Page 55 of Alpha Claimed
"And that means what? You make the laws?"
"No, we-"
"You enforce the laws?"
"No, we-"
"You rule the Lycans and shifters?"
"No-"
"If you don't do any of those things, who does?"
"The king."
"Right. So Apollo or Ares."
Osmodius's jaw clenched, and then he nodded. "Yes, Highness."
"Do you usually call in Omegas from Lycan packs and ask them how they got hurt? Do you personally oversee every dispute between packs? Call them in over every squabble. Make a decision who is at fault?"
"No."
River nodded. "Again, I would like to ask, what gives you the right to summon me to come here and speak to you about anything?"
"Because you are to be the Queen of the Lycans. What happens to you is a matter we all take very seriously."
"Right… so if I were to say… be walking down the stairs with Ares and trip over the carpet and fall and break my leg, I would need to recount that to you?"
Osmodius didn't reply.
"Or if I go out and I'm in a car accident, again, I need to give you a reenactment? And what if I wasn't driving? Say Bennett's driving. What would happen to him?"
"Your mate would deal with him," said another council member.
"All right. Why am I conversing with you about it and not my potential mates?"
Osmodius opened his mouth, but River held up her hand to stop him.
"Look. I get it. You guys have been helping run things because there is no crowned king yet. You've given guidance, doled out punishments, and interpreted the laws. But as the future Queen of the Lycans, I'd like to clarify something. I will not, under any circumstances, be beckoned to explain myself by anyone but my mate. If I am injured due to someone else's negligence, I will handle it; if I cannot, my mate will handle it. If I have questions or need guidance, I will go to my mate. If my mate, who will be the King, wants to ask you for guidance, good for him. But for me, I'm me. I will always be me. And I will not be told what to do, where to go, or where to show up by anyone except my mate. If that is a problem for anyone in this room, I suggest you speak now before we go any further."
The Council looked at each other, but no one spoke.
"Good. We all understand then. I am not to be treated like a child or a porcelain doll. After suffering an almost life-ending injury, having a bullet removed from my shoulder on a kitchen table, and then spending hours in a car uncomfortably trying to get back here." River nodded. "Now that we have that settled, I have a question for all of you."
"What can we help with, Highness?" asked one of the council members.
River sucked in a deep breath and then clasped her hands in front of her. Her next question wouldn't go over well, but she needed an answer.
"What happens if I can't decide between Apollo and Ares."
"You have to," said Ares. "You have to choose."
River looked at him. His pained expression made her gut twist.
"But what if I can't? If I won't?"
Anger flashed across Ares's features, and then his gaze saddened.