Page 131 of Alpha Queen
Inside the cabin, warmth from the fireplace enveloped them. River shrugged off her leather jacket, revealing a simple blue sweater that hugged her curves. The curve of her pregnancy was visible, and Apollo's heart squeezed at the sight.
His wolf howled. My Omega.
"Can we watch a movie while we eat?" River asked, unpacking food from the bags. "I brought burgers and fries from that place in town you like. Or we could just dive into the five-pound box of fudge."
Apollo smiled despite his troubled thoughts. "Whatever you want, kitten."
They settled on their bed, food spread before them on the coffee table. Apollo selected a Vincent Price film from the cabin's collection, and soon, the atmospheric sounds of "House of Usher" filled the room.
River ate with obvious enjoyment, occasionally commenting on the film's gothic atmosphere. Apollo found himself watching her more than the movie, drinking in the sight of her content beside him.
Halfway through the film, River turned to him, her eyes searching his face. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing," Apollo replied automatically.
River set down her food, fixing him with a penetrating stare. "Don't lie to me, Apollo. Something's been bothering you since you captured Titan. I told myself that I'd wait and let you talk to me about it when you were ready, but it's been over a week."
Apollo sighed. He couldn't hide his thoughts from her. Their bond was too strong. "I've been thinking about what happened with Titan."
"What about it?"
"I almost killed him, River." The words tumbled out, raw and honest. "Not in battle, not in self-defense. I wanted to tear him apart piece by piece, to make him suffer. I've never..." He swallowed hard. "I've never felt rage like that before. It terrified me."
River took his hand, her touch grounding him. "It's natural to feel that way after what we've been through."
His wolf whined.
"Is it? To completely lose control? To become something I don’t recognize?"
"Yes," River insisted. "I would have done the same thing in your position. Anyone who loves their mate the way we love each other would."
Apollo turned to face her. "The thought that he took you, that he touched you..." His voice broke. "It drove me and my wolf insane. I've never been that enraged before. That kind of anger has always been Ares' thing. But I've always been in control. Always been logical. But when it comes to you... logic goes completely out of my vocabulary."
"I understand." River squeezed his hand. "Believe me, I do."
A terrible thought struck Apollo. "Did he-" He couldn't finish the question, the possibility too painful to voice.
River hesitated, looking away.
"River..." Apollo’s heart thundered. "Did Titan try to force you?"
She remained silent for a long moment. "He would have," she admitted. "But Kane came and warned me what might happen. We were talking about getting me out when Titan found us together and freaked out."
Apollo's wolf leapt to his feet and snarled. Kill him. Rip out his heart.
Apollo's blood chilled, and his mouth dried as he fought to voice the next question. "What did he do?"
"He pinned me against the wall and kissed me. His nails dug into my arms, leaving marks, but I used my Luna gaze on him. Commanded him to let go and never touch me again."
Rage exploded through Apollo's body, his vision washing red. "I'll kill him for what he did. Truly kill him," he growled.
River moved closer, taking his face between her palms. "I'd rather we just wash it all away. You and I, together." She kissed him with fierce intent.
The kiss ignited something primal in Apollo. His hands tangled in her silver hair, pulling her closer as need consumed him. Their mouths clashed with desperate hunger, weeks of fear and separation fueling their passion.
Apollo lifted her onto his lap, her thighs straddling him as his hands explored the curves of her body. The need to claim her, to erase any trace of Titan's touch, overwhelmed him. River matched his intensity, her arms wrapping around his neck.
They shed their clothes in a flurry of urgency. Discarded without care as they came together with raw need. River slid down on him fast and hard. Apollo's control slipped, his wolf rising to the surface as he claimed her with possessive fervor.
