Page 74 of Alpha Claimed

"And knowing that makes me feel terrible. Terrible because I want to say those things. I want to tell you to mark me and make me yours because I am yours already. Every fiber of who I am is yours. But I'm also his. Can you do that for me? Can you share me?"

Ares growled, but even as he did, he thought about it. Could he? Could he share her if I meant he'd lose her? Was part of her better than none of her? As much as he hated to admit it, he already knew he would be willing to take whatever she wanted to give him. Every moment. Every touch. Every everything. If he had to decide between sharing and keeping her, he'd do what he had to.

River kissed him and walked toward the door. "Are you coming?"

"You gonna let me watch?"

She snorted. "No. But I'll let you pick out what I wear."

It was not even close to what Ares wanted, but he'd take it. "Good, because I already bought you a dress."

Her eyes lit up. "You did? Does that mean we're going somewhere nice?"

He smiled. "It's a surprise."

She rolled her eyes. "You Alphas and your surprises. One of these days, I'm going to do something for you and call it a surprise, and then I'm going to make you wait a whole week before I tell you what it is."

He chuckled. "Believe me, Sweetheart, you wouldn't last a week."

Her eyes sparkled. "Challenge accepted."

She walked out the door, and Ares looked at the wood carving again. As beautiful as it was, it made him frown. The wolf looked identical to Apollo's.

CHAPTERSEVENTEEN

RIVER

The SUV stopped on a busy street, and River looked around at the bustle of the evening.

"Where are we going?" she asked.

Ares smiled. "I thought that since this will be your new home, you might appreciate seeing some of Montreal's beautiful things. We won't go out every night, but the city has some amazing sites."

That wasn't an answer, but like his brother, Ares didn't like to give up his surprise until the last minute. She made a note to be true to her word and figure out a surprise for both brothers that she wouldn't tell them for at least a week.

Theo rolled down the driver's side window and spoke to a policeman on the street. The man nodded and showed Theo down to a private parking spot. They parked, and Drew pulled up the second SUV right behind them. Ares hopped from his side of the vehicle and walked around to her side. He buttoned his suit jacket and then opened her door for her.

River's dress rode up her thigh as she stepped out in the heels Ares picked for her. She tipped sideways only a fraction before Ares wrapped his arm around her, steadying her. Her cheeks heated, but she still didn't have the guts to tell him she'd only worn heels on two previous occasions. Once, when her cousin had mated, and River had been part of the ceremony; and the second time at her show a few weeks prior.

"Damn, have I told you how good you smell today?"

"Only a couple times." She shook her head. "Have I told you how sexy you are in a suit?"

Ares growled and nipped her neck. "I wish you had let me shower with you."

She kissed his cheek. "But then you wouldn't have taken me to see what the city has to offer."

"Trust me, I can offer more than the whole city from the comfort of my bed."

She snorted. "You are so cocky."

"Only for you, Beloved."

Ares straightened and nodded to Theo and Santiago, who led the way. They exited the private parking area and came out on a crowded street. A wave of fear washed over River as she realized she was in a city of strangers, in a foreign country, and had no way of getting anywhere if something happened.

Ares pulled her closer. "Don't worry. I won't let anything happen to you. Just like in New York."

She heard the words he didn't say–Like Apollo had.