Page 143 of Alpha Queen
Ares nodded. "Not a bad idea. River's going to want the babies close. We could turn the room at the end into a kids' bedroom and the closer one into a nursery."
"That would leave mom and dad's room, and the room next to it, to merge."
"Definitely would be big enough for the three of us."
They stopped by Apollo's door.
"But we'd still keep our current rooms for our alone time," said Ares.
Apollo snorted. "Yeah, I'd rather not see your naked ass making love to my mate."
Ares faked indignation. "I'll have you know I have a fantastic ass. You'd be privileged to see it."
Apollo smiled and shook his head. "Well, seeing is how I know what my ass looks like, I'm pretty sure I know what yours looks like, so I'm good."
Ares chuckled. "See you in ten."
Apollo nodded and headed into his room as Ares walked down the hall to his.
Ares finished tying his tie as Apollo pulled open his bedroom door in a tailored black suit, his movements mechanical, his expression distant. The formal attire felt strangely appropriate for what they were about to witness. This wasn't just an execution; it was the final chapter of a nightmare that had nearly destroyed everything they held dear.
"You look like you're headed to your own funeral," Ares whispered, adjusting his brother's tie.
Apollo didn't answer or meet Ares' eye as Ares finished tying the knot.
"Don't worry. I'll handle this."
Apollo's jaw tightened. "I can manage it."
"I know you can," Ares replied. "I've seen you handle it. But this one is mine." He glanced back toward the bedroom where River slept. "After what he did to her... to our children... I need this."
Apollo studied his brother's face for a long moment before nodding. "You're right. You deserve your turn at him after what he put her through. Just save some for me if he somehow survives your wrath."
They shared a grim smile, the understanding between them running deeper than words could express.
The mansion was eerily quiet as they descended the grand staircase, their footsteps muffled by the thick carpet. Outside, the sky remained black, stars glittering coldly overhead as they neared the waiting SUV.
Cherry and Strider stood beside the vehicle. Cherry's hair piled on top of her head, her features hardened with determination. Strider's tall frame was rigid with tension, his russet hair tousled by the pre-dawn breeze.
"You don't need to come," Ares said.
"Yes, we do," Cherry replied, her voice leaving no room for argument. "He hurt my daughter. I want to see justice done. Especially if I can't do it myself."
Strider nodded in agreement. "River's mine too. I need to witness this for her sake."
"Let's go, then."
The twins slid into the back of the SUV while Cherry and Strider mounted their motorcycles.
"You good?" asked Silas.
The twins nodded.
As Theo pulled the vehicle away from the estate, Ares peered out the window at the two bikes that fell into formation behind them, their headlights cutting through the darkness.
The drive to the old church passed in silence, each occupant lost in their thoughts. As they pulled into the underground parking garage, the first hints of dawn began to lighten the eastern sky.
Ares' wolf stirred restlessly beneath his skin, clawing for release. The primal need for vengeance had been building for weeks, intensifying with each passing hour. Now, with Titan's execution mere minutes away, his wolf became nearly uncontrollable.
