Page 36 of Alpha Queen
A knock at the door signaled Kane's impatience, bringing her back to reality. River steeled herself.
Whatever game Titan was playing, she had to stay sharp. She had to look for any opportunity or weakness she could exploit. For her sake, for her baby's sake, and for the sake of everyone counting on her.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
TITAN
Titan paced the length of the formal dining room, tension radiating through him. He'd instructed Anna, a former executive chef and the rogues, to prepare an elaborate meal to demonstrate to River that life with him could be good and comfortable. Luxurious, even. The twins weren't the only ones who could spoil her.
Rich tapestries and exquisite paintings adorned the formal dining room. A crystal chandelier hung from the ceiling, casting a warm glow across the room. Fine china and silver cutlery adorned the table. And every inch of their opulence had him almost as on edge as waiting for River. None of it was his. His mother had designed every foot of the house. Every painting her choice. And every dollar's worth of finery his mother's dream. To Titan, they were nothing more than a waste. However, he was more than happy to use them in his favor if it meant he might be able to win over River.
Titan's dark navy suit clung to his broad shoulders, making it tighter than it should. The last time he'd worn the suit had been at his mother's funeral. His heart squeezed at the memory. Though it had been years, he felt like every day was the day he'd found his mom's body in her bed. A wave of grief washed through him, and he locked it away, refusing to give in to sadness, knowing that she would be proud to see what he'd become and what he'd built for her. And even more so that he was going to be king with an Omega as his mate.
He glanced at the wall clock. River should have been there over fifteen minutes prior. Was he fooling himself? Would she refuse to come? Could he ever win her over after everything that had happened? Everything he'd done?
The door opened, and Kane entered with River close behind. Titan's breath caught at the sight of her. The simple blue sweater hugged her curves in all the right places, and her hair gleamed silver in the soft lighting. The comfortable-looking pants seemed to dwarf her petite frame, but also suited her. He'd never seen her wear anything like it before. That pleased him. She was trying new things. First painting and now new styles. It was a good sign.
"River," he said, stepping forward. "You look lovely."
"It's a sweater and knit pants." She scanned him. "Guess I underdressed for the occasion."
"No. You're perfect." Titan strode forward and pulled out a chair for her.
His wolf whined and paced.
Keep it cool. Stay cool.
She eyed him and sat.
He felt Kane's harsh gaze and nodded to him. He didn't need Kane's presence upsetting dinner.
Kane glanced at the back of River's head and left without a word.
Titan lifted River's chair and slid her into the table. "Would you like some wine?"
"Cola."
He looked over at the wine he'd picked out specifically for dinner, and his smile fell.
His wolf growled. No. Respect.
Shut it.
Titan had spent an hour looking over the bottles in his cellar. "Of course."
He turned to Austin, standing in the corner. "Get my mate a cola from the fridge, please."
Austin nodded.
"Bring a whole six-pack, please," River said.
Austin smiled. "Of course, Highness."
Titan's wolf leapt to his feet and bared his teeth. No talk. No smile. Mine. My mate.
Titan's wolf surged forward, wanting to rip Austin apart for smiling at River.
Titan swallowed hard and walked to the other end of the table before sitting.
