Page 129 of Alpha Queen
"They're so strong. Their heartbeats are like little drums. Steady and determined, like their mother."
River's fingers raked through his hair. "What else do you hear?"
"Life. Beautiful, perfect life." He looked up at her. "I can't wait to meet them, to teach them everything. To watch them grow."
"What will you teach them first?"
"How to track. And swim. And shift." His expression softened. "But most importantly, how to love and protect what matters most."
"You'll be an amazing father."
"We'll take them everywhere," Ares continued. "Show them the world, teach them about their heritage, their responsibilities."
River laughed. "We should definitely take them to the giant Ferris wheel thing when they're small."
"The Ferris wheel?" Ares cocked an eyebrow. "Oh, you mean the La Grande Roué."
"We should get them used to it early, so they're never afraid of heights."
Ares smiled and kissed her belly. "Are you sure? As I remember, you didn't love it too much."
"I may need to hold your hand the entire time. But I'll keep trying."
"I'm going to hold you to that," he said, crawling back up to capture her lips in a tender kiss.
"And we need to take them to see the cathedral."
"Absolutely," Ares murmured. "And the opera."
River nodded. "Though maybe something other than Carmen."
Ares snorted. "Fair enough."
APOLLO
The crisp morning breeze blew over Apollo's face as he stood in front of the stone fireplace in the main cabin, his eyes fixed on the photographs that lined the mantle. His fingers traced a wooden frame containing an image of his father- regal, powerful, imposing. The man who had shaped the Lycan world for decades, whose legacy now rested on Apollo's shoulders.
"Would you have done it?" Apollo whispered to the photograph. "Would you have crossed that line? Let your emotions overtake your judgment?"
His reflection stared back at him from the glass, golden eyes troubled by memories of his rage. The way his control had shattered when he'd confronted Titan. The primal, savage need to destroy the man who had dared take River. He'd come so close- terrifyingly close- to becoming something he'd always feared lurked beneath the civilized exterior he put on.
A knock at the door pulled him from his thoughts.
"Your Majesty?" Silas entered, iPad in hand. "I've finished the inventory of the other cabins."
Apollo turned from the mantle. "And?"
"Most are in good condition, but there are repairs needed." Silas handed over a detailed list. "Plumbing issues in cabins three and seven. Roof damage on five. Almost all of them need electrical work."
Apollo scanned the document, grateful for the distraction. "Have these addressed today. The rogues will need proper shelter when they arrive."
"Of course." Silas hesitated. "This is a generous thing you're doing."
Apollo's jaw tightened. "It wasn't my idea."
"Nevertheless, you agreed to it."
Apollo handed back the list. "Get workers out here today. I want the repairs started before I return to the estate."
