Page 99 of Alpha Queen
Ares snorted. "Sanctions against who? Us? What can they do? Nothing. Absolutely nothing."
"It's not just that," Santiago added. "There are rogues inside that compound. Dozens, maybe more. The Council wants to know what to do with them."
River's eyes widened. "They're not all bad."
Both twins looked at her questioningly, and she continued.
"The rogues. Some of them were just trying to survive. Titan and the others told me about how they were treated. They were hunted and driven off because they were perceived as competition to the Alphas. Or because they didn't like who the goddess had chosen as their fated mate," River's voice grew stronger as she spoke. "The ones who followed Titan, many of them were desperate. They believed his promises of a better life, of equality. They wanted a pack, a home, something to believe in."
Apollo's brow furrowed. "That doesn't excuse what they did. What he did to you."
"No," River agreed, wincing as she shifted position. "But if we slaughter them all, we're no better than the Alphas who judged them unfairly and without proof of them doing anything worth being exiled for."
Ares stalked back to the bed, his expression intense. "What are you suggesting?"
"Justice, not vengeance. The Council needs to hear what I learned. About the rogues, about the corruption in some of the packs." She took a breath. "They need to hear it from me."
"Absolutely not," Ares growled.
"Out of the question," Apollo said simultaneously.
River's eyes flashed golden. "I wasn't asking permission."
The twins exchanged a look of equal parts frustration, admiration, and resignation.
"River," Apollo began, "you can hardly sit up. You're pregnant with our children. You need rest and recovery, not a confrontation with the Council."
"And I'll rest," River assured him, "after I make sure those rogues get a fair hearing." Her hand moved to her stomach. "Our children deserve to be born into a world where justice matters more than bloodlines."
Strider cleared his throat. "For what it's worth, I think she's right."
Ares glared at him. "Of course you'd say that. You're her father."
"Yes, I am," Strider agreed, unintimidated. "Which is why I know that stubborn look on her face. She's going with or without your blessing."
Dr. Keller, who'd been observing silently, stepped forward. "If, and I stress if, she goes, it must be brief. No more than an hour. She needs to be seated the entire time, with medical support nearby."
River smiled at the doctor. "Thank you."
"Don't thank me," Dr. Keller retorted. "I think it's a terrible idea. But I've worked with enough Alphas to know when I'm fighting a losing battle."
Another knock at the door preceded Cherry's entrance. She took in the tense atmosphere with a raised eyebrow. "What did I miss?"
"Mom." River seized the opportunity. "Tell them I need to speak to the Council."
Cherry nodded. "About the rogues?"
River nodded, surprised. "How did you know?"
"Because I raised you. And because I've heard your nightmares." She crossed the room to sit on the bed. "You've been talking in your sleep. About rogues, about justice, about things being not what we thought."
River squeezed her mother's hand. "There's so much the Council doesn't know. Or has chosen to ignore. But this can't continue to be ignored."
Cherry nodded, then turned to the twins. "She needs to be there. Not just for the rogues, but for herself. For closure."
Ares ran a hand through his hair, his frustration evident. "And if it's too much? If she collapses? If Titan somehow-"
"Titan won't get near her," Cherry interrupted. "Not with every Alpha in North America standing between them."
