Page 64 of Alpha Queen
"And then what?" Kane challenged. "They'll come storming in here, and people will die. Good people, who believe they're fighting for a better world."
River stood, her eyes flashing with determination. "Then help me talk to him."
Kane laughed bitterly. "You think you can reason with him? After everything?"
River struggled for something to say. Something that would convince Kane to act.
No. Not that. She couldn't…
"I have to try," River blurted. "For my child's sake."
Kane froze, his eyes widening as they dropped to her abdomen. "You're pregnant."
River's hand moved to her belly. "Yes."
"That must be why your scent is stronger. I couldn't smell you before, but now…" His eyes widened, and he scanned the room. "Have you stopped eating the food?"
Well, in for a penny… "Yes."
"Shit. Then you know that's where the suppressors are."
"I'm not a total idiot. Not that I'm keeping much of anything down. I'm lucky if my body will accept soda and mints."
He sniffed. "I take it Titan doesn't know?"
"Do you think I'd still be pregnant if he did?"
"You'd be surprised. With how twisted he is now, he'd likely claim the child was his."
The thought made River gasp. There was no way she would ever let Titan claim Apollo and Ares' child.
Kane ran a hand over his face. "This changes everything. It's only weeks, possibly days, before Titan realizes you aren't on the suppressors and blockers. He's said he's always been able to smell you even when you were on them before, but the others will notice soon, too. If you go upstairs, there will be no hiding it from them."
"Why doesn't Titan have cameras in here or in the art studio?"
"Because he doesn't want anyone else watching you. Believe me, if he weren't so paranoid about another male getting at you, he'd have every angle of the room covered by cameras."
The thought angered River. She wouldn't have put it past Titan to put cameras in the bathroom as well, so he could get his rocks off watching her.
"Help me," River begged. "Help my child. Please. I don't want him brought up in this world. Imagine what Titan would do to a baby. How much worse his obsession would become. If you do, I'll make sure Apollo and Ares give you whatever you want. I'm the High Luna, I can-"
"I don't want anything from you or them for myself. That's not why I'm here. I'm here for all the other wolves upstairs who didn't ask for this. All I want is for them to have an opportunity to live a normal life. It's all I've ever wanted."
"Then call Ares. Tell him what you want. He'll make sure it happens. I'll give you my word."
Before Kane could answer, the door burst inward. Titan stood in the doorway, his broad frame blocking the exit, his eyes blazing.
"What. Is. This?" he growled to Kane.
Kane straightened. "Talking."
"Talking," Titan repeated, his voice dangerously soft. "Behind my back. In her room. My mate's room."
River's heart pounded as Titan guided the door behind him with deliberate slowness. The air crackled with tension, and her wolf stirred anxiously.
Escape. Run.
"It's not what you think," Kane said evenly.
