Page 32 of Alpha Queen
River backed away from the canvas, surveying her work. The night sky she'd painted was hauntingly beautiful, stars twinkling against the midnight blue backdrop. It was far from perfect, but if she was going for impressionism, it wasn't bad.
She snorted and then chuckled.
She continued to dissect the painting. Something was missing.
She picked up a smaller brush and dabbed on more detail. Three wolves emerging from the shadows at the edge of the canvas- one silver, one black and white, one russet brown. River's ribcage tightened as she painted, memories flooding back.
The bond with Ares and Apollo warmed her. The sense of belonging, of being seen and accepted. The fierce protectiveness and love that had enveloped her. Being with both of them. Loving them unconditionally and without restraint. Feelings she never thought she'd experience.
A tear slipped down her cheek, and she swiped it away. She couldn't afford to break. She had to stay strong, stay focused.
River placed the brush on the easel and walked over to a window, pressing her forehead against the cool glass.
Her hand drifted to her abdomen again. How long before she started showing? How long could she keep her pregnancy hidden?
Her wolf grumbled. Escape. Ares. Apollo. Home.
"I know," she murmured. "We'll get out of here. Somehow."
CHAPTER TWELVE
APOLLO
Apollo paced in the safehouse, his muscles tense with pent-up energy. It had been a day since Ares left for Indianapolis, and Apollo was going stir-crazy waiting for news. His wounds had mostly healed, but he still hadn't regained full strength. Doctor Keller insisted on more rest, but how could he rest when River was out there somewhere, in danger, and he sat doing nothing?
Okay… that wasn't true. He'd been busy. More than busy. Calling Alphas. Coordinating transportation. Sending condolences. Smoothing things over. Asking for more support. Demanding loyalty from those who seemed unsure before. Reinforcing the fact that they still ruled. Ensuring everything ran smoothly despite the disaster surrounding them.
Apollo paused by the window, staring out at the wooded property surrounding the safehouse. His wolf whined, desperate to break free and search for their mate. Apollo gritted his teeth, forcing the urge down. Charging off half-cocked would do more harm than good. But every instinct in his body screamed for him to act.
A knock at the door interrupted his brooding. "Come in."
Silas entered, a tablet in hand. "We've got an update from Ares."
Apollo's heart raced. "Did he find something?"
Silas nodded, his expression grim. "He tracked down the chemist making the suppressants. Titan ordered a substantial quantity about a month ago- enough for hundreds of wolves. But that's not the worst part."
Apollo's gut clenched. "What do you mean?"
"The suppressants aren't just stronger. They've been modified to increase suggestibility. Almost like..."
"Mind control," Apollo finished, a chill running down his spine. "Shit." He ran a hand through his hair, mind racing. "Where were they shipped?"
"They are to be delivered tomorrow to a storage unit in Ohio. Ares is heading there now to investigate."
Apollo nodded, already moving towards the door. "I'm going too. Have the jet ready in thirty minutes."
Silas blocked his path. "Apollo, you're not ready. The doctor-"
"I don't give a damn what the doctor says," Apollo growled, his eyes flashing gold. "That's my mate out there. And if Titan's planning something with those suppressants, we don't have time to waste."
Silas held his gaze for a long moment, then sighed and moved aside. "I'll have the team ready to move out in twenty."
As Silas left to make the arrangements, Apollo picked up his phone and dialed Ares. His brother picked up on the first ring.
"I'm on my way," Apollo said. "Send me the address for the storage unit. I'll meet you there."
There was a pause on the other end of the line. Then Ares spoke, his voice tight with contained emotion. "No, brother. You have to stay there. I need you there. I need you to keep things running."
