Page 68 of Alpha Queen
"Meaning?"
Titan's eyes morphed back to normal in the dim light. "It means no more luxuries. No more privileges. No more kindness." He gestured to the destruction around them. "You'll stay in here until you learn your place."
"My place is with my mates," River shot back.
"Your mates," Titan sneered. "They haven't found you yet, have they? And they won't." He slid closer. "You're mine, River. The sooner you accept that, the better this will go for all of us."
River lifted her chin and met his eye. "I will never accept it."
"We'll see. I won't force myself on you again. You will either see things my way or die in this room."
He strode toward the door, reached for the handle, and paused. "One week of isolation. No visitors, minimal food. Think about your situation carefully, River. It can be comfortable or challenging. It's up to you. But whichever way you choose to go, you are never leaving this property. Oh, and if you try to use your Omega gaze on me again to force me to do something you want, I'll rip your tongue out before the words leave your pretty lips."
With that, he left, the door slamming behind him with finality. The locks clicked into place, followed by the sound of something metal being slid across it.
River waited until his footsteps faded completely before she allowed herself to exhale. Her legs trembled with the aftermath of adrenaline, and she sank to the floor and dry heaved. Tears flowed from her eyes and splashed on the cement.
"Apollo. Ares. We need you."
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
ARES
The house loomed before them, its stone walls and wrought iron gates both welcoming and imposing in the fading twilight. The familiar aroma of wet earth filled Ares' nostrils as they drove past the magnificent silver maple trees that had stood as sentinels for generations.
Theo drove with Santiago sitting beside him, his face a mask of concentration as he checked out his windows. Duncan shifted beside Ares, his eyes darting from window to window, taking in the expansive grounds.
They pulled up to the entrance, where the ornate double doors stood. A warm light spilled out the windows onto the stone steps. It should have welcomed them. Instead, all Ares could think about was the emptiness which would greet him inside. The absence of River's laughter, her eyes, her presence.
The car stopped, and Apollo strode out of the house, his lean frame silhouetted against the light from inside. Despite his evident exhaustion, he moved with purpose, his eyes locking with Ares' as he exited the vehicle.
The twins stood face-to-face for a moment, then embraced each other.
The sensation raced through Ares, consoling him in a way he'd never experienced before with his brother.
"Good to see you aren't still lying in bed while I do all the work."
Apollo chuckled and pushed away. "Thanks for letting me join in this time."
Apollo's gaze moved over Ares' shoulder as Duncan exited the vehicle.
"That him?"
Ares nodded and turned to Duncan.
"Duncan, my brother, Prince Apollo. Alpha of Alphas. Apollo, Duncan."
Apollo raised an eyebrow at Ares.
Ares chuckled.
Duncan bowed his head to Apollo. "Highness."
"Thank you for your help."
Duncan nodded.
Ares was about to ask where everyone was when Cherry burst through the door.
