Page 50 of Alpha Queen
"No," replied Silas.
"Good. Then get everyone together, I'm not hiding anymore. It's time to do something."
"About bloody time," Cherry said behind him.
Apollo had no idea where to start, but if he didn’t take action, he'd never feel like he deserved to be River's mate.
Twenty minutes later, they all pulled up to the estate. A sense of dread washed over him momentarily. He swallowed it down as his wolf bristled, uneasy with being back at home after what had happened. They drove up the drive and parked by the front door. All of his men and Ares' remaining men exited their bikes and vehicles, checking the area before letting Apollo, Cherry, Strider, and Bianca out.
Apollo took in a breath of fresh air. Home. The familiar smells and sounds of home soothed him somewhat, but the moment he walked inside the house and was slapped by the lingering scent of River's fragrance, he almost crumbled to his knees.
His wolf paced and clawed to be unleashed so he could search for any sign of her.
Out. Mate. Find.
Apollo forced his wolf to calm down so he could concentrate. We are. Be patient.
"Okay," said Cherry. "We're here. Now what?"
Apollo bit his tongue at the retort that almost passed his lips. "Now we look for clues."
"Where?" asked Cherry.
Despite her tough exterior, Cherry appeared smaller and frailer than she had the first time he'd seen her a month before.
"The ballroom first."
"Boss," said Silas. "I don't know that that's such a good idea."
Apollo pinned him with his gaze. "Are you saying you don't think I can handle it?"
"No, Highness." Silas shook his head. "I just…"
"I've seen carnage before, Silas. I may not like it, but it is part of our life."
Silas nodded. "Of course."
"I'm going to take Bianca upstairs," said Zeke.
"We'll go with you," Strider replied.
Cherry shook Strider's hand off her shoulder. "Go with them if you want. I want to find my daughter."
For the first time, anger flashed across Strider's face. "You think I don't?"
"Well, she isn't your daughter, is she?"
The growl that escaped Strider surprised Apollo.
"How can you possibly say that to me?" his voice came out more as a snarl than actual words. "I've raised her for more than half her life. Taken care of her. Loved her as much as I love Bianca. And you think you have the right to say that to me after everything we've been through?"
The air crackled with tension as the hair on Strider's arms lengthened and his eyes darkened. His teeth elongated, and he loomed over Cherry.
Her expression changed and then hardened again. "Go with Bianca. I'll let you know if I find anything."
Strider didn't move for a long second, his body so rigid that Apollo was afraid he might snap.
"No," Bianca said, startling everyone.
