Page 3 of Alpha Claimed

"Agreed," the other two said in unison.

"Where are you taking her?" Ares asked.

"Why? You gonna show up?"

"No. Because someone should know where she is in case you don't bring her back."

"We will make sure that he leaves the address with us," said Osmodius.

"Fine. But at least let her eat before leaving," said Ares. "She hasn't eaten in hours."

"We can get something on the way." Apollo stood. "And no need to pack; we can get whatever we need when we get there."

River's heart hammered, and her hands shook. They talked about her like she wasn't even in the room and that she wouldn't have. Yes, they may have just decided that she had to spend time with Apollo, but her life was still her own, and if she wanted to, she could just walk out the door and tell them all to screw themselves, and there was nothing they could do about it.

"I want to eat now," she blurted. "And change my clothes. And pee."

The men looked at her, and Osmodius nodded. "Of course, Highness. Take as long as you need."

"One hour," said Apollo.

"Two," she countered. "If I am about to go to an undisclosed location in a foreign country with a man I don't even know, the least you can do is give me two hours to prepare."

"Agreed," said one of the elders.

Her shoulders relaxed a fraction.

Osmodius looked at his watch. "Very well. Please be ready by five p.m., Highness."

Apollo burst from the room and disappeared. River waited until the three elders left before running to Ares and being swept into his arms. He kissed her head, and she held back a sob. Just when she'd gotten used to the idea of being his mate, she had to start all over again with someone else. It felt worse than cheating. Despite Apollo's pull on her wolf, she'd already made her choice.

"I don't want to go."

Ares kissed her hair again and pulled her even closer. "I don't want you to."

"Why do I have to go with him? Why can't they just let us be?"

Ares stiffened. "Because… He is the Alpha of Alphas."

She stepped back and looked up at him. "The what?"

Ares blew out a breath. "The Alpha of Alphas. When more than one Alpha is born into the pack, it falls on the oldest to take charge. He was given the title of Alpha of Alphas."

"But… you're twins."

"And he's five minutes older."

"Five minutes? Are you joking? They are basing all of this on five minutes?" The fate of her future came down to the fact that Apollo evacuated his mother's womb first.

"I am not the Alpha of Alphas. I am only second in line. Therefore, they have to give him a chance. They have no choice. Alphas need mates, and their mates need to bear pups. Apollo and I are way past the age where we should have found you. As much as I hate it with every hair on my body, they must give him a chance. If you are indeed his fated mate as you are mine, then not giving him a chance would go against everything we believe in."

"But… I don't want him," she whispered.

Ares cupped her face and kissed her. "Believe me, I don't want you to want him, Beloved."

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ARES