We will review all the testimony from the rogues over the next weeks and then call the Alpha to face justice as well." He rubbed his face. "It's going to be a long, tedious month."
"But one worth the effort." River smiled at him, though if she was being honest, she was already exhausted from all the duties.
"Titan will face the harshest punishment," Apollo added, his voice hardening. "For the kidnapping, the deaths at our ceremony, the attempted coup. Same for Vanessa."
River nodded. The thought that Titan was still alive sent a shiver of fear through her. But she'd promised herself she would not allow him to rule her life anymore, so she swallowed hard and shook her head.
"And Kane?" she asked.
"His case is... complicated," Ares admitted. "He was Titan's second-in-command, but he also surrendered willingly and helped us capture Titan."
"He was kind to me," River said. "In his own way. He tried to warn me when Titan…" She couldn't finish the thought. "And he was trying to figure out a way to get me out before it all went to hell. He never agreed to Titan taking me in the first place. He'd always just wanted to help the other rogues."
"While keeping you prisoner," Apollo reminded her, his voice tight.
River sighed. "I'm not saying he should go unpunished. Just that... there's more to him than we first thought. His fated mate rejected him because she was the Alpha's daughter. He's lost a lot. "
Ares nodded. "We'll take that into consideration."
A knock at the door interrupted their conversation.
Zeke entered. "Forgive the interruption, Your Majesties, but a few of the rogues are asking to speak with you. All of you."
