Page 88 of Alpha Queen
River's eyelids fluttered, then opened. For a moment, confusion clouded her gaze before recognition dawned. "Apollo?" Her voice came out barely audible.
"Yes, it's me." His voice broke as he gathered her hand in his. "I'm here. You're safe now."
Tears welled in River's eyes as she struggled to sit up. "I escaped," she managed, wincing with the effort. "I got out. I had to... the baby..."
Apollo froze, his eyes dropping to her abdomen. "Baby?"
River nodded weakly, tears spilling down her cheeks. "Our baby. I had to protect our baby."
A wave of emotions crashed through Apollo: joy, fear, and fierce protectiveness. His hand trembled as he placed it gently on River's abdomen.
"Our baby," he repeated, his voice thick with fury at what Titan had put them through.
River reached for him and pulled him to her to rub her nose against his. Apollo's wolf howled, and Apollo held back the desire to hold her against him as tight as he was able.
Dr. Mitchell cleared her throat. "She needs a hospital, Mr. Wolvenguard. I've done what I can, but she's severely dehydrated, malnourished, and has lost a significant amount of blood. And if she's pregnant-”
"No hospitals," Apollo said firmly. "We have a private family physician. Our doctor is waiting."
"She most likely needs surgery for that leg and a blood transfusion."
Apollo looked at the doctor. "I assure you, our doctor can do whatever is required."
Apollo unhooked the IV from River's arm and gathered River into his arms. She whimpered softly. The pain and fear wafted off her like an overly scented candle in a small enclosed space. He stopped and inhaled. He could smell her. Not strong, but he could.
"Hold on." The doctor stopped him and retrieved a cotton ball and Band-Aid, and covered River's arm where he'd removed the IV.
"Titan." She clutched weakly at Apollo's shirt. "He'll come for me."
"Let him try," Apollo growled, his eyes flashing. "I won't let him near you again. Ever."
Dr. Mitchell moved forward, concern etched on her face. "Mr. Wolvenguard, I really must insist-"
"Thank you for your help, Doctor," Silas interrupted smoothly, pressing a thick envelope into her hands. "We appreciate your discretion. I promise Prince Apollo will do whatever is necessary to ensure the health of his wife and unborn child. You need not worry."
She blinked at the envelope, then at River's frail form cradled against Apollo. "I... I don't understand what's happening here, but she needs proper care."
"She'll get it. My wife will get whatever she needs. Whatever the cost." Apollo assured her, already moving toward the door. "You have my word."
As they exited the clinic, Apollo scanned the parking lot with predatory intensity, his senses on high alert for any sign of danger. He stopped and glimpsed a teenage boy standing awkwardly by the entrance, his face pale with shock.
"He brought me here," River whispered.
"Thank you," Apollo said. "You saved her. I owe you my life."
The boy nodded, but looked completely overwhelmed. "I was just doing Uber Eats and there she was… on the sidewalk… bleeding… She was a dog," he said. "And then when we got here, she wasn't."
Regan placed a hand on the boy's shoulder. "You did the right thing, son. But it would be best if you forgot what you saw tonight."
Apollo looked at the boy. "What's your name?"
"Jack Wilson."
"Jack. I am in your debt forever." He nodded to Regan. "Call Wolvenguard Limited and tell them I said to get your information so I can repay you. Whatever you want. College tuition? Covered. Debts wiped out. Done. You just tell me what it is and I'll make sure it happens."
Regan handed Jack a card. Jack took the card, but his eyes never left River. The boy's mouth opened, but before he could respond, Apollo moved toward the waiting SUV, River held securely against him. His wolf howled with fierce protectiveness as her shallow breaths fell against his neck.
His wolf sniffed River. Hurt. Needs help.
