Page 98 of Alpha Queen
"Alphas and Betas."
Kane's wolf leapt to his feet. Fight. Kill.
"Which ones?" Kane asked.
Austin swallowed, his eyes wide as tennis balls. "All of them."
Shit. Kane sighed. "Turn on the electric fencing."
CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE
RIVER
The safe house hummed with activity as the sun rose, painting the eastern sky in hues of pink and gold. River lay propped against pillows, her body weak, but her spirit strengthening with each passing hour. The transfusion from Cherry had helped immensely, bringing color back to her pale skin and clarity to her mind. Even her scrapes had begun to heal.
She rested her hands on her belly, still unable to believe she was having twins. Twin boys for her twin mates. She smiled.
Dr. Keller changed the bandages on River's wounds, which were now clean and properly sutured. Though healing faster than a human would, the wound would still take time to mend completely.
Dr. Keller packed away her equipment. "You've healed somewhat since last night." She gave River a stern look. "But you need rest. Proper nutrition. And absolutely no more escaping through razor wire fences."
River smiled weakly. "I'll try to restrain myself."
Apollo sat beside her on the bed, his fingers intertwined with hers, while Ares paced near the window, his powerful frame silhouetted against the morning light. Both twins had refused to leave her through the night, taking turns holding her as she slept fitfully, plagued by nightmares of concrete walls and endless darkness.
A gentle knock at the door preceded Strider's entrance. "How are you feeling, kid?" he asked, his face creased with concern.
"Better." River squeezed Apollo's hand. "Much better."
Strider nodded, relief evident in his posture. "Good. Can I get you anything? Cola, cookies?"
"No," Dr. Keller answered. "The girl needs meat, vegetables, fruit. You know, stuff that is going to feed her body, not just fill up her belly."
River smiled. "I'm okay, thanks. I'll let you know if I need anything."
Strider nodded, and Santiago entered.
"I'm sorry to bother you, but we have a situation developing."
Ares turned from the window, his golden eyes sharp. "What kind of situation?"
"The compound is surrounded," Theo reported. "Every Alpha and Beta in the region answered the call. They've formed a perimeter, no one in, no one out."
Apollo tensed. "And Titan?"
"No sign of him trying to escape yet," Santiago replied. "But there's movement inside. Looks like they're preparing for something."
Ares growled. "I should be there."
"No," River said firmly. "You should be here. With me."
Ares turned to her, conflict evident in his expression. "Of course, Beloved."
"The Council is there," Santiago continued. "They're demanding to speak with both of you."
"They can wait," Apollo's thumb traced circles on River's palm.
Santiago shifted uncomfortably. "They're insisting. They say this is unprecedented, nearly every Alpha in North America gathered without Council authorization. They're threatening sanctions."
