Page 37 of Alpha Queen
He knows River. They grew up together in the same pack. We want her to be comfortable, he reminded himself, as well as his wolf.
Titan poured a large glass of wine and downed it before filling the glass again. "You can go, Austin. I'll call you when we are ready for the main course."
Austin nodded. "Of course, Highness."
Titan waited for Austin to disappear before blowing out a breath. Why the hell was he so nervous? Why was he like an anxious pup on its first pack run?
He sipped his wine and swirled it on his tongue. He forced a smile on his face as River scrutinized him.
"How did the painting go? Did you like it?"
Austin returned with the six-pack, tore one from the pack, and handed it to River before retreating to the corner. River popped the tab on the cola and took a sip. "The supplies are impressive."
Titan beamed. "I'm glad you liked them. I wanted to make sure you had everything you might need."
"Except my freedom," River muttered.
An awkward silence fell between them as the first course was served- an elegant salad with candied walnuts and goat cheese.
River picked at her food, and Titan searched for something to say.
"I hope you're finding your accommodations comfortable," he ventured.
River dropped her fork with a clatter. "My accommodations? Are we going to do this? Pretend I've been allowed accommodations and not a holding cell. That this is a dinner date and not you kidnapped me and forced me to come up here?"
Titan clutched his fork so tight it bent. He laid it on the table, trying to figure out the best response. How much longer could he put up with her constant rejection without lashing out? He'd never had a woman not want him before. Rebuff him at every turn and look at him like he'd murdered her toy poodle and laughed while he'd done it.
"I'm trying to make the best of a difficult situation. For both of us."
"Both of us?" River scoffed. "You're the one who chose to attack my mates to take me against my will, and to lock me up in your house as a prisoner. How in the world is this 'difficult' on you at all?"
"I had no choice but to take you!" Titan growled. "You're my mate. I couldn't stand by and let you bond with them."
River leaned forward, her eyes glowing with anger. "I am not your mate. I rejected you. You have no claim on me."
Titan stiffened, trying to keep his wolf at bay.
Take. Mine. Mate. Take now. Make her submit.
No!
His wolf tore at his chains to be let free. Weak. Insignificant. Human.
Titan shoved his wolf away. If he lost it now, she'd never accept him.
His wolf growled, but Titan refused to back down.
Finally, his wolf backed off but didn't entirely lie down.
He opened his eyes to find River staring at him.
"I know you don't believe me now," he said, trying to keep his voice even. "But in time, you'll see. We're meant to be together, River. Everything I've done, building this pack, gathering these rogues, it's all been for you. To create a world where we can be together without interference from the old guard."
River shook her head. "You're delusional, Titan. What you're doing is wrong. These rogues have genuine grievances and real pain. But you're using them for your own selfish ends."
Titan's wolf lunged forward, and Titan slammed his fist on the table, making the dishes rattle. "I'm trying to change things for the better. To create a world where no one has to suffer like I did, like my mother did, and like the other rogues have."
River's lips thinned. "Is that what you are doing? Or are you just trying to enact some petty vengeance on those you perceive as having wronged you?"
