Page 141 of Alpha Queen
Strider looked at her. "Are you okay, sweetheart?"
River managed a watery smile. "I will be."
Zeke and Bianca slipped in behind Strider. Bianca carried a tray with drinks and soda into the room. She gave a tight smile and walked to a nearby table.
"I thought everyone might need something to drink." She handed a drink to Ares and Apollo and then a glass of bubbly water to River.
"Thanks, B."
Bianca smiled at her.
Zeke stood by the door, his vigilant eyes softening when they landed on River or Bianca. "The building is secure," he reported. "Titan has been moved to the holding cell. Heavily guarded. Everyone else is off the premises."
River sipped the water, soothing some of the agitation in her stomach. She looked around the small gathering, feeling the weight of her exhaustion lift. These were her people- her family. They'd been through hell, yet somehow, they'd all survived.
"I couldn't have done this without every one of you," she said.
Cherry looked at her. "You've always been stronger than you realized. Even when you were little."
"Your mom's right," Strider added. "You faced the devil and didn't blink."
River leaned against Apollo, drawing comfort from his steady heartbeat. "I was terrified the whole time. I kept thinking he'd somehow break free, that he'd-"
"But he didn't," Ares interrupted. "And he never will again."
Bianca knelt in front of River, her features softened with concern. "How are you feeling physically? The babies?"
River grabbed Bianca's hand and moved it to her stomach. "They're okay."
Bianca smiled as a flutter stirred in River's belly.
"They know their mother is a badass," Zeke commented from his position by the door.
"I'm your auntie B-," Bianca said to River's belly. "I'm going to get you the poshest baby clothes and the most expensive toys, and we're gonna play together and watch kid shows and eat junk food and then you are good and hyper, I'm gonna give you back to your dads to take care of you while your mom and I go have girl time."
Everyone laughed, the sound breaking the last of the tension that gripped them. For a moment, they were just a family sharing a quiet moment of relief and connection.
Ares kissed River's temple. "Our children are going to have the most incredible mother. And the most overprotective uncles, aunts, and grandparents." He chuckled, glancing at Strider and Cherry.
Tears sprang to River's eyes, but this time they were born of gratitude rather than fear or exhaustion. "I love you all so much."
For several minutes, they simply sat together, sharing stories and memories, allowing the horrors of the day to recede. Bianca told a story about Zeke accidentally walking into a women's restroom on their first date. Strider recounted childhood adventures between River and Bianca. Apollo told everyone how Ares had ruined his favorite game out of jealousy. Ares countered that Apollo had stolen his favorite blanket. Everyone laughed as the two bickered about who had hurt who first.
Eventually, Bianca stood, stretching her back. "Well, I think it's time we let you three have some peace. It's been a long day."
"And the days won't be getting any shorter for quite a while," said Ares.
"Thank you," River said, looking at each of them in turn. "For everything."
They departed with warm embraces all around.
"I don't want to go tomorrow," River said. "I don't want to see it."
"You've seen enough, kitten," said Apollo.
"I'll go," said Cherry.
"I will too," said Strider.
