Page 58 of Alpha Claimed

"Apollo."

He kissed down her throat, and a slight rumble started in his chest, which relaxed her and drew her in. He kissed her collarbone and kissed across her shoulder.

She winced and pulled back slightly as he got to her injury.

"Sorry-"

She cut off his apology with another kiss. His lips were soft but needy. His kisses passionate and full of promise. River wanted nothing more than to fall into bed with him and feel his mouth touch every inch of her body.

"Apollo, I want you."

"I'm yours, River. Just say the words, and I'll make it permanent here and now."

"I…" She faltered. She did want him. She wanted him to bite her, to take her, to claim her. But she couldn't unless she knew that she could have Ares as well.

"Apollo-"

This time, his lips stopped her from speaking. His hands tangled in her hair, and he flipped over and gently laid her on the bed. His arousal pressed into her core through their clothes, making her want him more than ever.

Making love to him would be just that—making love. Gentle, tender, caring, he would satisfy her every need and desire because it would make her happy and nothing more. She wanted that. She needed that. She needed someone to take care of her, protect her, and make her feel worshiped.

Apollo kissed down her neck and nipped at her breasts through her shirt. His hand slid down between her legs, and she moaned.

"You aren't making this any easier," she panted.

"It's not meant to make things easier. It's meant to help you choose."

River couldn't help the laugh that erupted from her. "I have to admit this is a much better tactic."

He kissed over her stomach and raised the hem of her shirt, tickling her side with his breath.

"I'll keep doing it as long as it takes until you make the right choice."

A knock on the door cut off her laugh.

Apollo growled.

"River?" Ares's voice floated through the door. "Are you all right?"

Apollo opened his mouth, but River pressed her hand over it.

"Don't you dare?"

He grinned mischievously and peeled her fingers from his mouth before pressing his lips to hers again.

She kissed him back, her wolf whining for more.

"River?" Ares called again. "Answer me, or I'll break open the door."

Apollo kissed her harder and rubbed between her thighs, making her heat further.

"River-" A crack sounded, and a screech of metal before her bedroom door swung inward.

River broke the kiss with Apollo, and they both stared at Ares as he stood in the doorway. Comprehension dawned on his face, and he roared as he ran to the bed. Apollo jumped up, but River leapt off the bed and between them before the two could come to blows.

She pushed Ares with all her strength. He didn't move backward, but he didn't move forward either.

"No!" she said.