Page 79 of Alpha Claimed
His eyes held concern, but she took his hand, and he walked her to the SUV.
As soon as they slid into the backseat, River snuggled into Ares's arms and closed her eyes.
"Thank you for tonight," she said.
"You are most welcome."
"Did you enjoy yourself?" Ares' scent cocooned her.
"We could sit on a deserted island watching coconuts grow, and I would enjoy myself as long as I'm with you."
She chuckled. "I could think of many better things to do with our time if we were alone on a deserted island."
Ares purred, and River relaxed further. Even the itchiness of her dress no longer bothered her.
Sleepiness washed over her. "I'm glad you found me, Ares."
He kissed the top of her head. "Me too, Beloved. Me too."
* * *
ARES
When they reached the estate,Ares tried to wake River, but she snored lightly at his side. He smiled and kissed her forehead but was immediately struck by how warm her skin had become on the ride home. He felt her head with his hand and then her neck. She was several degrees hotter than she should be. Even her scent had grown stronger in the last hour. He was pretty sure he would even be able to smell it from his room while she slept. He was not going to get any sleep.
Panic twisted his gut, and his wolf whined.
Something. Not right.
It's fine. She just needs to rest.
Zeke opened Ares's door, and Ares gathered River in his arms and stepped from the vehicle.
Zeke looked at River and sniffed the air. "Is she okay?"
"You smell it too?"
"She smells…" Zeke cleared his throat and took a step away.
His wolf snarled.Mine.
Ares looked down at her flushed cheeks. "Get Lachlan and meet me outside River's room."
Zeke looked at her again and then away. "Are you sure?"
"Is there a problem?"
Zeke's jaw worked hard, and then he shook his head and hurried to the door.
Ares watched him. Something was definitely wrong.
His wolf paced, agitated.
Theo opened the front door. "Problem?"
"I hope not."
Theo sniffed the air, and his eyes widened, and he looked at River and then away.