Page 145 of Alpha Queen
Blood sprayed across the grass in a crimson arc. His wolf held a chunk of flesh and tissue in his jaws for a moment, eyes locked on Titan's dying gaze, before dropping it contemptuously on Titan's face.
Titan's body convulsed, blood pumping from the gaping wound in rhythmic spurts that slowed with each passing second. His remaining eye widened in shock, then glazed over as death claimed him. With a final, shuddering breath, Titan Longtooth slumped forward, his blood soaking the earth beneath him.
Silence fell over the gathering, broken only by the heavy breathing of the massive wolf standing over his kill.
Dead. Finally.
Yes. Finally.
Ares remained motionless for several heartbeats, his eyes fixed on Titan's lifeless form, ensuring that the threat to his mate was eliminated.
Finally, he retreated, his muzzle and torso stained crimson. His wolf sought his brother, something almost like peace settling over him now that the bastard was dead.
Apollo joined his brother, Ares' clothes draped over his arm, his expression a mixture of satisfaction and solemn acceptance. "It's done, brother." Apollo's hand fell on Ares' shoulder.
Ares' wolf howled in triumph.
Ares shifted back to human. He waited for a pang of guilt. A moment of remorse for what he'd done. But as he stood naked in the growing light of dawn, blood smeared across his body, a weight lifted from his shoulders.
Ares accepted the clothing Apollo offered. "It's finally done."
Cherry's eyes fixed on Titan's body. "Good riddance," she said. "Rot in hell, asshole."
Strider nodded, placing a supportive hand on Ares' shoulder. "River can heal now."
Osmodius approached, his face grave. "The sentence has been carried out according to our laws. May the goddess grant peace to those who suffered at his hands."
As Ares dressed, the Council members moved forward to prepare Titan's body for cremation. No monument would mark his passing, and no ceremony would honor his memory. By sundown, nothing would remain of Titan Longtooth but ashes.
There was only one last thing to do. "Theo, hire a crew, raze Titan's estate. I want nothing more than dirt on that lot in less than a week."
"Of course," Theo responded.
"Do you have a preference where his ashes go?" asked Osmodius.
Ares paused.
"Down the toilet," Apollo growled.
"No," said Ares. "Hold on to them. River should decide."
Apollo nodded. "Let's go home. River will be waking soon."
Ares agreed. "But let's give it some time before we tell her about the ashes."
Osmodius bowed. "Fair enough."
Ares fastened the last button on his shirt. Despite the stink of blood that still stained his skin, he felt better than he had in weeks. The rage that had consumed him since River's kidnapping had finally been spent, leaving behind a strange sense of calm.
As they walked back toward the parking garage, the first true rays of sunlight crested the horizon, bathing the world in golden light. A new day dawned. The first of many in a world free from Titan's shadow.
Cherry fell into step beside Ares, her eyes studying his face. "You good?"
Ares considered the question before answering. "I will be. We all will be."
"River's going to need you both more than ever now," she said quietly. "The nightmares won't stop just because he's dead."
"We'll be there for her," Apollo assured her. "Every step of the way."
