Page 90 of Alpha Claimed

"Thank you for all you've done for me. I know this is uncomfortable, but I'm glad you're here." River's throat clenched, and she tried to swallow down a lump.

Cherry gave her a sad smile. "Me too, baby girl."

River's chest squeezed, and a tear leaked out of her eye. She couldn't remember the last time her mom called her that.

River's wolfpanted and whined. She'd barely become conscious when an aching thrumming need pulsed through her. She grumbled and then whimpered. Her skin felt prickly and warm, but she no longer felt agitated. Now she felt… horny. She'd never wanted sex so much in her life.

So this was happening. She was going into heat. Full-blown, all-out heat. She shook her head. This was not how she had hoped things would go for her and her mates.

A soft knock sounded on her door. She pushed at her hair, which she'd not even brushed after her shower, before gobbling down everything Cherry brought her to eat and falling asleep.

No one would want to have sex with her, looking like a big foot in a thunderstorm. At least she didn't stink.

"Come in," she called.

The doors opened, and Apollo entered. His scent overpowered her and made her need ratchet up even higher. She held back an audible moan.

"Hey, Kitten. How are you feeling?"

Was he serious? A wave of need shot through her, and she whined.

Apollo moved to her side in an instant. He reached up and touched her face. The feel of his skin on hers made her moan louder.

She stared at him, and he watched her, unsure. Did he not want her anymore?

"How did you know I was awake?"

"I heard you."

"Were you right outside my door?"

He shook his head. "Ever since you… started… my senses and wolf have become more acutely attuned to you. I heard your breathing from my room and could tell when you woke up."

Damn.She thought about making a joke, but the strange look on his face and the rigidity of his body made her stop herself.

She swallowed hard. "I understand if you don't want to do this. I'm sorry you've been put in this position."

His eyebrows drew together. "Why are you sorry? You're the one taking the brunt of what is happening."

"Because I know this isn't what you wanted."

He chuckled. "Are you kidding me? I've wanted to make love to you since I smelled you in the hallway that first day."

"Yes, but-"

He pressed his finger to her lips and then cupped her cheek. "I know that this isn't how either of us saw our first time being together going, but what does it matter how we got here? We're here."

"You don't look like you want to be."

"Honestly?"

"Of course." Though unsure, she wanted to hear what would come next.

"I'm trying to be a gentleman. Every inch of me and my wolf wants to take you right now, and just holding back is a test of restraint I never thought I would have to face."

River smiled and turned her face to kiss his palm before opening her mouth and sucking his finger into it. Apollo's eyes closed, and he shuddered.

She swirled his finger in her mouth, tasting and feeling it with her tongue. A moment passed, and Apollo ripped his finger away and replaced it with his lips. River grabbed onto him and pulled him closer. She needed his touch, his taste, him.